The Climate Change & Nature Recovery Service Transformation Committee met on Monday 17 February 2025 to discuss the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan and the Local Development Plan 2 (LDP 2). The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting and noted the work plan.

South West Wales Regional Transport Plan

The committee received an update on the development of the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan (RTP), a key document that will guide transport strategy in the region from 2025 to 2030. The plan aims to reduce the need to travel, ensure easy and sustainable movement of people and goods, and encourage a shift to more sustainable transport modes, aligning with the Welsh Transport Strategy 2021.

Key priorities for the region include regeneration and economic development, the tourism offer, rural issues, and environmental concerns such as air quality and climate resilience. The RTP is supported by a Draft Regional Transport Delivery Plan, which lists priority schemes at local and regional levels, as well as significant third-party schemes such as trunk road and rail projects.

The consultation for the RTP had recently opened, with a strong initial response rate. Councillors raised several points during the discussion, including the need for clarity on the Mumbles Public Transport Interchange, the accurate description of 20 mph speed limits, and the importance of including major infrastructure projects like the Swansea Parkway station. There was also discussion on the challenges of maintaining active travel routes during inclement weather and the potential for economies of scale in regional initiatives like school transport. The committee expressed support for the plan's priorities and the model that allows for local initiative within regional schemes.

Local Development Plan 2 (LDP 2) - Impact on Environment, Sustainability and Nature Recovery

The committee was also updated on the progress of the Local Development Plan 2 (LDP 2), Swansea's planning blueprint for the period 2023-2038. The LDP 2 aims to guide development in a sustainable manner, protecting and enhancing the natural and built heritage of the county. The current stage is the Pre-Deposit Plan, also known as the Preferred Strategy, which sets out the strategic direction and overarching principles for future development.

The plan proposes a significant level of housing and employment growth, with a focus on place-led development, prioritising brownfield sites where possible, but also recognising the need for greenfield release to achieve regeneration objectives. Key themes woven throughout the LDP 2 include addressing the climate and nature emergencies, with specific policies on climate change and decarbonisation, and facilitating nature recovery.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the proportion of greenfield versus brownfield sites among candidate sites, the consideration of office and retail conversions, and a strategic approach to Section 106 monies for green infrastructure and nature recovery. There was a strong consensus on the importance of reusing existing buildings and prioritising brownfield sites. The plan also includes a commitment to renewable energy, with further detailed work to be undertaken on setting specific targets. The committee was encouraged to engage with the upcoming public consultation on the LDP 2.

Work Plan

The committee noted that the work plan had not changed since the previous meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 31 March 2025, where updates on the adaptation and mitigation plan and the waste strategy would be presented.