Working Group Minutes 9 May 2012

Pontyclun New Town Centre Working Group - minutes

Date:            9^th May 2012

Attendees:    Paul Griffiths, Margaret Griffiths, Len Arthur, Ann Bennett, Rachel                          Saunders, Claire Williams, Richard Billett, Jeff Woodington, Gwyn Jackson

Apologies:     None

		Action
1.	Introductions & Welcome Two new members of the group were welcomed and introduced – Jeff Woodington and Gwyn Jackson
2.	The Way Forward Following the election of Paul and Marg to the RCT County Borough Council, Marg explained their position regarding their involvement in the working group going forward. Essentially, whilst they can attend meetings, they can only now attend in a listening capacity.  We will continue to invite both Marg and Paul to attend the meetings and hope they can attend the best they can and listen to the ongoing progress of the group. A new venue for future meetings was agreed – thank you Len.  Meetings will now take place at 44 Heol Miskin, Pontyclun. A new “chair/secretary” was agreed, and Claire will now take over from Marg with regards to chairing the meetings, setting agendas, taking the notes, circulation of outputs and comms. Marg will send Claire a list of the third parties that have been contacted regarding the activities of the group so that Claire can make contact, explain the change in dynamics of the group and explain that further correspondence will be received via her going forward.  Claire to ensure the handover is properly documented so that no issues can arise over this matter when it comes to the planning committee meetings later this year. Claire took the opportunity to thank both Paul and Marg for getting the group up and running and for their hospitality, contribution and enthusiasm over the last two years.  A date is to be agreed for a drinks/meal/social event for the group.	Len Claire Marg/Claire Claire to circulate dates
3.	Preparations for the Planning Committee Meeting(s) Claire brought with her the spreadsheet, which has been set up to help the group to form our thoughts for the Planning Committee Meeting(s). Specific Actions: Claire to look at the possibility of a “drop box” to store the documentation, as it would be too large to send via email attachment. Claire to re-circulate a copy of the groups response letter so that we can all re-familiarise ourselves with the points we have raised (copy of letter appended). Anyone who would rather the data be put onto a USB stick to let Claire have one and she will sort this out.	Claire
	We agreed the following split of the “responses”: Well connected – Richard (N.b. need to include traffic issues on the Pontyclun high street) Well designed & built – Claire Thriving – Rachel & Len (Len will pick up on the future angle) Accessible, Inclusive & Safe – Gwyn Fair for everyone – Jeff Environmentally sensitive - Ann	All
4.	AOB Ann to try and obtain a letter sent by the community council to Sainsbury’s, and the group to draft a response to Sainsbury’s requesting that they consider moving their store to the brown field site.	Ann
	Claire to ensure that she emails Jim Bailey in the Planning Office to outline the groups request to speak at the planning meeting.  Claire also to ask for clarification on whether the hearing will only deal with phase 1 (i.e. the Sainsbury’s detailed planning application) or the whole outline planning application for the entire development, as this will have an impact on how we prepare.	Claire
	Next meeting set for 7pm, 23 May 2012 (apologies received from Gwyn and Richard).	All