LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF COMMUNITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF COMMUNITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS

3. THE COMMISSION’S CONSIDERATION

4. PROCEDURE

5. PROPOSALS

6. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS

7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

APPENDIX 1 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED

APPENDIX 2 THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNCIL - FINAL PROPOSALS REPORT.

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court CARDIFF CF24 0BL Tel Number: (029) 20464819 Fax Number: (029) 20464823 E-mail: [email protected] www.ldbc.gov.wales

BLANK PAGE

Leighton Andrews Esq AM Minister for Public Services Welsh Government

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council have conducted a review of the community boundaries and community electoral arrangements under Sections 55(2) and 57(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (the Act). In accordance with Section 55(2) of the Act the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council (NPT CBC) submitted a report to the Commission detailing their proposals for changes to a number of community boundaries in their area (Appendix 2).

1.2. We have considered NPT CBC’s report in accordance with Section 55(3) of the Act and submit the following report on the Council’s recommendations.

2. THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS

2.1. NPT CBC’s proposals were submitted to us on 22 June 2015 (Appendix 2). We received no representations regarding their proposals.

2.2. As a result of their review NPT CBC have recommended no changes to the following communities:

• Baglan Bay • Glyncorrwg • Blaengwrach • Glynneath • Bryn • Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen • Clyne and Melincourt • Pelenna • Coedffranc • Resolven • Crynant • Sandfields West • Cwmllynfell • Tonna • Dyffryn Clydach

2.3. Changes were made to the internal warding arrangements for the communities of:

• Blaenhonddan • Cilybebyll • Briton Ferry • Neath

2.4. Changes were made to the electoral arrangements for the communities of:

• Blaenhonddan • Pontardawe • Neath • Ystalyfera

- 1 -

The changes to internal warding arrangements and electoral arrangements listed in paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 will be implemented through Orders made by NPT CBC.

2.5. NPT CBC have proposed changes to the community boundaries of the following communities:

• Aberavon • Onllwyn • Baglan • Port Talbot • Briton Ferry • Sandfields East • Cwmavon • Seven Sisters • Margam • Tai-Bach • Margam Moors

2.6. As a result of their review NPT CBC have also recommended the creation of the following new community:

• Baglan Moors

2.7. NPT CBC provided maps detailing the recommended community boundary changes. For these community boundary changes the Commission Secretariat produced more detailed maps interpreted from the mapping and descriptions within the text of the report. These maps were sent to NPT CBC who then confirmed that the recommended changes had been correctly interpreted and these are discussed and mapped below.

3. THE COMMISSION’S CONSIDERATION

3.1. We first considered whether NPT CBC had conducted their review in accordance with the procedure set out in the Act. We then considered whether the proposals recommended were apt for securing effective and convenient local government.

4. PROCEDURE

4.1. Section 60 of the Act requires the Council to take such steps as they think fit to secure that persons who may be interested in the review are informed of the proposal to conduct the review and subsequently of the draft proposals which are to be placed on deposit at the Council’s offices. The final proposals report is also required to be placed on deposit at the Council’s offices for a period of six months.

We are satisfied that NPT CBC have conducted the review in accordance with the procedure set out in Section 60 of the Act.

- 2 -

5. PROPOSALS

DRAFT PROPOSALS

Brombil

5.1. We have considered Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s report and proposals in accordance with Section 55(3) of the Act. As part of our considerations we identified an issue with a particular area that we did not consider to have been satisfactorily addressed in the Council’s report and recommendations. We therefore gave consideration to changes in respect of the boundary between the Community of Margam and the Community of Tai-Bach.

5.2. The area known as Brombil is a residential area in the north-western part of the Community of Margam. The area has 43 electors, lies north of the M4 motorway and has direct access links into the Community of Tai-Bach.

5.3. NPT CBC received one representation from County Councillor Rob Jones (Margam) following their draft proposal to transfer six properties within Brombil into the Community of Tai-Bach. The Commission considered the proposals made by NPT CBC carefully alongside the representation submitted by Councillor Jones before we formulated our proposals.

5.4. The Commission did not feel it had sufficient evidence from local residents, interested parties and members of the public to propose a change to the community arrangements. Therefore it was agreed by the Commission that a limited public consultation be held regarding the area of Brombil, in order to establish which proposal should be recommended for approval.

5.5. We identified two possible options which seem appropriate and which would reflect our obligation to ensure effective and convenient local government for community and town council arrangements. To ascertain the local preference it was decided to conduct a six-week limited consultation in the area concerned to measure the level of support for either:

Option A The properties of Brombil Paddocks are retained within the Community of Margam, and a single property is transferred from the Community of Tai-Bach into the Community of Margam; Or,

Option B The properties and estates located along Brombil Access Road are transferred from the Community of Margam into the Community of Tai-Bach.

Conclusion

5.6. In total six representations were made with regard to preferences for a proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Margam and Tai-Bach. These representations are summarised in Appendix 1.

- 3 -

Of these representations the following levels of preference were noted:

No For Against Preference OPTION A 3 - 1 OPTION B - 2

FINAL PROPOSALS

5.7. The final proposals for community boundary changes are described in detail in this section. For each new proposal the report sets out:

• The names of the existing community areas which wholly or in part constitute the proposed amended or new communities; • A brief description of the existing community arrangements in terms of the number of electors and warding arrangements (if applicable); • Key arguments made during the Council’s deliberations and representations received by the Commission (if any). Although not all representations are mentioned in this section, all representations have been considered and a summary can be found at Appendix 1 • The views of the Commission; • The composition of the proposed community arrangements; and, • A map of the area of change containing a red line to indicate the existing community boundaries, a blue line to indicate the proposed community boundaries and a hatched box indicating the area involved in the transfer between communities.

- 4 -

BLANK PAGE

- 5 -

COMMUNITY BOUNDARY CHANGES

ABERAVON: The creation of the new Community of Baglan Moors

5.8. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation for the Community of Aberavon is to create a new Community of Baglan Moors, which will encompass Neath Port Talbot Hospital, along with the residential and industrial areas with direct access to Baglan Way. NPT CBC acknowledges that the areas of Baglan Moors and Aberavon are distinct and identifiable communities in their own right. The new community is to be contained within the existing community boundary of Aberavon. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.9. The existing electorate within the Community of Aberavon is 4,131. This proposed creation of a new community will transfer 1,396 electors from the Community of Aberavon into the new Community of Baglan Moors. The effect of the Commission’s proposals will see the new Community of Baglan Moors have 1,396 electors and the Aberavon electorate decrease to 2,735.

5.10. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.11. In consequence of the proposed change the new Community of Baglan Moors will remain within the Electoral Ward of Aberavon.

- 6 - NEW COMMUNITY OF BAGLAN MOORS

Proposed new community boundary

Existing Community boundary

0 0.5

kilometres Scale: 1:9,000 - 7 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

BAGLAN AND BRITON FERRY

5.12. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Baglan and Briton Ferry to appropriately align the community boundary along the north-western corner of the Community of Baglan. The proposal removes the boundary anomaly at the south-western exit of the Briton Ferry roundabout which does not follow the natural boundary of the existing road layout. In order to make the desired boundary change, two transfers would need to be made. First, a transfer from the Community of Baglan into the Community of Briton Ferry, then a separate transfer from the Community of Briton Ferry into the Community to Baglan. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.13. We recommend a minor amendment to the boundary proposal made by NPT CBC in their final proposals report (see Appendix 2). Our minor amendment to the Council’s proposal aligns the proposed boundary with the middle of the roundabout and the centre point of roads leading to and from the Briton Ferry roundabout. This improves community access arrangements for the Council offices and industrial sites to the south-west, with the rest of the Community of Briton Ferry. We believe this amendment makes the boundary easily identifiable and ensures the proposal is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.14. The existing electorate within the Community of Baglan is 5,404 and the existing electorate within the Community of Briton Ferry is 4,293. This proposal will not affect the existing electorate totals within the two communities.

5.15. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.16. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Baglan and Briton Ferry East electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 8 - BAGLAN AND BRITON FERRY

0 0.025 Bron-deg Well kilometres Scale: 1:700.0

Valdon 13.3m House EK B F D ef

U n d d n U D e f 4

f U e n D d BS El Sub Sta

F W

17.6m

TCB

Existing community boundary

Proposed community boundary

Area transferred from Baglan to Briton Ferry Area transferred from Briton Ferry to Baglan

- 9 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

CWMAVON AND PORT TALBOT

5.17. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Cwmavon and Port Talbot to be realigned to transfer the sports field and associated buildings from the Community of Cwmavon into the Community of Port Talbot. The only access road to the sports ground is within the Community of Port Talbot, and the proposal removes the anomaly whereby the buildings and sports field are currently split across the two communities. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.18. The existing electorate within the Community of Cwmavon is 4,432 and the existing electorate within the Community of Port Talbot is 4,251. This proposal will not affect the existing electorate totals within the two communities.

5.19. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.20. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Bryn and Cwmavon, and Port Talbot electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 10 - CWMAVON AND PORT TALBOT

0 0.05

Sinks

y kilometres Issues d B Scale: 1:1,400 D E

CWMAVON 22.6m

R

C

k c ra T

22.6m Playground U nd

Weir 56.7m k Existing community boundary ac Tr Proposed community boundary

Weir Area transferred from Cwmavon to Port Talbot

- 11 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

PORT TALBOT AND TAI-BACH

5.21. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Port Talbot and Tai-Bach to be realigned to transfer the L&A Outdoor Activity Centre grounds from the Community of Port Talbot into the Community of Tai-Bach. Access to the Outdoor Centre is through the Community of Tai-Bach and the proposal removes the anomaly whereby the Outdoor Activity Centre’s grounds are currently split across two communities. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.22. We recommend a minor amendment to the boundary proposal made by NPT CBC in their final proposals report (see Appendix 2). Our minor amendment to the Council’s proposal allows the community boundary to follow the grounds of the Outdoor centre more accurately and keeps the public footpath to the north wholly within the separate Community of Port Talbot. We believe this amendment makes the boundary easily identifiable and ensures the proposal is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.23. The existing electorate within the Community of Port Talbot is 4,251 and the existing electorate within the Community of Tai-Bach is 3,733. This proposal will not affect the existing electorate totals within the two communities.

5.24. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.25. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Port Talbot and Tai-Bach electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 12 - PORT TALBOT AND TAI-BACH

0 0.05

kilometres Scale: 1:1,250

FB FB

Weir Weir Foot Riding Centre Bridge Swimming Pool

Glen Hafod

Silo Silos 40.9m

46.0m Nant Gwm-y-garn CS

58.6m Existing community boundary

Proposed community boundary Area transferred from Port Talbot to Tai-Bach

- 13 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

SANDFIELDS EAST AND MARGAM MOORS

5.26. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Sandfields East Detached (DET) and Margam Moors to be amended to transfer the area currently within the Community of Sandfields East (DET) into the Community of Margam Moors. Although this small area historically had been linked to the Sandfields East community area, the separate Sandfields East (DET) region is entirely surrounded by the Community of Margam Moors. This proposal would remove this isolated region and resolve the existing anomaly within the Community of Margam Moors. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.27. The existing electorate within the Community of Sandfields East is 5,017 and the existing electorate within the Community of Margam Moors is 0. There are currently no electors within the community area of Sandfields East (DET). This proposal will not affect the existing electorate totals within the two communities.

5.28. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.29. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Sandfields East and Margam electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 14 - SANDFIELDS EAST AND MARGAM MOORS

M 0 0.1 7.3m

n a v ) A n a kilometres r f e A iv R n fo s 7.3m r A e ( d l Bol u o B Scale: 1:2,000

W L C C

M

S MLW Weir

e 7.9m l

g

n i

h

S Conduit

y r n o s a

m

g

in p T o l alb S ot Wh arf

7.6m

Shingle El Sub Sta

)

m u (

h t a s r

e P e l d g l

n D u i

o h A

B S O

R

E

D I

S

R

E Mud V I

R

r

e t

a

W

h

g i

H

n

a

e e l

M g

n i

h

S

Mud Mud

( SANDFIELDS EAST C (Det) (a) ( SANDFIELDS EAST ED (Det)

Boat Yard

M

S

s r e d l u De o f B Mud (a)

y a w s r ip e l ld S u Mud o B

s r

e

s d r l

e u d l o u B o B

y a w p li Slipway S

Mud 7.0m

Bollard

SM Bollard Track harf ot W s Bollard lb r Ta e 7.3m d l

u

o

B d

u

M

W

H Bollard M

D

A

O

R

E SM D

I

S Bollard

R E rds V olla I B

R

Mud

s

r

e

d l Existing community boundary

u

o

B

Bollard 7.0m Area transferred from Sandfields East Bollard to Margam Moors

S s

r M

e

d l

u

o

B - 15 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

SEVEN SISTERS AND ONLLWYN

5.30. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Seven Sisters and Onllwyn to be realigned to transfer a small section of the A4109 road from the Community of Seven Sisters into the Community of Onllwyn. The proposal now provides direct access to the properties at Tynewydd to the rest of its community as the proposed change removes the anomaly which had divided the access road leading off of the A4109 road between both communities. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.31. We recommend a minor amendment to the boundary proposal made by NPT CBC in their final proposals report (see Appendix 2). Our minor amendment aligns the proposed boundary along the clearly defined line of the Railway and encompasses the whole of the A4109 to the north of the access road leading to the properties at Tynewydd, providing clear access for those properties into the Community of Onllwyn. We believe this amendment makes the boundary easily identifiable and ensures the proposal is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.32. The existing electorate within the Community of Seven Sisters is 1,576 and the existing electorate within the Community of Onllwyn is 919. This proposal will not affect the existing electorate totals within the two communities.

5.33. NPT CBC received no representations regarding this proposal. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal and we are satisfied that the proposed change is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.34. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Onllwyn and Seven Sisters electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 16 - SEVEN SISTERS AND ONLLWYN

0 0.05

kilometres Scale: 1:1,150

Existing community boundary

Proposed community boundary

Area transferred from Seven Sisters to Onllwyn

- 17 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] OS [100047875]

TAI-BACH AND MARGAM

5.35. The County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Council’s recommendation is for the boundary between the Communities of Tai-Bach and Margam to appropriately align the community boundary along the extent of property boundaries between Brombil Paddocks and Brombil Gardens. The proposal removes the boundary anomalies which separated one property from its access road onto Brombil Paddocks and where the existing use of Arnallt Brook as the community boundary divided the land owned by several individual properties across both communities. In order to make the desired boundary change, two transfers would need to be made. First, a transfer from the Community of Tai-Bach into the Community of Margam, then a separate transfer from the Community of Margam into the Community of Tai-Bach. We have inspected the relevant maps and the recommended boundary follows identifiable geographical features and takes account of community ties.

5.36. We recommend a minor amendment to the boundary proposal made by NPT CBC in their final proposals report (see Appendix 2). Our amendment to the Council’s proposal maintains that the properties of Brombil Paddocks are retained within the Community of Margam; however it does transfer a single property from the Community of Tai-Bach into the Community of Margam, and places the community boundary further south in the instance whereby land ownership of properties on Brombil Gardens extend beyond Arnallt Brook. These amendments resolve the anomalies which had split one property from its access road, and divided land owned by several properties in the area. We believe this amendment makes the boundary easily identifiable and ensures the proposal is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.37. The existing electorate within the Community of Tai-Bach is 3,733 and the existing electorate within the Community of Margam is 2,281. This proposal will transfer three electors from the Community of Tai-Bach into the Community of Margam. The effect of the Commission’s proposals will see the Community of Tai-Bach decrease to 3,730 electors and the Margam electorate increase to 2,284.

5.38. NPT CBC received one representation regarding their draft proposal, recommending two alternative proposals for the boundary between Margam and Tai-Bach. The Commission received no objections to the final proposal, however it was identified that the anomalies at this boundary had not been satisfactorily addressed in the Council’s report and recommendations. The Commission published two new draft proposals and held a limited consultation for the area as outlined in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.6 above.

5.39. Following the draft proposals report for the boundary between the Communities of Tai-Bach and Margam we are satisfied that the proposal is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

5.40. In consequence of the proposed change we also recommend the same change be made to the Margam and Tai-Bach electoral wards (see paragraph 6.16).

- 18 - TAI-BACH AND MARGAM

0 8 0.02 kilometres 6 Scale: 1:450.0

BROMBIL GARDENS 9

TAI-BACH 7

Def

6

2 0

Und

BROMBIL PADDOCKS Arnallt 1

Brook Existing community boundary MARGAM Proposed community boundary Area transferred from Margam to Tai-bach Area transferred from Tai-bach to Margam

- 19 - © Crown copyright and database rights [2016] Ordnance Survey [100047875]

6. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS

6.1. In considering the various changes to the community boundaries it was also necessary for us to consider, in consequence of these changes, making recommendations for changes to the electoral arrangements for community councils, electoral wards and the principal authority. This section of the report details our recommendations for such consequential changes. The electoral statistics used in this report were provided by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

COMMUNITY WARD BOUNDARIES

6.2. There are a number of changes to community ward boundaries proposed by NPT CBC as described earlier. The net changes to electoral arrangements arising from their proposals are as follows:

6.3. BLAENHONDDAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The boundary change proposed by NPT CBC between the Community Wards of Bryncoch South and Cadoxton, in the Community of Blaenhonddan, has no effect on the number of electors within each community ward. There is therefore no change to the electoral arrangements arising from this proposal.

Please refer to section 6.10 for details of consequential changes to the Community Council Electoral Arrangements proposed by NPT CBC for the Community of Blaenhonddan.

6.4. BRITON FERRY TOWN COUNCIL

The boundary change proposed by NPT CBC between the Community Wards of Brynhyfryd and Shelone Wood, in the Community of Briton Ferry, has no effect on the number of electors within each community ward. There is therefore no change to the electoral arrangements arising from this proposal.

6.5. CILYBEBYLL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The boundary change proposed by NPT CBC between the Community Wards of Gellinudd and Rhos, in the Community of Cilybebyll, has no effect on the number of electors within each community ward. There is therefore no change to the electoral arrangements arising from this proposal.

6.6. NEATH TOWN COUNCIL

The boundary change proposed by NPT CBC between the Community Wards of Castle and Llantwit, in the Community of Neath, has no effect on the number of electors within each community ward. There is therefore no change to the electoral arrangements arising from this proposal.

Please refer to section 6.11 for details of consequential changes to the Community Council Electoral Arrangements proposed by NPT CBC for the Community of Neath.

- 20 -

6.7. We are satisfied that these proposed changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

6.8. Neath Port Talbot currently has a local government electorate of 106,621. Of these, 67,921 electors are represented by 19 Community and Town Councils with a total of 248 members.

6.9. We are required to consider the consequential changes to the community electoral arrangements that would occur following agreement of these proposals. The electoral arrangements for the Community Councils proposed by NPT CBC can be seen below:

6.10. BLAENHONDDAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Current NPT CBC Proposed

Electors Electors Community Community Ward Electors per Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillors Councillor Councillor

Aberdulais 948 2 474 -9% 948 2 474 -9% Bryn-Coch North 1,813 5 363 -31% 1,813 4 453 -13% Bryn-Coch South 4,486 6 748 43% 4,486 7 641 23% Cadoxton 1,382 3 461 -12% 1,382 3 461 -12% Cilfrew 774 2 387 -26% 774 2 387 -26% Total 9,403 18 522 9,403 18 522

6.11. NEATH TOWN COUNCIL

Current NPT CBC Proposed

Electors Electors Community Community Ward Electors per Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillors Councillor Councillor

Castle 521 1 521 -34% 521 1 521 -30% Cefn Season 2,135 2 1068 35% 2,135 3 712 -5% Crynallt 1,007 1 1007 27% 1,007 1 1007 35% Gnoll 806 1 806 2% 806 1 806 8% Llantwit 2,427 3 809 2% 2,427 3 809 8% Melyncrythan 2,093 3 698 -12% 2,093 3 698 -7% Mount Pleasant 2,775 4 694 -12% 2,775 4 694 -7% Penrhiwtyn 2,454 3 818 4% 2,454 3 818 9% Total 14,218 18 790 14,218 19 748

- 21 -

6.12. PONTARDAWE TOWN COUNCIL

Current NPT CBC Proposed

Electors Electors Community Community Ward Electors per Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillors Councillor Councillor

Pontardawe 3,555 7 508 58% 3,555 10 356 10% Rhyd-y-fro 538 3 179 -44% 538 2 269 -17% Trebanos 1,065 6 178 -45% 1,065 4 266 -17% Total 5,158 16 322 5,158 16 322

6.13. YSTALYFERA COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Current NPT CBC Proposed

Electors Electors Community Community Ward Electors per Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillors Councillor Councillor

Godre'r graig 1,546 4 387 54% 1,546 6 258 3% Ystalyfera 2,210 11 201 -20% 2,210 9 246 -2% Total 3,756 15 250 3,756 15 250

6.14. Under the NPT CBC proposals shown above the local government electorate figures will change with the addition of one councillor to the Community of Neath. A total of 67,921 electors will be represented by 19 Community and Town Councils with a total of 249 members.

6.15. We are satisfied that these proposed changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

ELECTORAL WARD BOUNDARIES

6.16. There will be consequential changes to the electoral arrangements of NPT CBC due to the community boundary changes of Baglan, Briton Ferry, Cwmavon, Margam, Margam Moors, Onllwyn, Port Talbot, Sandfields East, Seven Sisters and Tai-Bach.

6.17. The Aberavon Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the existing Community of Aberavon, currently has 4,131 electors represented by three councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,377. The proposed creation of the new Community of Baglan Moors within the existing Aberavon Community has no effect on the electorate within the Aberavon Electoral Ward.

6.18. The Baglan Electoral Ward, which consists of the Communities of Baglan and Baglan Bay, currently has 5,404 electors represented by three councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,801. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Baglan has no effect on the electorate within the Baglan Electoral Ward.

- 22 -

6.19. The Briton Ferry East Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the Community Wards of Craig-y-darren and Cwrt Sart, within the Community of Briton Ferry, currently has 2,213 electors represented by one councillor resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:2,213. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Briton Ferry has no effect on the electorate within the Briton Ferry East Electoral Ward.

6.20. The Bryn and Cwmavon Electoral Ward, which consists of the Communities of Bryn and Cwmavon, currently has 5,152 electors represented by three councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,717. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Cwmavon has no effect on the electorate within the Bryn and Cwmavon Electoral Ward.

6.21. The Margam Electoral Ward, which consists of the Communities of Margam and Margam Moors, currently has 2,281 electors represented by one councillor resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:2,281. The proposed amendments to the boundaries of the Communities of Margam and Margam Moors would increase the number of electors in the Margam Electoral Ward to 2,284, resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:2,284.

6.22. The Onllwyn Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the existing Community of Onllwyn, currently has 919 electors represented by one councillor resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:919. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Onllwyn has no effect on the electorate within the Onllwyn Electoral Ward.

6.23. The Port Talbot Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the existing Community of Port Talbot, currently has 4,251 electors represented by three councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,417. The proposed amendments to the boundary of the Community of Port Talbot have no effect on the electorate within the Port Talbot Electoral Ward.

6.24. The Sandfields East Electoral Ward, which consists of the community areas of Sandfields East and Sandfields East (DET), currently has 5,017 electors represented by three councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,672. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Sandfields East (DET) has no effect on the electorate within the Sandfields East Electoral Ward.

6.25. The Seven Sisters Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the existing Community of Seven Sisters, currently has 1,576 electors represented by one councillor resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,576. The proposed amendment to the boundary of the Community of Seven Sisters has no effect on the electorate within the Seven Sisters Electoral Ward.

6.26. The Tai-Bach Electoral Ward, which is coterminous with the existing Community of Tai-Bach, currently has 3,733 electors represented by two councillors resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,867. The proposed amendments to the boundaries of the Community of Tai-Bach would decrease the number of electors in the Tai- Bach Electoral Ward to 3,730, resulting in a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,865.

- 23 -

6.27. The transfers of electors detailed in the consequential changes above are not significant as to merit a change in the number of councillors. We do not therefore propose any consequential changes to the Electoral Ward councillor arrangements.

7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

7.1. Having completed our consideration of the review of the community boundaries in the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot and submitted our recommendations to Welsh Government, we have fulfilled our statutory obligation under the 1972 Act.

7.2. It now falls to Welsh Government, if it thinks fit, to give effect to these proposals either as submitted by the Commission or with modifications, and if Welsh Government decides to give effect to these proposals with modifications, it may direct the Commission to conduct a further review.

7.3. Any further representations concerning the matters in the report should be addressed to Welsh Government. They should be made as soon as possible and in any event not later than six weeks from the date that the Commission’s recommendations are submitted to Welsh Government.

Representations should be addressed to:

Democracy, Diversity and Remuneration Local Government Democracy Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Or by email at: [email protected]

- 24 -

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8.1 We wish to express our gratitude to the principal council for their assistance during the course of the review and to all bodies and persons who made representations to us. We, the undersigned, commend this report.

OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Chair)

CERI STRADLING (Deputy Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

STEVE HALSALL (Chief Executive)

March 2016

- 25 - Appendix 1 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE COMMISSIONS DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT FOR THE NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY REVIEW

1. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council wrote on the 05 January 2016 and advised that they had no concern about either of the boundary options being proposed. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPT CBC) stated that, in making its final recommendation, the Commission take proper account of the views of local Elected Members and residents who have chosen to respond.

NPT CBC did highlight that despite the lack of a direct transport access route into the Community of Margam, the majority of householders in the area affected have long associated themselves with the Margam Community, as opposed to the Tai-bach Community.

2. Bethan Jenkins AM (South Wales West) wrote on the 07 January 2016 and put forward support for Option A. Bethan Jenkins AM advised that although Brombil may not have direct access to the rest of the Community of Margam, it is an area that identifies with Margam more than it does with Tai-bach.

In addition, Bethan Jenkins AM highlighted that the settlement of Brombil was part of the historic Margam estate, and that the majority of Brombil residents are opposed to a change.

3. Councillor Rob G. Jones (Margam) wrote on the 30 November 2015 and advised that although the Commission’s draft proposals report was technically correct in indicating that people living in The Paddocks and surrounding area have no direct access into the Margam community, the postal address for the area is actually Margam, and not Tai- bach. The councillor also stated that people living in this area consider themselves to live in Margam, and that there are more houses in the Margam area that are within the Tai-bach community boundary then there are houses from the Tai-bach area itself.

The councillor preferred Option A out of the two options being proposed and commented upon the previous representation he made to NPT CBC following their draft proposals report.

The Councillor stated that he chose to make his original representation to NPT CBC so that the boundary would follow the original boundary line along the Arnallt River (brook) and to include a minor tweak of the boundary line to correct an anomaly which had placed a house in one community and the garden in another.

4. A resident of Brombil wrote on the 14 December 2015 and stated they felt the boundary should remain as it currently stands.

- 1 -

Appendix 1

5. A resident of Brombil wrote on the 05 January 2016 and stated that if there was an overall majority agreement to making the boundary change, Option A would be acceptable. The resident felt that Option B, to transfer properties into the community of Tai-bach, was not an option for them.

6. A resident of Brombil wrote on the 05 January 2016 and opposed the transfer of properties from Margam into Tai-bach, and therefore was against the proposal put forward as Option B. The resident stated that the houses at Brombil are at the top-end of Margam, and did not feel a boundary change should affect these houses.

- 2 -

Community Review

Review of the Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot

Final Proposals

Introduction

On 1st June 2013 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council initiated a community review to consider what changes, if any, are needed to existing community arrangements across the whole of the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot. COMMUNITY REVIEW The first stage of the review, which concluded in September 2013, was to ask all residents and interested parties to consider the current REVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY BOUNDARY AND arrangements and submit their views of support or proposals for change. These submissions were reviewed and draft proposals drawn up ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WITHIN THE st and made available for public consultation from the 1 March 2014 to COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT 31st May 2014.

Following the publication of the draft proposals and on advice from the STAGE 3: FINAL PROPOSALS Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, a further short four week consultation period will be undertaken from April 2015. This additional consultation will include some minor alterations to resolve TERMS OF REFERENCE certain community ward boundary anomalies primarily due to urban development.

Review of Preliminary Submissions

With regard to the Terms of Reference, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has undertaken an unbiased analysis of all the Stage one submissions received and has made nine proposed alterations to existing community arrangements and ten proposed changes to existing community ward boundaries, as itemised in the attached appendices.

For the purpose of the analysis, a community has been viewed as having a characteristic of a sense of identity that is often accompanied by a sense of separation from people living outside the area. Appendix 2 This characteristic stems from a combination of social, economic, geographical, economic and cultural influences. Submissions have been rejected where there isn’t a clear identifiable community being 15 communities have no changes proposed for them. They are: proposed. x Blaengwrach The review also looked at community name changes and alterations to x Clyne & Melincourt existing boundaries. Name changes will only been proposed where it is x Coedffranc believed that the change will improve recognition and the identity of the x Crynant community. x Cwmllynfell x Dyffryn Clydach Boundary changes have been proposed where either an identifiable x Glynneath community has expanded beyond the current boundary due to housing x Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen development or change of land use or where a change to a physical x Pelenna barrier (river, main road, railway line) between two communities will x Resolven give greater definition and clarity ‘on-the-ground’ to the communities in x Tonna question. x Baglan Bay Further Draft Proposals x Bryn x Glyncorrwg Further Draft proposals have been made on the basis of the review of x Sandfields West preliminary submissions explained above. These proposals are technical submissions and advice and support from the Local Democracy and 16 communities have one or more changes proposed for them. They are: Boundary Commission. It is expected that the public consultation on these additional proposals will inform the final proposals by clarifying x Aberavon the position of all the affected residents. x Baglan x Blaenhonddan A summary of all the further draft proposals has been attached in x Briton Ferry Appendix A and B. x Cilybebyll x Cwmavon Final Proposals x Margam x Margam Moors A detailed breakdown of the submissions received and final proposals x Neath made has been split into the two main areas of the Council and attached x Onllwyn in Appendix C (Aberavon) and Appendix D (Neath). x Pontardawe x Port Talbot Following the conclusion of the consultation process the final proposals x Sandfields East will be submitted to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for x Seven Sisters Wales for scrutiny. The Commission will then review the proposals and if x Tai-bach minded submit recommendations to Welsh Government to implement x Ystalyfera the outlined electoral and boundary arrangements.

Submissions have been received that proposed the creation of a new Making a Submission community council. These submissions have not been taken forward as this review may not physically create a community council. Where All comments and submissions on the further draft proposals will be appropriate the review has put forward draft proposals for alterations to given due consideration in the review if the following criteria are met: boundaries of the community. These alterations are in anticipation that once the review has concluded, the electorate within the community x Comments refer to the draft proposals. Other matters will not be may consider taking forward proposals for the establishment of a new considered as part of this review. Community Council. x Comments shall be received on the pro-forma submissions form or a form to like effect. Timetable for the Review x Comments are received by midnight of the timetabled deadline. x All comments are received with a name and address identifying The review started on 1 June 2013 with the final recommendations the sender. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted, though being submitted for adoption in September 2014. personal details of members of the public will not be made public. Submissions from representative bodies and persons such as The public consultation on these further draft proposals will run from Councils, Councillors and AMs, MPs will be named within the 13 April, 2015 to 8 May 2015. In order to be considered a submission, it report. must be received no later than midnight on 8 May 2015. x Where an organisation or an individual is making a submission, it shall show how it is made “in the interests of effective and Action Period Date convenient local government”. Start of Review of 13 April 2015 Further Proposals Supporting Information Preliminary Investigation Four Weeks 13 April 2015 – x Invite initial 8 May 2015 Further information relating to the review, including electorate figures, submissions uncontested election results and maps showing existing boundaries are Consideration of Two Weeks 11 May 2015 – available at the Council’s main office’s and on the Councils Electoral submissions received 22 May 2015 Service website. Final Proposal Publication June 2015 x Publish final proposals Neath Port Talbot CBC & send Civic Centre recommendations to Port Talbot Local Democracy and SA13 1PJ Boundary Commission Neath Port Talbot CBC Civic Centre Neath SA11 3QZ

www.npt.gov.uk/elections

COMMUNITY REVIEW

REVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY BOUNDARY AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WITHIN THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT

FINAL PROPOSALS – APPENDIX A

PROPOSAL PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED NUMBER CR001 Creation of a new community of Baglan Moors (MAP 11) Aberavon x Creation of a new community. x The new community is to be contained within the existing community boundary of Aberavon. x See Appendix B for further information CR002 Blaenhonddan Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Blaenhonddan - Bryncoch North x Removal of one Community Councillor from the Bryncoch North Ward x This proposal is linked to CR003 x See Appendix C for further information CR003 Blaenhonddan Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Blaenhonddan – Bryncoch South x Addition of one Communtiy Councillor for the Bryncoch South Ward x This proposal is linked to CR002 x See Appendix C for further information CR004 Neath Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Neath – Cefn Saeson x Addition of one Town Councillor for the Cefn Saeson Ward x See Appendix C for further information

CR005 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Pontardawe – Pontardawe x Addition of three Community Councillor’s for the Pontardawe Ward x This proposal is linked to CR006 & CR007 x See Appendix C for further information

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

CR006 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change. Pontardawe – Rhyd-Y-Fro x Removal of one Community Councillor for the Rhyd-Y-Fro Ward x This proposal is linked to CR005 & CR007 x See Appendix C for further information CR007 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change. Pontardawe – Trebanos x Removal of two Community Councillors for the Trebanos Ward x This proposal is linked CR005 & CR006 x See Appendix C for further information CR008 Ystalyfera Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Ystalyfera – Godrergraig x Addition of two Community Councillor for the Godrergraig Ward x This proposal is linked to CR009 x See Appendix C for further information CR009 Ystalyfera Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Ystalyfera – Ystalyfera x Removal of two Community Councillor for the Ystalyfera Ward x This proposal is linked to CR008 x See Appendix C for further information

CR010 Community Boundary Change (MAP 1) - Margam Margam, Taibach At the north of the Margam Community at the boundary with Tai-bach Community, near to Dyffryn Comprehensive School, It is proposed to make a minor adjust the Tai-bach Community boundary to ensure a clear demarcation between the two community wards.

CR011 Community Boundary Change (MAP 2) – Margam Moors Margam Moors, Sandfields East At the north of Margam Moors Community, there is a small area of land known as the Sandfields East (DET) ward which it is proposed should be amalgamated within the Margam Moors Community. There are no electors in the Sandfields East (DET) ward.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA CR012 Community Boundary Change (MAP 3) – Tai-bach Tai-bach, Port Talbot North of Tai-bach Community at the boundary with the Port Talbot Community, to the east of Goytre village, the L&A Outdoor Centre is bisected. It is proposed to move the boundary line north, as the main access road to the centre is in the Tai-bach Community.

CR013 Community Boundary Change (MAP 4) – Port Talbot Port Talbot, Cwmavon North of the Port Talbot Community at the boundary with the Cwmavon Community, between B4286 and A4107, just west of ‘Caerhendy’ and north of ‘Craig Avon’ – a playing field (situated in Cwmavon) and the adjacent buildings is divided by the boundary line. It is proposed to adjust the boundary to go around the playing field and adjacent buildings.

CR014 Community Boundary Change (MAP 5) – Baglan Baglan, Briton Ferry East North west of Baglan Community at the boundary with Briton Ferry Community, at the Britton Ferry roundabout at the north end of the A48 , an office/depot stands at the west side of the roundabout . The office/depot is in the Baglan Community, whilst the access road to the office/depot is in the Briton Ferry Community and is not easily identifiable. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

CR015 Community Ward Boundary Change (MAP 6) – Briton Ferry Briton Ferry – Shelone Wood, Briton Ferry – North West of Shelone Wood community at the boundary with Brynhyfryd Brynhyfryd Ward community, to the east of Neath Canal and Giant’s Wharf, and to the west of Highfield Road, the community boundary bisects the dwelling and associated garden of a property on Giant’s Grave Road. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

CR016 Community Ward Boundary Change (MAP 7) – Blaenhonddan Blaenhonddan – Cadoxton, Blaenhonddan – At the East of Bryncoch South community at the boundary with Cadoxton Bryncoch South Community, the Lidl food store, off Golwg y Gamlas road, is in Cadoxton ward, and half the car park and access road is in Bryncoch South Community. Furthermore the boundary bisects the gardens of two properties in Golwg y Gamlas. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

CR017 Community Ward Boundary Change (MAP 8) – Neath Neath – Castle, Neath - Llantwit North east of Castle community at the boundary with the Llantwit community, the boundary line north of Prince of Wales Drive, to the east of Willet Close is not easily identifiable and bisects gardens at the rear of Willet Close. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

CR018 Community Boundary Change (MAP 9) – Onllwyn Onllwyn, Seven Sisters At the west of Onllwyn Community at the boundary with Seven Sisters Community, just north of A4109, dwellings on Golwg y Bryn road at Ty Newydd are in the Onllwyn Community, but the access road is in Seven Sisters Community. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

CR019 Community Ward Boundary Change (MAP 10) – Cilybebyll Cilybebyll – Gellinudd, Cilybebyll - Rhos South west of Gellinudd Community at the boundary with Rhos Community, to the south of Gellinudd village, two dwellings just west of the A474 are in Gellinudd Community whilst the access road is in Rhos Community. In addition, just east of the A474, opposite the Ty’n-y-graig properties, a petrol station/garage’s adjacent car parking area is bisected. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR001 Creation of a new community of Baglan Moors Aberavon x Creation of a new community. Polling Districts AA5, AA6 x The new community is to be contained within the existing community boundary of Aberavon. Affected Streets Number of Properties Abbottsmoor / Rhos Yr Abad 127 Brooklyn Gardens 99 Fenbrook Close 36 Neath Port Talbot Hospital 11 Village Gardens 114 Westlands 112 Cathedral Way / Ffordd Y Gadeirlan 49 Chalice Court / Cwrt Y Ffiol 27 Chapel Close / Clos Y Capel 18 Cloisters Walk / Rhodfa’r Glwysti 16 Pentre Afan 71 Windsor Village 87 Total of Properties 767 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 1,399

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR002 Blaenhonddan Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Blaenhonddan - Bryncoch North x Removal of one Community Councillor from the Bryncoch Polling Districts: ND1,ND2 North Ward x This proposal is linked to CR003 Affected Streets Number of Properties Alexander Crescent 10 Alexander Road 90 Birchwood Close 25 Briarwood Close 17 Brynglas 12 Caemaen 4 Channel View 20 Church Close 19 Cwm Cottages, Dyffryn Arms 2 Dyffryn Arms 4 Dyffryn Road 7 Dyffryn View 56 Elias Drive 29 Elias Road 8 Farmers Road 2 Firwood Close 19 Furzeland Drive 52 Gilfach Road 33 Glendale 20 Glendale Court, Glendale 2 Gorffwysfa Llys Gwynfryn 1 Green Hedges 31 Heol Hendre 1 Heol Pantglas 32 Heol-Ty-Gwyn 6 Lane from A474 to Lletty Siac Farm 3

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Lane from Neath Road to Bryncoch Form 2 Lane from Neath Road to Gilfach Fach Farm 1 Linden Close 20 Llys Gwynfryn 12 Main Road 79 Maplewood Close 18 Margaret Street 12 Neath Road 2 New Road 2 New Wernddu Terrace 3 Oakfield Cottages 4 Oakland Drive 14 Old Furnace 1 Pentwyn, Dyffryn Road 2 Penywern Road 28 Primrose Bank 13 Redwood Close 16 Rosewood Close 18 Tre Nache Access Lane 3 Tyllwyd 8 Tyllwyd Cottage, Tyllwyd 2 Tynyrheol Road 37 Village Close 31 Wernddu Cottages, New Wernddu Terrace 3 Woodview Terrace 16 Total of Properties 852 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 1,799

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR003 Blaenhonddan Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Blaenhonddan - Bryncoch South x Addition of one Community Councillor for the Bryncoch South Polling Districts: NE1,NE2,NE3,NE4,NE5,NE6 Ward x This proposal is linked to CR002 Affected Streets Number of Properties Bittern Court 9 Blaenwern 6 Brookfield 134 Brwynen Las 37 Bryn Heulog 12 Cadoxton Road 6 Cae Derw 15 Chestnut Close 7 Cloda Avenue / Rhodfa Cloda 36 Cromwell Avenue 10 Cromwell Road 11 Crud – Yr - Awel 27 Curlew Close 16 Daphne Close 9 Daphne Road 63 Derlwyn 21 Derwen Deg 36 Dol Werdd 44 Dwr-Y-Felin Road 15 Dyffryn Woods / Allt Y Dyffryn 25 Dynevor Avenue 32 Fair View / Golwg Deg 25 Ffrwd Vale 48 Gelli Aur 8 Gellidawel 22 Gellideg 9

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Glynleiros Gardens 8 Golwg-Y-Gamlas 18 Golwg-Y-Mynydd 17 Hazel Tree Court / Cwrt Y Gollen 9 Heol Catwg 54 Heol Glynderwen 46 Heol Illtyd 102 Heol Llwyncelyn 12 Heol Llwynon 15 Heol-Y-Felin 86 Heol-Y-Nant 29 Heol-Y-Wern 18 Herons Way 15 Highfield Close 5 Kestrel Close 24 Lane from Leiros Parc Drive to Tycoch Farm 2 Lakespur Close 12 Leiros Parc Drive 44 Llewellyn Avenue 31 Llwyn Helyg 38 Llygad-Yr-Haul 105 Llys Iris 26 Llys Nedd 8 Llys Wern 30 Llys Y Coed 7 Lombardy Villas 6 Lon Brynteg 36 Maes Y Rhedyn / Fernlea Park 84 Maes-Y-Meillion 21 Main Road 16 Mill Race / Cafn Y Felin 80 Mill Road 15

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

Millbank / Bancyfelin 39 Mountain Stream / Nant Y Mynydd, Wern Fraith 39 Neath Abbey Road 11 Osprey Close 18 Penywern Road 39 Princess Drive / Ffordd Y Tywysoges 12 Priory Court / Clos-Y-Priordy 91 Ravenswood Close 25 Rhiw Las 36 Rhyd-Y-Pennau 9 Roman Way 67 Rowan Tree Close / Clos Coed Cerdinen 88 Royston Court / Llys Royston 15 Sunnybank / Haulfryn, Wern Fraith 14 Swallowtree Close 9 Taillwyd Road 62 The Rickyard / Buarth Y Ddera 14 Tudor Gardens 49 Twyn Teg 51 Ty Twyn Teg 64 Tyla Moes 18 Tynyrheol Road 25 Waun Las 35 Wern Fraith 3 Woodmill / Allt Y Felin 32 Wrenwood / Coed Y Dryw 36 Total of Properties 2,603 Statistics Current (2013) Electorate 4,503

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR004 Neath Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Neath – Cefn Saeson x Addition of one Town Councillor for the Cefn Saeson Ward Polling District: NG1 Affected Streets Number of Properties Access to Preswylfa Farm 2 Afan Valley Close 26 Afan Valley Road 15 Aspen Way 4 Brodawel 28 Brynau Wood 79 Bryn Siriol 8 Castle Drive 90 Cefn Saeson Close 10 Cefn Saeson Fach Access Road 1 Cefn Saeson Fach Cottages 1 Cefn Saeson Fawr Access Road 1 Cobham Drive 9 Glannant Rise 15 Glannant Way 124 Greenwood Drive 84 Heol Brynna 24 Heol Celyn 19 Heol Derwen 58 Heol Y Ffynon 15 Hornbeam Close 12 Larch Close 9 Mackworth Drive 128 Maple Close 18 Min Y Coed 22 Pentre Fedwen 20 The Hollins 10 The Hollins Care Centre 1

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

The Meadows 85 Trevallen Avenue 70 Willow Walk 15 Woodlands Drive 2 Woodview 81 Y Berllan 28 Total of Properties 1,114 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 2,136

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR005 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Pontardawe – Pontardawe x Addition of three Community Councillors for the Pontardawe Polling Districts: NT1,NT2,NT3,NT4 Ward x This proposal is linked to CR006 & CR007 Affected Streets Number of Properties Bethesda Road 42 Birchfield Road 9 Brecon Road 14 Coedcae 25 Craig Llanguicke 4 Davies Road 12 Gellifowy Road 11 Gwrhyd Road 3 Heol Las 31 Leyshon Road 5 Llanguicke Road 6 New Road 85 Old Road 32 Cefnllan Villas 1 St Marys Road 14

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Vicarage Drive – Off Brecon Road 3 Ynysmeudwy Road 84 Clos Nant Ddu 34 Alltacham Drive 25 Alltycham House 1 Arthur Terrace 3 Brecon Road 58 Woodland Court / Llys Tircoed 11 Bronywawr Road 38 Bryn Celyn 8 Bryn Derwen 28 Bryn Onnen 11 Brynawel 31 Church Street 28 Clos Yr Hen Ysgol 7 Compass Row James St 4 Court Lane 2 Dynevor Terrace 7 Ffordd Brynheulog 24 Hafan Brynheulog 37 Ffordd Silkin 4 George Street 31 Grove Road 38 Haulfryn 3 Heathfield Road 14 High Street 86 Hopkin Street 19 James Street 27 Jones Street 4 Maes Yr Ysgol 36 Mount Pleasant 4 Oakfield Road 17

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

Cherry Grove / Gelli Geirios 4 Quarr Road 29 School Lane 1 Smithfield Road 26 Thomas Street 31 Upper Heathfield Road 10 Woodland Road 6 Ael Y Fro 38 Alltywerin Road 83 Cefn Llan Road 36 Derwen Deg 12 East Crossways 10 Fairway Drive 4 Ffordd Cefn Llan 3 Gellidderw 44 Gellideg 79 Gelligron Road 54 Glynteg Villas 2 Gwyrddgoed Road 75 Lon Deg 16 Lon Y Coed 12 Parc Gilbertson 117 Waun Gron 46 West Crossways 33 Derw Road 15 Francis Street 35 Fuller Street 9 Glanrhyd Road 7 Herbert Street 47 Lyric Court 8 Pat Chown Court, Herbert Street 14 Holly Street 18

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Llwynderw 14 Orchard Street 16 Primrose Row 9 Riverside Court 34 Swansea Road 55 Tawe Terrace 23 Ty’n-Y-Pant Road 1 Uplands 28 Wesley Terrace 6 Western Road 26 Ynysderw House 31 Ynysderw Road 32 Ty Mawr 10 Total of Properties 2,230 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 3,508

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR006 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change. Pontardawe – Rhyd-Y-Fro x Removal of one Community Councillor for the Rhyd-Y-Fro Polling District: NT5 Ward x This proposal is linked to CR005 & CR007 Affected Streets Number of Properties Allt-Y-Waun 38 Baran Road 11 Church Road 1 Commercial Road 55 Cwmclyd Road 2 Cwrt-Y-Waun 25 Cysgod Y Fro 20 Garth Road 8

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

Gellygron Road 5 Godrerfro 25 Gwrhyd Road 8 Gwrhyd Cottages 2 Heol-Y-Gors 1 Lane from Baran Road to Hafod Wennol Farm 1 Lane from Baran Road to Henrhyd Farm 1 Lane from Grenig Road to Brynmawr Farm 1 Nant Y Gafaelau Farm Access Road 1 Off Baran Road 1 Penlan Road 4 Perthigwynion Access Road from A474 Pontardawe Road 5 Pontardawe Road 12 Road from Baran Road to Penwaun 2 Road from Baran Road to Tresgyrch Fawr Farm 1 Waun Penlan 58 Waunsterw 28 Total of Properties 316

Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 542

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR007 Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change. Pontardawe – Trebanos x Removal of two Community Councillors for the Trebanos Polling District: NY1 Ward x This proposal is linked CR005 & CR006 Affected Streets Number of Properties Caeismaen 9 Clos Pentyle 20

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Danygraig Road 15 Farm Road 9 Gellionen Road 5 Glynmeirch Road 33 Graig Road 42 Darren Cottages, Graig Road 2 Heol Y Ffin 8 Heol Y Llwynau 140 Lloyd Street 17 Morgan Street 24 New Road 43 Pheasant Road 29 Richardson Street 5 Swansea Road 208 The Drive 16 The Green 4 The Grove 2 William Street 8 Total of Properties 644 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 1,086

PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR008 Ystalyfera Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Ystalyfera – Godrergraig x Addition of two Community Councillors for the Godrergraig Polling District: NL1,NL2 Ward x This proposal is linked to CR009 Affected Streets Number of Properties Access Lane to Pentwyn Farm from Graig Road 1 Cilmaengwyn Road 72 Cwmdu Road 36

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

Amman Court, Cwmdu Road 3 Gnoll Road 37 Graig Road 100 Maengwyn 33 Maesycoed Road 11 Pen Cwmdu Road 22 Pendarren 12 Tanydarren 114 Carreg Yr Afon 34 Chemical Row 7 Ffordd Danygraig 39 Ffordd Y Glowyr 36 Glanyrafon 5 Golwg-Y-Mynydd 61 Graig Newydd 91 Crimea Court/Llys Crimea, Graig Y Darren 4 Graig Y Darren 26 Hodgson Road 62 Llys Cambrian 28 Llys Graig Arw 4 Llys Harry 12 Llys Rhaeadr 20 Llys Ynysgeinon 8 Llys Yr Afon 13 Owens Lane 8 Pantyffynnon Terrace 9 Total of Properties 908 Statistics Current (2015) Electorate 1,438

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA PROPOSAL NUMBER PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION COMMUNITIES AFFECTED CR009 Ystalyfera Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Ystalyfera – Ystalyfera x Removal of two Community Councillors for the Ystalyfera Polling Districts: NZ1,NZ2,NZ3 Ward x This proposal is linked to CR008 Affected Streets Number of Properties Graigtwrch 11 Graigtwrch Villas 2 Lower Brynmorgan Bridge 1 Mynydd Bach 3 Near Tainewydd 2 Rhiwfawr Road 5 Cwmfelin Cottages, Rhiwfawr Road 1 Danygraig, Rhiwfawr Road 2 Twyn-Y-Berllan, Rhiwfawr Road 2 Tainewydd Isaf 4 Access Lane to Gilfach Yr Haidd Farm 1 Alltygrug Farm Road 8 Alltygrug Road 83 Bronyrallt Road 14 Bryngrug 8 Clare Road 41 Clyngwyn Road 14 Milborough Court, Commercial Street 5 Commercial Street 72 Arnold Court, Commercial Street 8 Glanyrysgol Road 5 Gough Road 67 Graigymerched Road 11 Lane from Bron Yr Allt to Gilfach Goch Farm 1 Lower Wern Road 1 Milborough Road 20 Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA

Pantygwanyd Row 2 Pen Y Graiggarw Farm Access Road 1 Penlan Fach Farm Access Road 1 Pentwyn Road 5 Penygrug Road 20 Penyrallt Road 20 Penywern Road 27 School Road 97 Tanywern Lane 11 Tirbach Road 12 Twynyrysgol Road 17 Wembley Road 2 Wern Road/Heol-Y-Wern 79 Wernwood Road 8 Y Gilfach 8 Y Gilwern 9 Canal Terrace 27 Church Road 17 Clees Lane 10 Cyfyng Road 51 Oak Villas, Cyfyng Road 4 Darren Road 9 Deeley Road 11 Ffordd Emlyn 28 Ffordd Glandwr 11 Glantwrch 66 Glanyrafon Road 58 Gurnos Road 34 Lane from A4067 to Ynysgeinon Farm 2 Lane from Glan Yr Afon to Abertwrch Farm 1 Lower Pantteg 1 Maes Y Darren 35

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Min Yr Afon 28 Min-Y-Ffordd 24 New Street 15 Office Row 4 Old Wern Road 4 Wern Villas, Old Wern Road 3 Pantteg 25 Prospect Place 15 Rear of Commercial Street 1 St Davids Road 24 Swan Lane 24 Swanfield 18 Cadfan Villas, Swanfield 2 The Gardens 20 Varteg Road 108 Wade Avenue 50 Woodman Terrace 15 Ynysydarren Road 52 Sunnyville, Ynysydarren Road 2 Total of Properties 1,510 Statistics Current (2013) Electorate 2,237

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxA Community Review x CR014 – Community Boundary Change – Baglan

Review of the Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Further Draft Proposals within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was observed that FINAL PROPOSALS – APPENDIX B (ABERAVON) North West of Baglan Community at the boundary with Britton Ferry Community, at the Britton Ferry roundabout at the north end of the ABERAVON COMMUNTIY A48, an office/depot stands at the West side of the roundabout . The office/depot is in the Baglan Community, whilst the access road to the Further Draft Proposals office/depot is in the Britton Ferry Community and is not easily No submissions were received regarding the Aberavon Community. identifiable. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following change: Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 5

x CR001 – Creation of a new community of Baglan Moors Rejected Submissions

Submission review: None rejected

Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that BAGLAN BAY COMMUNITY the area commonly referred to as ‘Old Aberavon’ is distinct from the newer housing developments on ‘Baglan Moors’. It can be viewed that Further Draft Proposals the two areas are physically separated by a dual carriage way, connected only by a small corridor of land. The two areas are clearly distinct No submissions were received regarding the Baglan Bay Community. communities in their own right with little in common in respect of their needs and aspirations. Baglan Moors is relatively affluent whilst Proposal: No Change Aberavon has high levels of deprivation. It is therefore recommended that a draft proposal be made to create a new community of Baglan Rejected Submissions Moors. None rejected Proposal: Boundary Alteration - See Map 11 BRITON FERRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL (Craig-Y-Darren, Cwrt Sart, Rejected Submissions Brynhyfryd & Shelone Wood Communities)

None rejected Further Draft Proposals

BAGLAN COMMUNITY No submissions were received regarding the communities of Craig-Y- Darren, Cwrt Sart, Brynhyfryd and Shelone Wood. However, the Further Draft Proposals Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following change: No submissions were received regarding the Baglan Community. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the x CR015 – Community Ward Boundary Change – following change: Briton Ferry – Shelone Wood

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB

Submission review: COEDFFRANC COMMUNTIY COUNCIL Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that North West of Shelone Wood community at the boundary with Further Draft Proposals Brynhyfryd community, to the east of Neath Canal and Giant’s Wharf, and to the west of Highfield Road, the community boundary bisects the No submissions were received regarding the communities of Coedffranc dwelling and associated garden of a property on Giant’s Grave Road. It is Central, Coedffranc East Central, Coedffranc North, Coedffranc West and proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. Coedffranc West Central.

Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 6 Proposal: No Change

Rejected Submissions Rejected Submissions

None rejected None rejected

BRYN COMMUNITY GLYNCORRWG COMMUNITY (Cymmer, Glyncorrwg & Gwynfi Communities) Further Draft Proposals No submissions were received regarding the Bryn Community. Further Draft Proposals

Proposal: No Change No submissions were received regarding the communities of Cymmer, Glyncorrwg & Gwynfi. Rejected Submissions Proposal: No Change None rejected Rejected Submissions CWMAVON COMMUNITY None rejected Further Draft Proposals MARGAM COMMUNITY No submissions were received regarding the Cwmavon Community. Further Draft Proposals Proposal: No Change One submission was received regarding the Margam community. Rejected Submissions The Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following change: None rejected x CR010 – Community Boundary Change – Margam

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 2 Submission review: Rejected Submissions Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that at the north of the Margam Community at the boundary with Tai-bach None rejected Community, near to Dyffryn Comprehensive School, Brombil Paddocks is separated from Brombil Gardens in the Tai-bach Community. It was originally proposed to adjust the Tai-bach Community boundary to PORT TALBOT COMMUNITY include six properties at the end of Brombil Paddocks (the dwellings are of a similar nature and design). Further Draft Proposals

Following a further submission it has been highlighted that additional No submissions were received regarding the Port Talbot community. residential development is likely to take place within the vicinity of the However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the above mentioned boundary which would negate the original boundary following change: amendment. As such it is proposed to make a more subtle but clear alteration to the current boundary line between the Tai-bach and x CR013 – Community Boundary Change – Margam community wards. Port Talbot

Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 1 Submission review:

Rejected Submissions Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that North of the Port Talbot Community at the boundary with the Cwmavon None rejected Community, between B4286 and A4107, just west of ‘Caerhendy’ and north of ‘Craig Avon’ – a playing field (situated in Cwmavon) and the MARGAM MOORS COMMUNITY adjacent buildings is divided by the boundary line. It is proposed to adjust the boundary to go around the playing field and adjacent Further Draft Proposals buildings.

No submissions were received regarding the Margam Moors community. Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 4 However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following change: Rejected Submissions

x CR011 – Community Boundary Change – None rejected Margam Moors SANDFIELDS EAST COMMUNITY Submission review: Further Draft Proposals Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that at the north of Margam Moors Community, there is a small area of land No submissions were received that could be considered for this specific known as the Sandfields East (DET) ward which it is proposed should be review exercise in relation to the Sandfields East Community. amalgamated within the Margam Moors Community. There are no electors in the Sandfields East (DET) ward. Proposal: No Change

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Rejected Submissions

Submission Review: Creation of Sandfields Community Council Submission review:

One submission was received requesting that a new Community Council Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that be created which would combine both the Sandfields East and north of Tai-bach Community at the boundary with the Port Talbot Sandfields West Communities. This submission could not be taken Community, to the east of Goytre village, the L&A Outdoor Centre is forward as this review is not the appropriate mechanism for taking the bisected. It is proposed to move the boundary line north, as the main proposal forward. Furthermore, no additional submissions were access road to the centre is in the Tai-bach Community. received in relation to this suggestion. Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration - See Map 3 SANDFIELDS WEST COMMUNITY Rejected Submissions Further Draft Proposals None rejected No submissions were received that could be considered for this specific review exercise in relation to the Sandfields West Community.

Proposal: No Change

Rejected Submissions

Submission Review: Creation of Sandfields Community Council

One submission was received requesting that a new Community Council be created which would combine both the Sandfields East and Sandfields West Communities.

This submission could not be taken forward as this review is not the appropriate mechanism for taking the proposal forward. Furthermore, no additional submissions were received in relation to this suggestion.

TAI-BACH COMMUNITY

Further Draft Proposals

No submissions were received regarding the Port Talbot community. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following change:

x CR012 – Community Boundary Change – Tai-bach

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxB Community Review Submission Review: CR002/CR003 – Blaenhonddan Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change Review of the Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot The current electoral arrangements for Blaenhonddan Community Council as a whole would see 18 Community Councillors representing an FINAL PROPOSALS – APPENDIX C (NEATH) electorate of 9,596 with a Member/Elector ratio of 533. The representation ratio for the Bryncoch North ward is currently five BLAENGWRACH COMMUNITY Community Councillors representing 1,799 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 360, while the representation for the Bryncoch Draft Proposals South ward is six Community Councillors representing 4,503 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 751. No submissions were received regarding the Community of Blaengwrach. The Electoral Registration Officer has determined that the current elector arrangements in these two wards do not provide equal Proposal: No Change representation. By removing one community councillor from the Bryncoch North Ward would reduce the overall ward representation to Rejected submissions four Community Councillors with a Member/Elector ratio of 450. It is then proposed that the Bryncoch South Ward be given an additional None rejected Community Councillor to take account of their increased population size.

BLAENHONDDAN COMMUNITY (ABERDULAIS, BRYNCOCH NORTH, This would bring the community ward representation up to seven BRYNCOCH SOUTH, CADOXTON & CILFREW WARDS) Community Councillors with a Member/Elector ratio of 643.

Draft Proposals Proposal: Addition of one Community Councillor for the Bryncoch South Ward One submission was received which requested no changes be made. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the Proposal: Removal of one Community Councillor from the Bryncoch following changes: North Ward

x CR002 – Blaenhonddan Community Council (Bryncoch North Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change

x CR003 - Blaenhonddan Community Council (Bryncoch South Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change

x CR016 - Community Ward Boundary Change – Blaenhonddan (Cadoxton Ward)

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Submission Review: CR016 – Community Ward Boundary Change – Submission review: Blaenhonddan - Cadoxton Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was observed that Southwest of Gellinudd Community at the boundary with Rhos at the East of Bryncoch South community at the boundary with Community, to the south of Gellinudd village, two dwellings just west of Cadoxton Community, the Lidl food store, off Golwg y Gamlas road, is in the A474 are in Gellinudd Community whilst the access road is in Rhos Cadoxton ward, and half the car park and access road is in Bryncoch Community. In addition, just east of the A474, opposite the Ty’n-y-graig South Community. properties, a petrol station/garage’s adjacent car parking area is bisected. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. Furthermore the boundary bisects the gardens of two properties in Golwg y Gamlas. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration – See Map 10

Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration – See Map 7 Rejected Submissions

Rejected Submissions One submission was received relating to Cilybebyll Community Council in general. It proposed no changes to electoral boundaries to the One submission was received relating to Blaenhonddan Community Community of Cilybebyll and the status quo arrangements to remain. Council in general. It proposed no changes to electoral boundaries to However, It was felt necessary to make the minor adjustment to the the Community of Blaenhonddan and the status quo arrangements to relevant community boundary to ensure it remained clear and effective remain. It was felt by the Electoral Registration Officer that the current electoral arrangements do not offer equal representation across the CLYNE AND MELINCOURT COMMUNITY four community wards that comprise Blaenhonddan Community Council, in addition it was felt necessary to make the minor adjustment to the Draft Proposals relevant community boundary to ensure it remained clear and effective. No submissions were received regarding the Clyne and Melincourt CILYBEBYLL COMMUNITY (ALLTWEN, GELLINUDD & RHOS WARDS) Community. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements should remain in place for the Draft Proposals Community of Clyne and Melincourt.

One submission was received that proposed no change be made to the Proposal: No Change existing community arrangements. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the following changes: Rejected submissions

x CR019 – Community Ward Boundary Change - Cilybebyll None rejected

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC CRYNANT COMMUNITY Rejected submissions

Draft Proposals None rejected

No submissions were received regarding the Crynant Community. The GLYNNEATH COMMUNITY (CENTRAL, EAST, WEST & WEST CENTRAL Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status WARDS) quo arrangements should remain in place for the Community of Crynant. Draft Proposals Proposal: No Change One submission was received that proposed no change was made to the Rejected submissions existing community arrangements. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements should None rejected remain in place for the Community of Glynneath.

CWMLLYNFELL COMMUNITY (CWMLLYNFELL & PENRHIWFAWR Proposal: No Change WARDS) Rejected submissions Draft Proposals None rejected One submission was received that proposed no change be made to the existing community arrangements. The Electoral Registration Officer GWAUN-CAE-GURWEN COMMUNITY (CWMGORS, GWAUN-CAE- following review proposes that the status quo arrangements should GURWEN, LOWER BRYNAMMAN & TAI’R GWAITH WARDS) remain in place for the Community of Cwmllynfell. Draft Proposals Proposal: No Change One submission was received that proposed that no change was made Rejected Submissions to the existing community arrangements. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements None rejected should remain in place for the Community of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

DYFFRYN CLYDACH COMMUNITY Proposal: No Change

Draft Proposals Rejected Submissions

No submissions were received regarding the Dyffryn Clydach None rejected Community. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements should remain in place for the Community of Dyffryn Clydach.

Proposal: No Change

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC NEATH COMMUNITY (CEFN SAESON, CRYNALLT, MELIN CRYDDAN, PENRHIWTYN, CASTLE, LLANTWIT, GNOLL & MOUNT PLEASANT Proposal: Addition of one Town Councillor for the Cefn Saeson Ward WARDS) Submission Review: CR017 – Community Ward Boundary Change - Draft Proposals Neath - Castle

Two submissions were received which requested no changes be made. Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the North East of Castle community at the boundary with the Llantwit following change: community, the boundary line north of Prince of Wales Drive, to the east of Willet Close is not easily identifiable and bisects gardens at the rear of x CR004 - Neath Town Council - Cefn Saeson Ward Willet Close. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. Electoral Arrangement Change Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration – Map 8 x CR017 – Community Ward Boundary Change - Neath - Castle Rejected Submissions Submission Review: CR004 – Neath Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Submission Review – Removal of County Borough Councillors from Town/Community Council’s The current electoral arrangements for Neath Town Council as a whole would see 18 Community Councillors representing an electorate of One submission was received that proposed the removal of County 14,711 with a Member/Elector ratio of 817. Based on the 1976 guidance Borough Councillors from Community/Town Councils due to the clear provided by the former Local Government Boundary Commission for and frequent conflict of interests that occur. This proposal was rejected Wales, Neath Town Council is currently under-represented by one as it had no bearing on the review of Community areas currently being member. conducted.

Therefore, the initial proposal is to increase the number of community Submission Review – Dissatisfaction with the running of the councillors overall for Neath Town Council to 19. Following review, it has Community/Town Council been identified that the Cefn Saeson Community ward currently has two Community Councillors representing an electorate of 2,136, while the One submission was received that did not provide any specific proposals Melin Cryddan Community ward currently has three Community but outlined their dissatisfaction with some recent decisions and Councillors representing an electorate of 2,205 electors. developments. This comment was rejected as it had no bearing on the review of community areas currently being conducted. As such it has been determined that Cefn Saeson Community Ward currently does not have fair and adequate representation when compared to other similar size community wards. Therefore, it is proposed to allocate an additional Community Councillor to the Cefn Saeson Community Ward to rebalance its Member/Elector representation.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC ONLLWYN COMMUNITY Both submissions received suggested altering the boundary of the Community of Pelenna which would subsequently impact on the Draft Proposals boundary arrangements for two neighbouring electoral divisions as well as two separate Parliamentary constituencies. Two submissions were received that proposed that no change was made to the existing community arrangements. However, the Electoral As such, while the minor proposals put forward held some merit, due to Registration Officer would like to propose the following changes: the implications this alteration would have in terms of boundary arrangements for the principal local authority as well as the x CR018 – Community Boundary Change - Onllwyn Parliamentary constituency boundaries of Neath and Aberavon it is proposed that this suggestion is not taken forward at this time. Submission Review However, the matter will be kept under review.

Upon review by the Electoral Registration Officer, it was identified that PONTARDAWE COMMUNITY (PONTARDAWE, RHYD-Y-FRO & at the west of Onllwyn Community at the boundary with Seven Sisters TREBANOS WARDS) Community, just north of A4109, dwellings on Golwg y Bryn road at Ty Newydd are in the Onllwyn Community, but the access road is in Draft Proposals Seven Sisters Community. It is proposed to adjust the boundary accordingly. No submissions were received regarding the Pontardawe Community. However, the Electoral Registration Officer would like to propose the Proposal: Minor Boundary Alteration – See Map 9 following change:

Rejected submissions x CR005 – Pontardawe Town Council (Pontardawe Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change None rejected. x CR006 – Pontardawe Town Council (Rhyd-Y-Fro Ward) Electoral PELENNA COMMUNTIY Arrangement Change

Draft Proposals x CR007 – Pontardawe Town Council (Trebanos Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change Two submissions were received proposing an alteration to the existing boundary of the Community of Pelenna. The Electoral Registration Proposal: Addition of three Community Councillor’s for the Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements Pontardawe Ward. This proposal is linked to CR006 & CR007 should remain in place for the Community of Pelenna, however, subject to the outcome of the Welsh Government’s White Paper on Local Proposal: Removal of one Community Councillor for the Rhyd-Y-Fro Government Reform, published in February 2015, a further review of the Ward. This proposal is linked to CR005 & CR007 Community of Pelenna should be undertaken. Proposal: Removal of two Community Councillors for the Trebanos Proposal: No Change Ward. This proposal is linked CR005 & CR006

Rejected submissions

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Submission Review: CR005/CR006/CR007 – Pontardawe Town Council Electoral Arrangement Change Proposal: No Change

The current electoral arrangements for Pontardawe Town Council as a Rejected submissions whole would see 16 Community Councillors representing an electorate of 5,275 with a Member/Elector ratio of 330. The representation for the None rejected Pontardawe community ward is currently seven Community Councillors representing 3,554 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 508, the SEVEN SISTERS COMMUNITY representation for the Rhyd-Y-Fro community ward is currently three Community Councillors representing 589 electors with a Draft Proposals Member/Elector ratio of 196, and the representation for the Trebanos community ward is currently six Community Councillors representing One submission was received that proposed that no change was made 1,132 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 189. to the existing community arrangements. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements The Electoral Registration Officer has determined that the current should remain in place for the Community of Seven Sisters. elector arrangements in these three wards do not provide equal representation. By removing one community councillor from the Proposal: No Change Rhyd-Y-Fro community ward and two community councillors from the Trebanos community ward and reducing their overall representation to Rejected Submissions two and four Community Councillors respectively with a Member/Elector ratio of 295 and 283, this would bring the level of None rejected representation for both areas in line with similar sized community wards. TONNA COMMUNITY

It is then proposed that Pontardawe community ward have an additional Draft Proposals three Community Councillors to take their representation to ten with a Member/Elector ratio of 355. No submissions were received regarding the Tonna Community. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status Rejected Submissions quo arrangements should remain in place for the Community of Tonna.

None rejected. Proposal: No Change

RESOLVEN COMMUNITY (ABERGARWED, NORTH & SOUTH WARDS) Rejected submissions

Draft Proposals None rejected

No submissions were received regarding the Resolven Community. The Electoral Registration Officer following review proposes that the status quo arrangements should remain in place for the Community of Resolven.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC By removing two community councillors from the Ystalyfera Ward and YSTALYFERA COMMUNITY (GODRE’RGRAIG & YSTALYFERA WARDS) reducing the overall representation to nine Community Councillors with a Member/Elector ratio of 251. It is then proposed that the Godrergraig Draft Proposals Ward have two additional Community Councillors to take their representation to six Community Councillors with a Cllr/Elector ratio of One submission was received which requested changes be made to the 244. electoral arrangements of the Godre’rgraig and Ystalyfera community wards. It proposed that the representation of the Ystalyfera ward be Rejected Proposals reduced to nine Community Councillors and the representation of the Godrergraig ward be increased to six Community Councillors. Following None rejected a review of this submission, the following change proposals have been made:

x CR008 – Ystalyfera Community Council (Godrer’graig Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change

x CR009 – Ystalyfera Community Council (Ystalyfera Ward) Electoral Arrangement Change

Proposal: Addition of two Community Councillor for the Godrer’graig Ward. This proposal is linked to CR009

Proposal: Removal of two Community Councillor for the Ystalyfera Ward. This proposal is linked to CR008

Submission Review: CR008/CR009 – Ystalyfera Community Council Electoral Arrangement Change

The current electoral arrangements for Ystalyfera Community Council as a whole would see 15 Community Councillors representing an electorate of 3,722 with a Member/Elector ratio of 248. The representation for the Godrergraig ward is currently four Community Councillors representing 1,461 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 365, while the representation for the Ystalyfera ward is 11 Community Councillors representing 2,261 electors with a Member/Elector ratio of 206.

The Electoral Registration Officer has determined that the current elector arrangements in these two community wards do not provide equal representation.

Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community.Review.Final.Proposals.AppxC Community Review

Review of the Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot

FINAL PROPOSALS – APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS

From Community Councillor Peter Rees Neath Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Neath South Submission Summary: I do not propose any changes to the existing community arrangements

From Community Councillor Rob Jones Margam Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Margam Submission Summary: I do not understand the relevance of including six properties under the CR010 changes i.e. Brombil Paddocks when you have to go past Brombil Barns (Seven Properties), Tudor Grove (currently two properties but plans for four further properties), Brombil Access Road (Two properties), Cwm Brombil (Two properties) and Brombil Cottages (Two properties). It would make more sense to include all of these properties or make a subtle adjustment to the current boundary to ensure that the demarcation line is clear and obvious between the two communities.

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxD

From Community Neath Town Council Neath Town Council Areas Submission Summary: Neath Town Council confirm that they are content with the current community boundary arrangements and support the proposed additional seat in the Crynallt Ward taking future membership of the Town Council from 18 to 19.

From Community Peter Lloyd Jones Cwmllynfell Clerk of Cwmllynfell Community Council Submission Summary: Cwmllynfell Community Council has discussed the further draft proposals and is pleased to note that no changes are proposed for the community.

From Community Wendy Thomas Coedffranc Clerk of Coedffranc Community Council Submission Summary: Just to confirm that the Members discussed the Community Review 2015 – Public consultation on further draft proposals 13th April – 8th May 2015. The Council had no comments to make at this time.

Community.Review._Final.Proposals.AppxD

  
         

   
 
  
   
   
      !" 
 
# # 
  


 
   

   !  
 

  
           
   
 
 
   
 !" ##$
  %
 
 
$
%&
'
  (# 
 
)

"
*   # #    
 +, #' '#
" # 
  
 

 '
  

"
*   #+
  
         

   
 
      
    
 
 

 
 

   
      

    
 
     
 
     
 
    
 !  
"  

   

  
             
 
       








 
  
    
   




    


!"   
#   
 
 

    !
  
        
     
 
 
       

 
  

 







 
       !"    
 
       
 
  

!#   
$  

    !

  
        

   
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
 
    

 

 
    
  

      
 

  
          
 
               

! " 
 

      
## 
       $% & &
  

##    $  
 

  
    
       
 
        
   
 
 
      
 
      
   
!! " #$ $
! !  
!   
 

 %

#


!
&  

     ! !