The Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 6 June 2025, to review its annual report for 2024/25 and endorse its forward work plan for 2025/26. The committee also discussed and endorsed reports on the 20mph speed limit review, the adoption of private or unadopted roads, and the extension of the Public Space Protection Order for dog control.

Place, Sustainability & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024/25

The committee approved its Annual Report for 2024/25, which detailed the work undertaken by the committee throughout the municipal year. The report highlighted the committee's role in scrutinising various council services and policies, including highway maintenance concerns, which were acknowledged by the Cabinet. The report also referenced the ongoing work of a Task and Finish group on the dog breeding licensing function, with recommendations due to be presented to the Scrutiny Committee in July 2025.

Forward Work Plan for 2025/26

The committee endorsed its draft Forward Work Plan for 2025/26. This plan outlines the key issues and reports the committee intends to consider throughout the upcoming municipal year. The plan was developed through an informal development session and will be regularly reviewed and updated. The committee will also consider the Cabinet's Forward Work Plan to identify pre-decision reports for scrutiny.

20mph Speed Limit Review

The committee endorsed a report outlining the review of 20mph speed limits across Carmarthenshire, following revised Welsh Government guidance. The review process involved assessing numerous public submissions requesting speed limit changes. Of the 150 A and B class roads reviewed, 135 were deemed unsuitable for a 30mph increase, with four recommended to remain at 20mph. The remaining fifteen roads were assessed further, with four recommended to stay at 20mph and eleven proposed for a return to 30mph, either in full or in part. The next steps involve consultation with statutory stakeholders and affected residents before any potential progression to a Public Notice for Traffic Regulation Orders. The committee also noted that a review of 'C' class and unclassified roads, along with buffer speed limits, would be undertaken in the following year.

Private or Unadopted Roads Guide

The committee endorsed a report presenting supplementary guidance for developers and property owners on the process and requirements for getting private roads adopted as public highways. This guidance supplements the existing Highways Design Guide and details the policy for considering applications for unadopted roads to become public highways maintainable at public expense. It also outlines the fees for vetting and approving applications, including commuted sums for future maintenance. The report noted that the Cabinet had previously approved this guide for incorporation into the Highways Design Guide. A query was raised regarding the number of unadopted roads in the county and how this compared to neighbouring authorities. The Professional Design Services Manager explained that a comprehensive record was being developed and that the register would be based on a risk assessment approach to prioritise roads for adoption, subject to grant funding. The committee also received clarification that the fees covered vetting applications and that there is no general right to park on private or unadopted roads, except for the owner.

Extension of Public Space Protection Order (Carmarthenshire Dog Orders)

The committee received a report on the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control in Carmarthenshire. The existing order, which came into force in 2016, imposes requirements for dog owners to clean up after their dogs, keep dogs on leads when directed, and prohibits dogs from enclosed children's play areas. The report detailed the evidence and reasons for extending the order for a further three years, citing 3,425 complaints related to dog fouling and 136 fixed penalty tickets issued since 2016. While no directions have been issued for dogs to be on leads by direction, this power is considered useful for officers. The report also noted that a targeted consultation on the extension received a 92% support rate from respondents. The committee was informed that the Council would make an Extension Order and endorse the original 2016 order to reflect the extended duration.

Forthcoming Items

The committee noted the list of forthcoming items scheduled for the next meeting on 15 July 2025. These include a Waste Review, the Equestrian Strategy, the final report from the Task and Finish review on dog breeding licensing, and the Carmarthenshire Council's Decarbonisation & Nature Recovery Strategy. The committee also noted that the Contaminated Land Strategies would be reviewed prior to public consultation.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 25th April 2025

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 April 2025 were signed as a correct record.