CABINET

Tuesday, 11 October 2016 at 2.00 pm Council Chamber, Bodlondeb,

Present: Councillor Dilwyn Roberts (Leader)

Councillors: Dave Cowans, Philip C. Evans J.P., Chris Hughes, Wyn Ellis Jones, Susan Lloyd-Williams, Mike Priestley, Graham Rees J.P. and Dilwyn Roberts

In Attendance: Councillors: Sara Allardice, Frank Bradfield, Cheryl Carlisle, Brian Cossey, Ian Jenkins and Anne McCaffrey

Officers: Iwan Atherton (Accountant), Lowri Brown (Interim Head of Education Services – Chief Education Officer), Iwan Davies (Chief Executive), Phillip Davies (Head of Corporate Human Resources), Wendy Dearden (Housing Strategy Manager), Robert Dix (Section Head: Tourism and Enterprise), Geraint Edwards (Head of Service - Environment; Roads and Facilities), David Ellis (Valuer, Estates and Asset Management, Estates and Asset Management), Bleddyn Evans (County Valuer and Asset Manager), Rhian Gwyn Evans (Translator), Simon Griffiths (Management Information Officer), Marianne Jackson (Head of Community Development Service), Delyth E. Jones (Head of Law and Governance), Wyn Jones (Strategic Manager, Property & Site Management), Claire Lister (Head of Integrated Adult and Community Services), Deryl Mahon (Member Support Officer & Personal Assistant to the Leader), Cheryl Ozbilen (Service Manager - Quality Standards), Tim Pritchard (Project Manager), Jane Richardson (Strategic Director - Economy and Place), Rochane Vye (Property Officer), Andrew Wilkinson (Head of Neighbourhood Services) and Jenny Williams (Strategic Director - Social Care and Education)

366. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Goronwy Edwards, Ronnie Hughes and Andrew Kirkham (Strategic Director – Finance and Efficiencies).

367. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: CODE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONDUCT

Councillor Cheryl Carlisle declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 14 (i) – Charging Policy for Adult Care and Support Services, as a member of her family was in receipt of services, therefore Councillor Carlisle left the meeting whilst the item was being discussed.

368. URGENT MATTERS

None.

369. MINUTES OF THE CABINET

The minutes of the Cabinet held on 13 September 2016 were submitted for approval.

RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Cabinet held on 13 September 2016 be approved and signed as a correct record.

370. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE LEADER

The Leader informed Members that he had received a letter from Cartrefi Conwy congratulating the Council for the organisation of the Proms in the Park event, which had recently been held in Parc Eirias, .

Members were also informed that Lesley Griffiths AM (Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs) had written to the Leader thanking him for the copy of North Growth Vision and Position Statement and had requested that she be kept informed of developments.

371. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Chief Executive informed Members that the Council had received a compliment (via the Council’s Compliments and Complaints process) from the President of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. The President had written to the Council expressing his gratitude for all the help the Leader had provided in helping to arrange for their AGM to be held in Venue Cymru, in 2018.

372. REVIEW THE CABINET FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME

Members were presented with the Forward Work Programme for the Cabinet.

RESOLVED- That the Cabinet Forward Work Programme be approved.

373. RELOCATION OF DEPOT TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF PLAS YN DRE

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Environment and Sustainability presented a report seeking approval, in principle, for the relocation of the Environment, Roads and Facilities (ERF) Depot in Llanrwst and to initiate the process of identification and appraisal of regeneration options for the subsequent development of the Plas yn Dre site.

The existing ERF Depot at Plas yn Dre was a key strategic site for the regeneration of the town and had potential for commercial, retail or mixed development. This opportunity could only be realised by relocating the depot and delivering a site with vacant possession. The feasibility of options for the relocation of the Plas yn Dre and Depots to a single site in Llanrwst area were currently being explored.

Members were informed that there were considerable commercial sensitivities involved and it might be necessary to move quickly to secure a purchase or option on a preferred site. However, prior to progressing with a preferred option, further democratic approval would be sought accordingly.

The Cabinet Member for Communities urged Members to get involved in the consultation process, which would be carried out as part of the consultation on the new Llanrwst Place Plan.

RESOLVED- (a) That approval be given, in principle, to the relocation of Llanrwst and Cerrigydrudion ERF Depots to a single site, in order to release Plas yn Dre for regeneration purposes.

(b) That approval be given for Officers to negotiate with owners of potential relocation sites and that these findings are brought back to Cabinet, along with other investigations as to their feasibility, prior to progressing with a preferred option.

(c) That full engagement with the community regarding the development of Plas yn Dre be carried out, as part of the consultation for the new Llanrwst Place Plan.

374. GROWTH VISION FOR THE ECONOMY OF NORTH WALES

The Leader presented a report on the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’. The North Wales Economic Ambition Board was seeking formal support and approval of the six Local Authorities across North Wales for the vision and strategy contained in the ‘Growth Vision’ document, which was attached as an appendix to the report.

The document would be used as the basis for negotiations with the UK and Welsh Government over a Growth Deal Bid for the region and clearly set out the strategy, priorities and action plan of strategic projects to deliver sustainable economic and employment growth across the region.

Extensive consultation had been undertaken during the process of preparing the ‘Growth Vision’, which included organisations such as FE and HE Colleges, and the private sector through the North Wales Business Council. The document set out a clear ambition for North Wales, particularly in relation to infrastructure development, skills and employment, and business growth.

In order to ensure that Conwy was able to influence negotiations, it was essential that Conwy was fully engaged and was seen to be playing its part in this important regional initiative.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the report in detail at its meeting on 3 October 2016 and had supported the ‘Growth Vision’ document, as the basis for negotiations with the UK and Welsh Government, over a Growth Deal Bid for the region.

RESOLVED- That the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’, as the basis for negotiations with the UK and Welsh Government over a Growth Deal Bid for the region, be approved.

375. STRATEGIC STATEMENT ON THE ARTS IN CONWY

The Cabinet Member for Tourism, Marketing and Leisure presented a report, seeking approval for the Strategic Statement on Arts in Conwy.

In order to apply for funding and to give clear guidance on funding it was essential that the Authority had a statement of its arts strategy. The strategy was also important in guiding how the Authority would deliver both corporate outcomes and the Well Being of Future Generations outcomes by using the arts.

Members were informed that work was beginning on a forward-looking Arts Strategy, which would be linked to the new Corporate Plan, the new Economic Strategy for Conwy and also to particular pieces of work such as the Colwyn Bay Masterplan. The forward-looking Arts Strategy for the County Borough would be produced in the early part of 2017.

The Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee had supported the Strategic Statement at its meeting on 10 October 2016.

RESOLVED- That the Statement of Arts in Conwy be approved.

376. HIGHWAY SAFETY INSPECTION POLICY

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Environment and Sustainability presented a report seeking approval for the Council’s revised Highway Safety Inspection Policy.

The Policy set out the methodology, frequency and criteria for inspection and repair of the County Highway Network and it had been reviewed, revised and updated on the advice of the Council’s insurers and in consultation with experts in Highways Law.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy, Law and Regulation referred to Section 6 of the policy, which made reference to defect categories and response times. The Cabinet Member had some concern in relation to Paragraphs 6.10 and 6.11 and the response times for missing or defective signs and worn or indistinct markings; missing/defective signs could have serious safety implications and indistinct markings could cause a significant nuisance on the highway.

In response to these concerns, the Head of Environment, Roads and Facilities (ERF) would expect Inspectors to determine the overall seriousness of the risk and the speed of the response required; if safety was a major concern, then the Head of ERF would expect it to be given a higher risk factor.

In relation to worn or indistinct markings, supplementary guidance would be provided for Inspectors to help determine the risk accordingly; this guidance would be circulated to Members for information.

The Cabinet Member for Tourism, Marketing and Leisure also expressed concern regarding the 9 monthly inspection frequency for unclassified rural roads, as he felt that this was too infrequent and could not be supported.

In response, the Head of Neighbourhood Services informed Members that all highways in the County Borough were assigned a road hierarchy, which was determined in accordance with the parameters in the national Code of Practice; whilst the Code stated that unclassified rural roads should be inspected every 12 months, it was up to Highway Authorities to determine their own regime. In addition, a 9 monthly inspection cycle would enable inspections to be undertaken during different seasons in the year.

The Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Skills also acknowledged the effective service currently provided by the Highways Department and hoped any changes in the policy would not affect the current provision.

RESOLVED- (a) That the Highway Safety Inspection Policy be approved.

(b) That supplementary guidance be provided for Inspectors to help determine the risk for worn or indistinct markings on the highways and that the guidance be circulated to Members for information.

(c) That delegated authority be given to the Head of ERF, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Environment and Sustainability to approve amendments to the Policy, as may be required at annual review.

377. BUSINESS PLANNING FRAMEWORK 2017/18

Members were presented with a report, which outlined the timetable and governance arrangements in relation to the Business Planning Framework (BPF) for 2017/2018.

The BPF, which was attached as an appendix to the report, allowed services to submit business cases for inclusion within the revenue and capital budgets in a manner that promoted and demonstrated good governance.

Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 2.4 of the report, which stated that revenue business cases would generally reflect service demand, the consequences of capital schemes, evidence based underfunding brought forward from the current financial year and other risk related issues.

It was noted that business cases would be reviewed at a number of stages and meetings during the process, the timetable shown in Appendix 1 illustrated the extent of input into the process.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee had supported the BPF at its meeting on 3 October 2016.

RESOLVED- (a) That the timetable and process for the Business Planning Framework for 2017/18 be approved.

(b) That the business cases are considered in accordance with Paragraph 2.4, as highlighted above.

378. END OF KEY STAGE PERFORMANCE (ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-16)

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented a report, which provided an initial analysis of end of key stage data for the Academic Year 2015/16

In addition, the report also included an overview of the recent Estyn inspection of the GwE Regional Consortia and the Auditor General for Wales’ review of arrangements to raise standards in schools in Conwy. Post inspection/review implementation plans and identified partnership working arrangements, together with a detailed action plan of systems that had already been formulated between the GwE Senior Challenge Advisor and the Interim Head of Education Services (Chief Education Officer), were also attached to the report.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the following performance:

 Foundation Phase (FPh) and Key Stage (KS) 2 - Based on teacher assessments, Conwy’s benchmarked performance at KS3 was good, whilst benchmarked performance at FPh and KS2 was deemed to be unsatisfactory. - Whilst there was room for improvement, the Cabinet Member felt that teacher assessments were robust and both GwE and Estyn agreed that assessments were generally good. - It should be noted that the inconsistency in teacher assessment procedures across Wales was a potential flaw to measuring and comparing performance and work was being done nationally to address this issue.

 Key Stage 3: - Performance in standardised English reading tests was good and Welsh Reading and Numerical Reasoning test results were satisfactory; however Numeracy Procedural test results were unsatisfactory.

 Key Stage 4 : - Performance at KS4 was mixed, with 3 secondary schools – Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, and Ysgol y Creuddyn all producing their bests results ever. - 2 secondary schools (Ysgol John Bright and Ysgol Aberconwy) were below their targets, however their weaknesses had been recognised and both the LEA and GwE would work with the schools to improve standards.

The Interim Head of Education Services (Chief Education Officer) informed Members that one of the actions to be taken was the establishment of an Improvement Panel, to monitor school standards and performance. The Panel would be made up of Elected Members, GwE and Local Authority Officers, and would provide an opportunity for Members to challenge and support both GwE and Local Authority systems, as well as individual schools. It was proposed that each of the secondary schools would be invited to attend the Improvement Panel on an annual basis, whilst primary schools would attend once over a three year period.

The Cabinet Member requested that the Improvement Panel (not the Education Liaison Group) considered the findings of the report in the context of individual school profiles and continued to monitor the performance of schools in red and amber categories over the next 12 months.

The Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the reports in detail at a meeting on 20 September 2016. Whilst Members were disappointed with the results and the outcome of the Estyn inspection, it was now important to move forward and ensure the Local Authority and GwE worked together to improve performance. The Scrutiny Committee also supported the establishment of an Improvement Panel.

RESOLVED- (a) That the formation of an Improvement Panel be supported, in principle.

(b) That the efforts of students and teachers, who had achieved results be acknowledged.

(c) That the Improvement Panel considers the findings of the report in the context of individual school profiles and continues to monitor the performance of schools that are in the red and amber categories over the next 12 months.

(d) That the action plans in relation to the Estyn Inspection and the Wales Audit Office as outlined in Appendix 2b and 3 be supported.

(e) That the regional school improvement priorities and strategies be presented to the Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as assurance of ongoing challenge and support.

379. BRINGING FORWARD THE AGREED CLOSURE DATE FOR YSGOL TREFRIW

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented a report seeking approval to bring forward the previously agreed closure date of 31 August 2017 for Ysgol Trefriw by 13 weeks to 1 June 2017.

Cabinet had given final approval for the closure of Ysgol , Ysgol Tal y Bont and Ysgol Trefriw on 31 August 2017 and for the establishment of a new Welsh Language Community School on the site of the current Ysgol Dolgarrog on 1 September 2017.

Members were informed that since the decision was made, there had been a sudden decline in the numbers of pupils attending Ysgol Trefriw and as of 1 September 2016, there were no pupils of compulsory school age registered at Ysgol Trefriw.

As there were no pupils registered at the school, it was not viable to keep the school open and various options existed under the School Organisation Code for Wales for the early closure of a school for which a closure date had already been set. All such options had been considered and therefore it was recommended bringing the closure date forward by 13 weeks to 1 June 2017 (Option 4).

Consultation had been undertaken with both the School Governors and the Local Electoral Division Member (Councillor Hillary Rogers-Jones). The Local Member was supportive of bringing the date forward, however she was concerned about the future for the staff.

The Cabinet Member for Communication, who had previously not supported the closure of school, felt that as parents had made the decision not to send their children to the school, the Authority had no other option but to bring the closure date forward, as it was not viable for the school to remain open and therefore supported Option 4.

Reference was made to the impact the closure would have on the Welsh language; however as previously stated, the new area school would be designated as a Welsh Language Community School.

Whilst there were certain options under the School Organisation Code for Wales to bring forward the closure of schools, the process was extremely complex and inflexible, particularly when developing school organisation proposals. Members agreed that the Leader and the Cabinet Member should write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education expressing the Council’s concern and suggest that a review of the Code was required.

RESOLVED- (a) That the date of closure of Ysgol Trefriw be brought forward by 13 weeks from 31 August 2017 to 1 June 2017.

(b) That the Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education expressing concern regarding the complexity and inflexibility of the School Organisation Code for Wales, suggesting that a review of the Code was required.

380. CHARGING POLICY FOR ADULT CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health presented a report seeking approval for a charging policy for Adult Care and Support Services.

The policy highlighted the changes to charging for care and support as a result of new legislation and would affect all adults who received such services from Council.

The policy also specified the different Care and Support Services provided or commissioned by the Local Authority and included which services would incur a charge and which would be provided free of charge. In addition, the policy gave detailed information on how charges were calculated.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 3 October 2016 supported the implementation of the revised Charging Policy, in order for the Local Authority to apply an appropriate financial charging framework for care and support services.

RESOLVED- That the revised Charging Policy (2016) be implemented, in order for the Local Authority to apply an appropriate financial charging framework for care and support services.

(Councillor Cheryl Carlisle declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item and therefore left the meeting whilst the item was being discussed.)

381. SOCIAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIONS, COMPLAINTS AND COMPLIMENTS FINAL REPORT

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health presented a report, which provided a review and statistical analysis of the complaints, comments and compliments received by the Social Services Department during 2015/16 and ensured compliance with the All Wales Guidance to handling Complaints and Representations by Local Authority Social Services Departments (May 2014).

The report also highlighted the actions and improvements introduced within the Complaints Service as a result of an internal Complaints Audit in 2015. The appointment of a full time interim Complaints Officer for the Service had improved standards and a return audit was undertaken after 6 months and returned a result of High Assurance.

The Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee had supported the report at its meeting on 10 October 2016.

RESOLVED- That the Annual Report be approved as a satisfactory and an accurate account of the work undertaken within the Social Services Complaints Department within 2015/16.

382. CLOSURE OF SOCIAL CARE TRANSFORMATION AND ASSURANCE PROGRAMME

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health presented Members with a report requesting formal closure of the Social Care Transformation and Assurance Programme.

The Transformation Programme had spanned over 4 years, and the End of Programme Report (Appendix 1) recorded progress of the delivery stage against the programme objectives, benefits, any lessons that could be usefully applied to other programmes and projects; and details of unfinished work, ongoing risks or potential changes required to those who would support the programme’s products in their operational life.

The Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee had supported the Programme Board’s decision to close the Programme at its meeting on 10 October 2016.

Members extended their thanks to the Corporate Programme and Project Manager (Tim Pritchard) and all the staff involved in the Transformation Programme, which had resulted in significant savings, without reducing front line services.

RESOLVED- That the Programme Board’s decision to close the Social Care Transformation and Assurance Programme be supported.

383. RIVER WALL, BENARTH, CONWY

The Cabinet Member for Communities presented a report seeking approval for the funds to undertake the repair of the ‘listed’ river wall that formed part of the Benarth site boundary. This site was in the ownership of Conwy County Borough Council, part of which was currently leased to the Conwy (Pensarn) Bowling Club until 31 March 2025.

The retaining wall to the Benarth open space area had started to bulge and collapse, putting at risk existing site users and nearby tenants. In addition, the wall was also a listed structure, known as River Gyffin, South Retaining Wall and listed as special interest as a C19 river wall forming a group with Pont Pensarn. A special investigation report recommended that the preferred means of repair would be the large scale excavation behind the settlement.

Members were asked to consider the options to identify funds, either from the current year’s Capital Programme or that emergency works for the river wall be included within the Capital Programme process for 2017/18.

Members agreed that the work should be undertaken sooner, rather than later to avoid further erosion and damage to the wall and supported the identification of funds from the current Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy, Law and Regulation made reference to departmental ownership/responsibility issues for Council land and the appointment of a Chief Property Officer to determine any anomalies. It was proposed that by way of an ongoing project, all Council owned land and buildings be suitably mapped/identified, before Services were consulted, in order that they confirm acceptance of responsibility. The Cabinet Member felt caution was needed and suggested that formal appropriation of land between Services be undertaken, to avoid any future issues.

RESOLVED- That funds are identified within the current year’s Capital Programme to progress with the repairs to the wall as proposed in Option 3 of the Special Investigation Report.

384. EXEMPT ITEMS: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972, SECTION 100A AND SCHEDULE 12A (ACCESS TO INFORMATION)

RESOLVED- That the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting under the provisions of Section 100A of the above Act during consideration of the following item as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that in all the relevant circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

385. LAND AT PLAS PENRHYN,

The Cabinet Member for Communication, on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources presented a report seeking approval for the disposal of land at Plas Penrhyn, Penrhyn Bay.

Plas Penrhyn was a vacant parcel of former grazing land within the Authority’s ownership and was in the Local Development Plan (LDP) allocated for housing. The lands were originally acquired from the Welsh Government to develop a new school for the area, a use that was no longer required. Welsh Government would have clawback on the land for any use other than education.

It was proposed that the land be sold and Members were asked which of five options they wished Officers to pursue.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and Officers recommended Option 3 (iii) – to approve the disposal of the land as described within the report in line with HOU/7 of the LDP, where the Council, on its own land seeks a higher than usual allocation of affordable housing, with a 50% allocation of affordable housing.

Members were also requested to consider whether the capital receipt should be retained by Education Services rather than for the funds to be retained corporately, as was normal practice.

The Local Electoral Division Member (Councillor Chris Cater) who was in attendance at the meeting informed Members that he also supported Option 3(iii) and suggested that the parking situation in the adjacent retail area was in need of proper resolution. The Local Member also supported the retention of the capital receipt by Education Services, as the land was originally obtained for local education improvement and requested that the Strategic Director (Social Care and Education) carefully considers how the capital receipt could be used to assist Ysgol Glanwydden and Ysgol y Creuddyn with their capacities.

The other Local Member for Penrhyn Bay (Councillor Linda Groom) supported retaining the land to build a Community Centre and with the rest of the land for housing. Should the land be sold, Councillor Groom would like the proceeds to be used for the benefits of the school in the Penrhyn Ward.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health had also been consulted and whilst she supported Option 3 (iii), she highlighted the severe shortage of affordable homes in the County Borough. The Cabinet Member for Communities concurred with these comments and suggested that in future years there would be a need to use capital receipts to provide for the levels of affordable housing required.

In response to the comments made by the two Cabinet Members, the Chief Executive asked Members why they couldn’t support Option 3 (i) – 100% allocation of affordable housing, as in this instance, it was in the Council’s gift to seek a higher than usual allocation and in the process make a significant difference for future generations.

The Local Member (Councillor Chris Cater) informed Members that this proposal had been considered previously, and it was thought that 100% affordable housing would be a bit excessive for the Penrhyn Bay area; there would be probably some concern locally and it was important to get the right balance of housing types.

The Housing Strategy Manager explained to Members that the waiting list for housing was not representative of need in Penrhyn Bay, as there was no affordable housing in the area. Llandudno and Colwyn Bay were the areas with the highest need for both rented accommodation and affordable homes.

It also clarified that a Registered Social Landlord would be able to offer a mixture of social, intermediate and affordable housing on the development. In order to deliver the level of affordable housing required in the County Borough, the Authority would not be able to rely solely on the LDP and that there would need to look at alternative delivery models, such as using existing properties.

Following the debate, it was proposed and seconded that Option 3 (iii) – with an allocation of 50% affordable housing be approved, taking account of the Local Member’s comments and the need to get the balance of housing right. It was also proposed and seconded that the capital receipt be retained corporately, as normal practice.

An amendment was proposed by the Cabinet Member for Communities, proposing Option 3 (i) – with an allocation of 100% affordable housing, which was seconded by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health.

Following a vote it was RESOLVED:- That the land at Plas Penrhyn, Penrhyn Bay be disposed of as described within the report in line with HOU/7 of the LDP, where the Council, on its own land, seeks a higher than usual allocation of affordable housing – residential with 100% allocation of affordable housing.

386. ACQUISITION OF LAND AT ROAD, COLWYN BAY AND USE OF SECTION 203 OF THE HOUSING AND PLANNING ACT 2016 TO EXTINGUISH A RIGHT OF WAY OVER THE LAND

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health presented a report, seeking approval to acquire land at Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay and use section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to extinguish a right of way over the land, in order to support the Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Programme.

The Cabinet Member explained the reasons why it was necessary to acquire the land and how Officers would progress the proposal.

RESOLVED- (a) That approval be given to acquire the land at Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay from North Wales Housing for planning purposes as provided in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and its subsequent disposal to North Wales Housing, to enable the provisions of section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to apply.

(b) That the Head of Law and Governance determines the most appropriate way to structure the acquisition and disposal, so as to minimise costs to both the Council and North Wales Housing, including (if necessary) an application to Welsh Government Ministers for approval of a freehold disposal at nil value, pursuant to section 233 for the Town and County Planning Act 1990.

387. DISPOSAL OF DEGANWY LIBRARY

The Cabinet Member for Communities presented a report seeking approval for the disposal of Deganwy Library.

Following the closure of the Library, the Authority was approached by Deganwy Community Hub who were interested in taking a Lease of the property so that it could be retained as a community facility.

On 11 August 2015, Cabinet agreed to a 25 year lease, subject to Deganwy Community Hub gaining charitable status or becoming a community interest company by 31 March 2016. Owing to delays in the Group obtaining charitable status, Cabinet agreed an extension to 30 June 2016; when Deganwy Community Hub failed to meet this extended deadline, Officers were requested to prepare a report, detailing options for disposal.

The Local Electoral Division Member for Deganwy (Councillor Sam Cotton) whilst disappointed that the proposals with Deganwy Community Hub could be not be progressed, realised the importance of the disposal of the building to the area library plan.

RESOLVED- That Deganwy Library be disposed of at market value on terms and conditions negotiated by the County Valuer and Asset Manager.

(The meeting ended at 3.35 pm)