The Economy & Infrastructure Service Transformation Committee met on Thursday 27 February 2025 to discuss improvements to public toilets, progress on the Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2), and the committee's work plan. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Improving Public Toilets

The committee received an update on the ongoing improvements to Swansea Council's public toilet provision. Since 2021, the council has invested nearly £1 million in upgrading its 23 standalone public toilet units and those within its buildings. These improvements have included general refurbishments such as retiling and roof repairs, as well as more significant projects like the full remodelling of toilets in Rhossili and the installation of two new Changing Places facilities at Knab Rock and Rhossili. The report highlighted that these works align with Swansea's Public Toilet Strategy, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2023 and prioritises improving provision for those disadvantaged by a lack of facilities. Funding for these improvements has come from revenue budget allocations and grant applications, including £276,000 from Visit Wales Brilliant Basics funding. The council has also enhanced its cleansing regime through improved training and increased frequency of visits. Responsibility for the Rhossili toilets is being transferred to the National Trust, which is expected to yield future savings. For the 2025-26 financial year, a maintenance budget of £130,000 has been allocated.

Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2) Pre-Deposit Plan (Preferred Strategy)

The committee was updated on the progress of the Swansea Local Development Plan 2023-2038 (LDP2), which will replace the current plan and guide development across the county until 2038. The LDP2 Pre-Deposit Plan, also known as the Preferred Strategy, sets out the strategic direction for future development. This stage of the process has involved extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, including workshops and a virtual consultation room. Key amendments made as a result of feedback include references to the importance of sustainable planning for coastal and marine environments, and the Swansea Bay and Llanelli National Growth Area. The Preferred Strategy proposes planning for 11,410 new homes and 10,238 jobs, incorporating a 20% flexibility allowance for housing provision. It also outlines a spatial approach focusing on urban areas and key regeneration sites such as Swansea City Centre and the Waterfront. The plan includes 21 strategic policies designed to deliver sustainable placemaking outcomes. An Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA) and a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) have been conducted, with the ISA finding the LDP2 Vision and Objectives to be generally compatible with achieving beneficial sustainability outcomes. The HRA identified potential impacts on protected habitats and species that will require further evaluation. The report also detailed the process for assessing candidate sites for development and outlined a revised Delivery Agreement with a timetable aiming for the LDP2's adoption in December 2027.

Work Plan

The committee noted its Work Plan for 2024-2025. The plan includes upcoming agenda items such as a review of the Swansea Bay Strategy and an update on the Tawe Riverside Strategy, scheduled for the next meeting on 10 April 2025.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Philip Downing. Attendees included Councillor Ryland Doyle (Councillor Champion for Walking), Councillor Wendy Lewis, Councillor Paul Lloyd, Councillor Nicola Matthews, Councillor Stuart Rice, and Councillor Mike White, alongside council officers Samantha Jenkins, Lisa Jones, and Geoff Bacon. Tom Evans, the Head of Planning and City Regeneration, was also present.