Review of Part of the Boundary Between the County of Carmarthenshire, the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot and the County of Powys in the Area of Cwmllynfell
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CABINET 21ST APRIL, 2004 REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE REVIEW OF PART OF THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE, THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT AND THE COUNTY OF POWYS IN THE AREA OF CWMLLYNFELL Purpose of Report: To advise Members of the Final Proposals of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales with regard to the review of the County Borough boundary in the area of Cwmllynfell. Background: Members will recall that in January, 2003 a report on the Draft Proposals of the Boundary Commission was considered. At that time, the proposal was that an expanse of open land, together with some eight residential properties in the area of Brynheulog Terrace (including St. Margaret’s Church), and seven dwellings in Heol Gwys would transfer to the County of Carmarthenshire. This proposal would involve the transfer of approximately 30 electors. The boundary would be re-aligned to follow the River Llynfell, starting at its confluence with the River Twrch. The Commission also stated that it was considering a proposal from Cwmllynfell Community Council that their Community be merged with the Llynfell Ward of the Community of Quarter Bach to form a new, enlarged Community and be included within the County of Carmarthenshire. The Commission was also considering a request from a resident in the Bryn Morgan Bridge area, for his property to be transferred to the County of Powys. CAB-210404-REP-CE 1 Following a further consultation process, including the holding of a Public Meeting by the Commission, the Final Proposals have now been published and submitted to the National Assembly for determination. Final Proposals: The Final Proposals of the Boundary Commission fully accept the proposal of Cwmllynfell Community Council. The effect is that the whole Community of Cwmllynfell (the villages of Cwmllynfell and Rhiwfawr) merge with the Llynfell Ward of the Community of Quarter Bach, and that the new enlarged Community be within the County of Carmarthenshire. If the proposal is approved by the National Assembly, this would result in some 1,200 residents transferring from Cwmllynfell, plus the loss of one County Borough Councillor, and the loss of Revenue Support Grant. Geographically, the proposal would also result in a long tongue of countryside administered by Carmarthenshire penetrating into Neath Port Talbot. The request with regard to the Bryn Morgan Bridge area has also been accepted in the Final Proposals and, if approved, the affected property together with surrounding land and a section of highway will transfer to the County of Powys. Copies of the full report of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales are available in the Members’ Room. Recommendation: The Council has consistently stated that it is opposed to any re-alignment of the boundary in the area of Cwmllynfell, and that the status quo should prevail. This view was transmitted to the Boundary Commission following the publication of the Draft Proposals. In view of the content of the Final Proposals, and the Council’s previously stated view, it is recommended that the Council continue to oppose the proposals, and that the Chief Executive prepare an appropriate response for submission to the National Assembly for Wales, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development. CAB-210404-REP-CE 2 Reasons for proposed decision: (a) In recognition of the natural affinity of Cwmllynfell Community with the Upper Swansea Valley within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot, and the wishes of local residents and the Authority to retain the current boundary and service arrangements in the interests of effective and convenient local government; (b) Loss of population would also have an adverse impact on RSG funding for Neath Port Talbot, without achieving any positive effect on the level of Council Tax. CAB-210404-REP-CE 3 COMPLIANCE STATEMENT REVIEW OF PART OF THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF NEATH PORT TALBOT AND THE COUNTY OF POWYS IN THE AREA OF CWMLLYNFELL. (a) Implementation of Decision: The decision proposed is to be implemented after the three day call-in period. (b) Sustainability Appraisal: Community Plan impacts of transfer Economic Prosperity - negative Education & Lifelong Learning - negative Better Health & Well Being - negative Environment &Transport - negative Crime & Disorder - N/A Other Impacts of transfer Welsh Language - N/A Sustainable Development - negative Equalities - negative Social Inclusion - negative (c) List of Background Papers: Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Final Proposals of March, 2004. (d) Officer Contact: Peter Moran, Head of Member Support/Committee Services. Tel: 01639-763303. E-mail: [email protected] CAB-210404-REP-CE 4 .