Environment and Highways Cabinet Board

ENVIRONMENT AND HIGHWAYS CABINET BOARD

3RD NOVEMBER 2011

ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT – D.W. GRIFFITHS

INDEX OF REPORT ITEMS

PART 1 – Doc. Code: EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG

SECTION A – MATTERS FOR DECISION Report Item Page Wards Affected Nos

1. Proposed Residents Parking Scheme: 2-8 Glynneath Whitting Street, Glynneath

2. A474 Cwmgors – Access to 9-15 Pontardawe Windfarm Development (Nant Melyn Gwaun Cae Gurwen Farm, Cwmgors) Extension to 30mph Speed Limit

3. Christmas Car Parking 16-18 Neath North Port Talbot

SECTION C – MATTERS FOR MONITORING

4. Passenger Transport Business Plan 19-24 All 2011/2012

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 1 ITEM NO.1 PART 1 SECTION A

PROPOSED RESIDENTS PARKING SCHEME: WHITTING STREET, GLYNNEATH

Purpose of Report

To consider the response received following the advertisement of the proposed Residents Parking Scheme at Whitting Street, Glynneath indicated in Appendix A.

Background

The scheme is necessary to alleviate parking problems that the residents’ experience outside of their homes.

In July 2011 the proposals were advertised at the same time a consultation exercise was undertaken to all properties affected by the scheme. Appendix B.

Financial Implications

The work will be funded from the Capital Works Programme.

Consultation Outcome

List of Consultees Councillor Mr H T Lewis Councillor Mr J D Morgan

Residents affected by proposal.

Following the consultation exercise, 10 residents sent letters of objection to the Whitting Street, Glynneath scheme. A summary of the contents is listed below.

Objectors

i) Letter 1, Edward Street, Glynneath ii) Letter 2, Whitting Street, Glynneath iii) Letter 3, Whitting Street, Glynneath iv) Letter 4, Whitting Street, Glynneath

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 2 v) Letter 5, Whitting Street, Glynneath vi) Letter 6, Whitting Street, Glynneath vii) Letter 7, Whitting Street, Glynneath viii) Letter 8, Whitting Street, Glynneath ix) Letter 9, Whitting Street, Glynneath x) Letter 10, High Street, Glynneath

Letter 1 states that if the residents parking scheme is introduced in Whitting Street, Glynneath it will move the parking problems to Edward Street, Glynneath.

Letter 2 states that the proposed residents parking scheme will/may cause friction between the neighbours and residents of Edward Street as many families have more than one vehicle and the scheme only provides a limited number of parking spaces. Also if a fee is to be charged the objector wants a guaranteed parking space.

Letter 3 strongly objects to the parking restrictions as it will cause major problems between neighbours where there is none now. Also the residents parking scheme will have a great impact on Edward Street.

Letter 4 strongly opposes the residents parking scheme as this will lead to people arguing as there will not be enough parking for all cars. Also the extra cars will have to park in Edward Street leading to problems there.

Letter 5 states that non permit holders will have problems parking. The objector is also very worried that if the changes take place a usually quiet friendly street will lead to neighbours being at loggerheads with each other.

Letter 6 expresses concern that as the resident only parking bays are not outside of all houses then parking will be more difficult for those who don’t have bays outside of their properties. The objector believes households owning more than one car will be forced to park in the uncontrolled parking areas meaning they will have to park elsewhere.

Letter 7 states that as a household with three car owners and as they have a garage they will only be entitled to one permit and as shift patterns mean a late return from work there won’t be any spaces left to park in the uncontrolled area.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 3 Letter 8 strongly opposes the introduction of a resident’s only parking scheme. The objector states that the majority of households have more than one car and believes the parking problem will move to Edward Street. The objector adds that local businesses will suffer if Whitting Street is made residents only as employees and customers will have nowhere to park. Another point raised was that residents should not have to pay for the privilege to park outside of their own properties. The letter concluded by stating that there is a community hall at the end of Whitting Street and as the majority of users are elderly or have mobility problems it will almost certainly force the hall to close due to lack of parking spaces.

Letter 9 objects to the proposals as the introduction of a residents parking scheme in Whitting Street will mean traffic migrating to Edward Street. The objector also states the scheme will lead to neighbour disputes in Whitting Street with visitors to community hall parking in the uncontrolled area all day leaving local residents without permits not being able to park. Another comment was that there is on street parking space available in Whitting Street during most of the day and at weekends as most residents are out to work for the day meaning the bays will be empty for long periods. The objector finally added that there would be no parking in front of their property due to the introduction of a limited waiting bay.

Letter10 states that there are double yellow lines outside of the property in High Street with the nearest available parking in Whitting Street. The introduction of a parking scheme will mean there is no-where to park. The objector also states that there is a high level of traffic in Glynneath every day and any more restrictions will cause more chaos to the town.

Sustainability Appraisal

No Change

Recommendation

I RECOMMEND that the objections be upheld and that the objectors be informed accordingly.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 4

Reasons For Proposed Decision

The recommendation is based on the overwhelming concerns of local residents that the introduction of a residents parking scheme will lead to neighbours disputes and parking problems for Whitting Street, Edward Street, visitors to the community hall and non residents accessing the commercial area.

List of Backgound Papers

TR29

Wards Affected

Glynneath

Officer Contact

Daniel Long – Senior Technician Tel No. 01639 686488 E-mail: [email protected]

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 5 ITEM NO.1, PART 1, SECTION A – COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

PROPOSED RESIDENTS PARKING SCHEME WHITTING STREET, GLYNNEATH

(a) Implementation of Decision

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call-in period.

(b) Sustainability Appraisal Community Plan Impacts Economic Prosperity - No Impact Education and Lifelong Learning - No Impact Better Health and Well Being - No Impact Environment and Transport - Positive Crime and Disorder - No Impact

Other Impacts Welsh Language - No Impact Sustainable Development - Positive Equalities - Positive Social Inclusion - Positive

The item has been subject to external consultation.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 6

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 7

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 8 ITEM NO.2 PART 1 SECTION A

A474 CWMGORS – ACCESS TO WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT (NANT MELYN FARM, CWMGORS) EXTENSION OF 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT

Purpose of Report

To consider the responses received following the advertisement of the proposals as indicated in Appendix A.

Background

The planning consent for Application P2006/0009 required the Developer to submit a Traffic Management Plan, covering – “The improvement of the existing access track to Nant Melyn Farm off the A474, to provide access associated with construction works for the Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm”.

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council requested that in the interests of road safety at the junction location, the existing 30 mph zone at Cwmgors be extended southwards to encompass the site access. In addition to extending the speed limit, the Developer was required to extend the existing street lighting provision to suit the new 30 mph zone.

The extended 30 mph speed limit zone order was advertised and at the same time a consultation exercise was undertaken to properties in the surrounding area to the proposals.

The proposals were advertised from Wednesday 14th September 2011 through to Wednesday 5th October 2011 – Appendix B.

Financial Implications

The work will be funded by the Developer.

Consultations

List of Consultees:- Councillor M.L. James, Pontardawe Division Councillor L.M. Purcell, Pontardawe Division Councillor L.G. Williams, Gwaun Cae Gurwen Division Residents affected by the proposals

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 9

Comments and Objections

As part of the Consultation Exercise 16 No. Circular letters were delivered by hand to properties in the vicinity of the proposed extended 30 mph zone.

During the consultation period 5 No. letters/e-mails were received which objected to or commented on aspects of the proposals.

The individual objections/comments can be summarised as follows:-

Letter No.1

Objects to TRO proposals as a result of blanket objection to the Wind Farm planning approval.

Letter No. 2

Generally supports introduction of measures to extend 30 mph zone - but requested additional measures (Box markings, installation of Cameras and removal of Priority Give Way “Chicane”).

Letter No. 3

Generally supports introduction of measures to extend 30 mph zone – but objects to Wind Farm, location of access point and requested installation of Cameras.

Letter No. 4 (E-mail)

Generally supports introduction of measures to extend 30 mph – but objects to the encouragement of more HGV’s onto the A474 as a consequence of approval for the Wind Farm access. Considers that increased numbers of slow moving vehicles will encourage risk taking relating to overtaking.

Letter No. 5 (E-mail)

Generally supports introduction of measures to extend 30 mph zone – but objects to position of access and has concerns regarding increased emissions/noise/nuisance.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 10

Observations on Objections

1. The Wind Farm access proposals have received full planning approval from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council – the 30 mph zone extension proposals comply with the Highways conditions laid down as part of the approval (Objector No.1)

2. The location of the Wind Farm access has subsequently been relocated to a point further south of the Old Star Inn – which should appease Objectors Nos. 3 & 5.

3. Installation of Speed Cameras is a function of the South Wales Safety Camera Partnership – locations are identified through accident records (Objectors Nos. 2 & 3).

4. Removal of the Priority Give Way “Chicane” (Objector No.2) – not currently under consideration – the presence of the measure is considered to perform an important traffic calming function for traffic entering lower Cwmgors – removal would almost certainly result in an increase in through traffic speeds.

5. Increase in numbers of HGV’s (Objector No.4) – numbers will increase to coincide with the construction phase but should return to figures approaching current levels once the turbines are installed and the Wind Farm operational.

Sustainability Appraisal

It is envisaged that the proposed measures will enable the safe operation of access into/exit from the Wind Farm.

Recommendations

I RECOMMEND that:

(1) For reasons laid out in “Observations on Objections” that objections are overruled and that the proposals be implemented, as previously advertised.

(2) Objectors informed accordingly.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 11

Reasons for Proposed Decision

To improve Road Safety in the operation of access to and from the proposed Mynydd Betws Wind Farm.

List of Background Papers

TR25

Wards Affected

Pontardawe Gwaun Cae Gurwen

Officer Contact

G.K. Powell, Project Manager, Minor/Special Projects & Traffic Tel: 01639 686475 E- mail: [email protected]

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 12

ITEM NO.2, PART 1, SECTION A – COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

A474 CWMGORS – ACCESS TO WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT (NANT MELYN FARM, CWMGORS) EXTENSION OF 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT

(a) Implementation of Decision

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call-in period.

(b) Sustainability Appraisal Community Plan Impacts Economic Prosperity - Positive Education and Lifelong Learning - No Impact Better Health and Well Being - No Impact Environment and Transport - Positive Crime and Disorder - No Impact

Other Impacts Welsh Language - No Impact Sustainable Development - Positive Equalities - No Impact Social Inclusion - No Impact

The item has been the subject of external consultation.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 13

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 14

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 15 ITEM NO.3 PART 1 SECTION A

CHRISTMAS CAR PARKING

Purpose of Report

To seek Members approval for Christmas 2011 car parking arrangements in Neath and Port Talbot town centres.

Background

In 2010 the Authority granted free parking over the Christmas period as follows:

(a) From Saturday 18th December 2010 – car parking free in off street car parks until Friday 24th December 2010 inclusive.

It is intended that this financial year the authority offer free car parking from Saturday 17th December until Saturday 24th December 2011 inclusive.

Financial Implications

Lost car park income would be absorbed by the consolidated parking management account.

Consultation Outcome

No consultation is required under the constitution.

Sustainability Appraisal

A period of free parking is likely to attract increased numbers of Christmas shoppers thereby improving business turnover for traders.

Recommendation

That free parking be implemented from Saturday 17th December to Saturday 24th December 2011 inclusive in Neath and Port Talbot Pay and Display Car Parks and Milland Road Pay on Exit Car Park, Neath.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 16 Reasons for Proposed Decision

To encourage trading during the Christmas period.

List of Background Papers

None

Wards Affected

Neath North Port Talbot

Officer Contact

Steve Cook, Parking Manager Tel: 01639 897913 E- mail: [email protected]

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 17 ITEM NO.3, PART 1, SECTION A - COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

CHRISTMAS CAR PARKING

(a) Implementation of Decision

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call-in period.

Other Impacts Welsh Language - No Impact Sustainable Development - No Impact Equalities - No Impact Social Inclusion - Positive

There has been no requirement under the constitution for external consultation on this item.

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 18 ITEM NO.7 PART 1 SECTION C

PASSENGER TRANSPORT BUSINESS PLAN 2011/2012

Purpose of Report

To report on the above Business Plan for monitoring scrutiny purposes. A full copy is available on the Intranet for Members’ use.

Business Plan Extract

This Operational Business Plan covers the period 2011 to 2012. It identifies the section’s service delivery objectives, service standards, performance against priorities, areas of risk, financial implications and action plans.

The unit employs 7 staff, all based at The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Neath, SA11 2GG, six of whom are full time.

A statement from the Director of Environment, along with the context within which this plan is written, forms an appendix to the business plan.

Organisational Structure

David Griffiths Head of Engineering and Transport

Steve Colinese Passenger Transport Manager

Rachel Hurlow* Angela Williams Ceri Jenkins Passenger Transport Clerical Assistant School Transport Admin Technician Accounts Assistant

John Matthews Paul Jenkins Transport Assistant S.E.N & Social Services Transport Officer

Derek Evans *part time Transport Technician

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 19 Monitoring Arrangements

This plan has been approved by the Director and relevant Cabinet Board Member. Progress and implementation will be reviewed by the Unit Manager and Head of Service in six months time. A record of this review will be kept for Audit purposes. Aspects of the plan are mentioned in monthly Team Briefings as appropriate.

During the year the plan may be scrutinised by the appropriate Scrutiny Committee.

All schools served by mainstream school transport, special needs transport/Social Services children in need taxis complete monthly monitoring forms. The Department for Transport (VOSA) is responsible for monitoring local bus services and checking vehicles. Operators of local bus contracts submit monthly statistics of passengers and revenue. In addition to these procedures, the Survey Team assist by monitoring reliability and helping with other issues as appropriate e.g. validating concessionary bus pass reimbursement claims, and checking operators are using CRB vetted staff on our contracts.

Aims and Objectives

Primary Aim

To deliver the requirements of Neath Port Talbot CBC as the public transport authority. This contributes to corporate, Community Plan and Regional Transport Plan aims, the objectives of the South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH), and the Welsh Government.

What the Unit is responsible for

The Unit has responsibilities in relation to local bus services, home to school transport, special needs transport, transport for Social Services’ children in need and their families, concessionary bus travel and passenger rail services. The Unit liaises with and monitors performance of Neath Port Talbot Shopmobility via a Service Level Agreement.

Action Plan Overview

The action plan is attached, incorporating: i) The Action Section and; ii) Targets Sections, including the latest performance data

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 20 Appendix 1 Passenger Transport Unit - Key Priorities/Action Plan 2011/12

The Unit contributes to Corporate, Community Plan and Local Transport Plan aims, and the objectives of the SWWITCH Consortium and the Welsh Government.

No Action Supporting Officer/Group Finance Progress To Date Target Date Linked Corporate Responsible Identified * Risk/ Service Indicators Objective 1. S.E.N. rationalisation SMP/ ELLL/ Self Ty Afan Primary/ Ongoing at R2 and Social Services BV Paul Jenkins/Edge generating Secondary Apr 05, Ysgol Hendre. Taxis efficiencies – Public Solutions Cwrt Sart Jan 05, inc. retendering Heronsbridge Sep 06, Catwg Primary, Velindre Sep 06, Cilfrew Primary, Blaenbaglan, Tywyn, Afan College Croeserw Feb 06, and Blaendulais/ Blaendulais Sep 07, Maes Marchog, Maesmarchog Sep 07, all Oct half term St. Joseph’s 11 Comp Sep 08, Sandfields Comp Sep 07, Cwmtawe Comp Jan 08, Trebanos Sep 08, Tonmawr Mar 09, Blaenhonddan Dec 09 Neath College Jan 11 Bryncoch PRU Feb 2011 Sandfields Comp, Maes y Coed, Cwmtawe Sept 11 * also retendered (June2011)

Blaenbaglan, Blaenhonddan, Croeserw, Cwmbwrla Primary, Cwrt Sart, Glanafan Comp, Gnoll Primary, Tywyn. Velindre, Ystafera

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 21

No Action Supporting Officer/Group Finance Progress To Date Comment Linked Corporate Responsible Identified Risk/ Service Indicators Objective 2. Continually review SMP DWG/SRC/Edge N/A Ongoing Ongoing R1 spending on local bus BV/LT Public Solutions contracts – inc. P retendering 3. Ensure employees SMP SRC Training Ongoing Ongoing trained Human Resources budget 4. Health/Lifestyle SMP OHU/SRC N/A Ongoing Ongoing awareness 5. Support corporate SMP SRC and Team N/A Ongoing Ongoing Initiatives 6. Ensure service is LR Human Resources/ N/A Ongoing - R6 equality proofed SRC 7. Develop consultation LR Human Resources/ N/A Ongoing - R6 questionnaire to SRC address equalities legislation

Key = SMP = Strategic Management Plan BV = Best Value LTP = Local Transport Plan WG = Welsh Government LR = Legal Requirement

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 22 Appendix 2 Targets

2011/12 2011/12 2011/12 No Performance Indicator Benchmark* Actual 09/10 Actual Target Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Linked 10/11 11/12 12/13 data data data actions HL1/ No. of passengers, using N/A 435,267 409,653 410,000# 410,000# 109,613 2 Tr/ subsidised bus services -25 (NPT/WAG)

THS % of adults 60+ CSS 85.2% 86.8% 89% 90% 86.6% 87.6% - 007 holding a concessionary (93.9%) pass * *

(Q1 – Q4 cumulative)

* using revised population estimates for mid 2010 # flatlining – as per First’s estimates

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 23 Financial Implications

None

Consultation Outcome

None

Sustainability Appraisal

No impact

Recommendation

For information only.

List of Background Papers

None

Wards Affected

All

Officer Contact

Steve Colinese, Passenger Transport Manager Tel.No. 01639 686658 E.Mail: [email protected]

EHB-031111-REP-EN-DG 24