Buarth Pavement Work Underway

Work is well underway on the re-surfacing of the pavements in upper Buarth Road following a controversy lasting many months.

Ceredigion Council’s original position was that the pavement had been assessed as presenting a ‘trip hazard’ that needed remedying. The Council has a method of assessing re-surfacing priorities using a ‘matrix’ which takes into account numbers of people using a street (‘footfall’) coupled with pavement condition to arrive at a priority list. Upper Buarth Road apparently came quite high up this list (despite no residents complaining about them, in contrast to other places). The Council Cabinet had already taken a decision to abandon paving stone across the County as a cost-saving measure other than for high-usage town centre areas. In line with this they were planning to tarmac the whole of upper Buarth Road at a cost of £22,000. Apparently laying paving slabs instead would have cost an extra £17,000. However it was not so much this that worried the Council but the precedent that would be set for other similarly attractive areas that could have theoretically cost the Council hundreds of thousands of pounds across the county. It’s true to say that, as publicity increased, a few people from other areas began to ask about their own streets.

Many Buarth Road residents are very conscious that their street is a highly attractive example of urban architecture dating back over 100 years and expressed great concern that tarmac would be entirely out of keeping with this. After the issue was raised with me I managed to get the work halted pending a re-appraisal. Various Council officers (planning officers, highways engineers etc) then walked the street and gave their view from their various perspectives. A seven-page paper was then put together listing five different options with benefits and disadvantages listed against each.

When it became clear that the residents' preference of full re-paving was not going to get the approval of the Cabinet Member for Highways, who the final decision rested with, I proposed that, since no-one had actually complained about the pavements, the Council should simply leave them as they were with the exception of the most uneven slabs. This would have involved spending £6,000 patching up the pavement, a saving of £16,000. I felt that this could both provide a cost saving for the Council and be acceptable to residents. However the Highways Department felt this was too risky and could entail increased costs in the future.

Eventually the Cabinet Member approved what was described as a ‘compromise solution’. It was exaggerating somewhat to call this a compromise since it still involved tarmacking most of the pavement. However this did at least save the section of pavement between Edgehill and Banadl Roads as, during the re-assessment period, it was identified that this contained the only paving slabs which dated from the original formation of the street. As I write, these slabs have been pulled up as a preparation for re-laying. This is going to stop at the corner of Banadl Road as there are no plans to re-surface that road at all at present due to its relatively low usage. Having these slabs re-laid and kept is only a small success but nevertheless significantly better than the Council’s original intentions. Once the Council's final decision had become clear I asked the Council to at least put in extra disabled crossings as part of the work and they’ve now agreed to put five in the road.

Buarth residents have very strongly made the point that responsibility for maintaining the Conservation Area seems to rest almost entirely with residents rather than the Council. In the Highways Scrutiny Committee I’ve now asked for the Highways Dept to look at what exactly Conservation Area status means for the Council. In the present climate saving money is coming before just about everything and certainly above higher aesthetic and architectural values.

Carreg Wen Planning Application Refused

A double planning application for two houses to be built in the garden of a property in Llanbadarn Road has been refused by the County Council's Planning Department after a number of neighbours objected.

The application was turned down on several grounds, the main one being that it would have set a precedent which could have led to houses being built on neighbouring gardens, entirely altering the character of this attractive conservation area.

A previous application to build three houses in the same garden had also been refused.

It is still open to the developer to appeal against the decision to the National Assembly.

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau

The latest on planning applications in Bronglais ward and around

Bwthyn Briallu, Coedlan Iorwerth Avenue A090103CA

Demolition of brick pillar to enable vehicular access (Conservation Area consent)

Crown Buildings, Plascrug A090069AV
Display of advertisement (fixed laminated canvas banner)

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176
Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park
Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)

Diweddaraf / Latest – Discussed at the Development Control Committee on 12th November. The application was DEFERRED, pending agreement with the Trunk Road Agency on road traffic safety on the Penglais Hill side and also subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development - this will involve the construction of a Park & Ride near the top of Penglais Hill. Negotiations between the Hospital, the Trunk Road Agency and the University, who own the potential Park & Ride land, are still taking place.

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road

A080919

Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling

In the front garden of the above house, i.e. fronting onto Llanbadarn Road

A080920

Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling in the rear garden of the above house, i.e. fronting onto St David’s Road.

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradog Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Diweddaraf / Latest – REFUSED.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513

Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling

Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog

Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.

Diweddaraf / Latest – No objection from Highways Dept. The application is being dealt with by outside consultants brought in to help clear the Council’s backlog of planning applications.

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:

Phase 1 - 9 flats

Phase 2 - 18 flats

Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)

4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)

Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401

Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol

One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus
Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Awaiting decision.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273

Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeiladInstallation of 2 condensing units to side of building
Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. Still no final resolution.

Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Aber Set to Grow Despite Recession

There may be 37 vacant shops in Aberystwyth at present but that doesn’t seem to be deterring potential investors. Despite the credit crunch at least six major new developments are currently under active consideration around the town:
* A five-storey extension at Bronglais Hospital
* A new medical centre on the west side of Penglais Hill
* A new Park & Ride near the top of Penglais
* A major re-development at the bottom of Great Darkgate Street around the sorting office
* A five-storey car park on the Mill Street site
* A major expansion of the Llety Parc hotel

I've left out some others that are only in their early stages yet. Add these to the new Council and Assembly offices and, if all these come to fruition, in a few years time Aberystwyth could look very different.

Why is this, when we are hearing about economic gloom everywhere else? Part of the answer lies in the last of the developments mentioned - the Assembly building. Looking around Wales, most towns the size of Aberystwyth have, in turn, received substantial development funding from the National Assembly in the last decade. Aberystwyth has been an exception to this. The Assembly's 'Wales Spatial Plan', a study aiming to develop a coherent strategy for the development of Wales as a nation, identifies Aberystwyth as 'a town of national significance' by virtue of its position exactly halfway down the coast in the relatively under-developed middle of the country.

I'm told by local economists that the decision to decentralise the Assembly's agriculture department from Cardiff to Aberystwyth was the first part of a process that will increasingly see government money being used to develop services or to augment private capital investment here. The Assembly-funded Aberystwyth Masterplan is the hoped-for framework for this.

As someone who regularly supports residents in opposing unwanted developments, I know how much people value the green areas around the town and I won't hesitate to speak out against proposals that don't look likely to contribute to our social or environmental well-being. But the broad aim of creating a more unified, decentralised Wales by developing a town large enough to pull north and south together is an exciting one if done in the right way. How, rather than if, it happens will be all-important.

Wood Chips to Heat New Assembly Building

Many people have been asking what is the large new building on the Ysgol Penweddig playing field close to the railway line. The building is a wood chip biomass plant which will heat both the new National Assembly and County Council Offices across the railway track.

The plant is due to be switched on for the first time in February. The boiler has been designed with enough capacity to also heat Ysgol Penweddig and Plas Crug Leisure Centre and it is hoped that money can be found in the future to make the connections to allow this to happen. The woodchips will be sourced in the Machynlleth and Corris area so will not be travelling far for their weekly delivery. Both the County Council and Assembly buildings are due to open in the Autumn.

Students Back Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth gives students the best all-round university experience in Wales and the eighth best in the UK according to the latest figures just released by the Times. Whilst the quality of courses and staff received good marks, the town itself scored particularly highly in the category 'good community atmosphere'.

The figures add to a survey of students last year which showed Aberystwyth was the top town in the whole of the UK for providing a sense of community and student safety. A University spokesperson said this was an achievement by the people of Aberystwyth. The findings are based on 36,000 student reviews from 56 universities.

In another development, the University is now recommending to new students that they don't bring their cars to the town. This has been much requested by the Town Council as a way of minimising unnecessary traffic in the town.

Major Expansion of Llety Parc Hotel Planned

Plans for a major expansion of the Llety Parc hotel at Parc y Llyn were backed by Ceredigion County Council's Development Control Committee at its meeting yesterday. The proposed trippling in size of the hotel, to accommodate 450 diners with conference facilities for 600, will dramatically alter this important entranceway to Aberystwyth.

However the committee heard that there were still serious concerns that flood risk, a real problem in the area, had not been properly addressed by the plans and held back from giving full approval until this issue has been resolved. They gave planning officers the power to give final approval when they and the Environment Agency, who assess flood risk, are satisfied. In addition the Trunk Road Agency want to see modifications to the Parc y Llyn roundabout to cope with the expected traffic, the developer being expected to pay for much of this. Officers were also asked to ensure that sufficient parking is provided.

There is no doubt that the development will reduce the amount of playing field space in the area and will further urbanise the outskirts of Aberystwyth - both the Welsh Sports Council and National Playing Fields Association are objecting. However the scheme will retain a football pitch, albeit a smaller one than is there at present, and include a tennis court and multi-use sports area.

At the meeting I requested that planning officers look at the possibility of using a small amount of the land to bring a cycle path through to Llanbadarn from Plas Crug Bridge. A few years ago this idea was blocked by the refusal of Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council to allow their play area next to the site to be used for this. A small diversion onto Llety Parc land could allow the path through and Officers agreed to explore this.

The Llety Parc hotel is not universally popular. Despite being a locally owned, independent business, it has the look of a corporate travel lodge. Whilst internet user reviews praise the friendliness of hotel staff they criticise the distance from the town centre and the view of Mcdonalds from the windows. The erosion of further green space, entailed in the new plans, will not impress its detractors. On the other hand there are increasing demands for large conference facilities in the Aberystwyth area which the proposals will help to fulfil. The hotel also employs 37 people and this number will grow if the expansion is allowed.

There is still a considerable amount of work to be done to address flooding and traffic issues before planning permission can be granted. If these can be resolved the growth of Aberystwyth looks set to continue.

Llety Parc website http://www.aberpark.com/

Further Council Cuts for the Coming Year

Cyngor Sir Ceredigion's Cabinet is proposing a budget for 2009/10 that will entail a cut of £4.3 million in its budget compared to last year. The cuts are being proposed despite transferring £600,000 from the Council's reserves and setting Council Tax at an extra 5%. Each department across the Council is being asked to identify further savings to fund the shortfall.

Representations are being made to the National Assembly, particularly Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons, about the poor funding package for County Councils. In turn the Assembly will point to the Westminster government for sticking to the much-criticised Barnett Formula in funding for Wales. The Council Cabinet's financial package will need to be discussed by the Full Council before it can be implemented.

Positive news on crime - if you want to see it

Ceredigion's two main local papers have put very different interpretations on the recently released crime figures for the area.

The Cambrian News headlines with, "New maps show average of 100 crimes a month in Aberystwyth" and begins the article by saying, "Crime levels in Aberystwyth are the highest in Ceredigion...". Since Aberystwyth is more than three times the size of any other town in the County, this is less than surprising - a bit like saying crime levels in Cardiff are the highest in South-east Wales. The article then adds, somewhat more relevantly, that crime levels in the town have actually dropped by 10 per cent.

By contrast, the Cardigan & Teifi-side Advertiser headlines with, "Ceredigion is the Safest", beginning the article with, "Ceredigion is the safest county in England and Wales, according to crime statistics just released. Figures show all types of recorded crime have fallen by a fifth since April".

One has to wonder why many media outlets insist on trying to find a cloud in every silver lining and what effect this has on the way we view the world. Despite what we're told, some things are actually getting better.

The latest crime figures can be found on the newly updated Dyfed-Powys Police website at http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ by clicking on 'Crime Maps / Mapiau Trosedd'.

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau

The latest on planning applications in Bronglais ward and around

Bwthyn, Min y Bryn / Edgehill Road A081044
Erection of an extension and alterations, including demolition work

Diweddaraf / Latest – APPROVED

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176

Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park

Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)

Diweddaraf / Latest – Discussed at the Development Control Committee on 12th November. The application was DEFERRED, pending agreement with the Trunk Road Agency on road traffic safety on the Penglais Hill side and also subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development - this will involve the construction of a Park & Ride near the top of Penglais Hill.

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road
A080919
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the front garden of the above house, i.e. fronting onto Llanbadarn Road
A080920
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling in the rear garden of the above house, i.e. fronting onto St David’s Road.

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradoc Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Diweddaraf / Latest – This application has been delayed whilst Planning Officers consider their recommendation. The earliest date for decision will be 11th February.

Ysgol Plas Crug School, Coedlan Plas Crug Avenue A080848
Erection of Conservatory
Diweddaraf/ Latest – APPROVED subject to conditions

Llyfygell Genedlaethol / National Library A080810LB
Listed Building Consent - New external wheelchair platform lift, 2 disabled parking bays, relay existing steps adjacent to new platform lift, new access ramp to main entrance, ramps to existing footway.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587
Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation
Diweddaraf / Latest – APPROVED

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog
Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.

Diweddaraf / Latest – The application is being dealt with by outside consultants brought in to help clear the Council’s backlog of planning applications. No objection from Highways Dept.

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 - 9 flats
Phase 2 - 18 flats
Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)
4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)
Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401
Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol
One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus

Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Awaiting decision.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273
Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad
Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building

Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. No final resolution as yet.


Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Street Light Turn Off - How it Will Affect Aber

Ceredigion Council have drawn up a draft list of street lights to be turned off in April in an effort to both save money and reduce energy usage.

The plans involve turning off most lights outside the very centre of Aberystwyth between midnight and 5am, although lights on main roads will be left on.

In Bronglais ward all streets will be switched off with the exception of Thespian Street, Northgate Street, Penglais Hill, Llanbadarn Road, Caradog Road and Plas Crug Avenue. On the other side of town, all streets to the west of Pier Street and Bridge Street will be switched off. Streets in the central section between Pier Street and North Road will be left on to create a fully lit area in the centre of town.

It is widely believed that street lighting helps to deter crime and certainly the general public report feeling safer with lights on. However there is strong evidence to suggest that it actually makes no difference to crime levels and even some evidence that turning lights off can reduce anti-social behaviour by helping to subtly subdue revellers (http://www.britastro.org/dark-skies/crime.html).

A meeting of Community Council representatives across Ceredigion was held last week which broadly endorsed the plans which will cover the whole county. The police will also be consulted before any final decision is made.

Ceredigion tenants say Yes to stock transfer

Council tenants in Ceredigion have voted by a substantial majority for their housing stock to be transferred to the new Tai Ceredigion housing association.

Y Canlyniad / The Result
Yes: 1,067 (58.3%)
No: 763 (41.7%)

Although the result was closer than many expected, the turnout of 69.93% - the highest in Wales - gives a clear mandate.

The transfer to the new organisation will be completed in a year's time after which more money will be available for the repair and maintenance necessary to bring the housing stock up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Bronglais Plans On Hold

The planning application by Bronglais Hospital for a five-storey extension is on hold because the Trunk Road Agency is unhappy with plans for a major new entrance on Penglais Hill. The application was discussed in this week’s meeting of the County Council’s Development Control Committee during which the Committee heard a letter from the Trunk Road Agency explaining their views.

The Agency say,
"On the basis of the submitted plans to date and in the interests of highway safety, I would advise your authority to refuse the proposed development for the following reasons....”. It then goes on to explain how the sub-standard access, the speed of traffic and the slowing and turning of this traffic would, “...lead to conditions prejudicial to public safety and the free-flow of traffic on the trunk road”.

The application is unable go ahead without the agreement of the Trunk Road Agency.

The Committee agreed to defer the application pending the resolution of the traffic issues, with power given to the planning officer to approve it, “....subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development". At the moment this is looking a long way off.

Below is my speech during the debate.

"A couple of years ago several hundred people marched around Aberystwyth against plans to downgrade Bronglais Hospital and in support of it’s retention as a District General Hospital for mid-Wales. Thanks in no small part to the work of Elin Jones as Assembly Member the Hospital has now received over £33 million in order to allow it to retain that status.

This application has taken a very long time to reach this committee. I’m told the hospital loses £18,000 for every week of delay.

There is, therefore, considerable weight behind this application.

At the same time the hospital is on a constrained site right in the middle of a residential area of Aberystwyth. The hospital themselves acknowledge that it’s outgrown it’s site. They’ve explored options like moving out to Lovesgrove but that would take so long that the hospital would have been downgraded by the time they got there.

So, it’s left with this site with all it’s problems.

Whilst I understand that most councillors will be most concerned about the broader strategic issue of providing a quality general hospital for the area, my job, as Bronglais Ward councillor, whilst being mindful of the broader issues, is to make sure the interests of local residents are heard.

Firstly I’d like to thank the hospital for involving local residents in the evolvement of the plans. They’ve had, I think now, four meetings with both immediate residents and those slightly further afield in the past 18 months. These have resulted in some significant changes to the plans

For example, in the original drawings the new extension looked like a huge grey monolith right up against the pavement in Caradog Road.

It’s now been moved back 4 metres, which doesn’t sound a lot but it will make quite a difference to the light that the road receives and especially for those living opposite. I understand the top two floors have now been stepped back which further breaks up the mass of it. There have also been reassurances given about more appropriate colours.

Other issues that have been raised that the planning department might consider are the need to break up the look of the end wall from the Llanbadarn Road end and to generally devise architectural detail that would prevent what one objector has described as "a monolithic and ugly continuum from the old to the new building". There’s a need to make the roof look reasonable from the many houses that will look down on it from the hill above and the need for high quality soundproofing for the machinery on the upper floor. There’s a need to specifically address in the plans the concerns residents have about overlooking windows. And, if the time comes for the detailed application, there’s a need for a detailed landscaping plan.

I know there’s a tendency for people from outside the immediate area to think that the importance of the development justifies overriding local residents concerns but I think what benefits local residents will ultimately benefit the whole development, although it might cost a little more. Local residents are the ones doing the scrutiny on everyone’s behalf.

So there have been a lot of improvements made to the plans. On the other hand, much more worryingly, the car parking situation is quite dramatically altered compared to the original ideas mooted for the site. Originally there was talk of the extra layer on the hospital’s main car park allowing an extra 70 cars compared to the numbers parking there now. That was an attractive idea to residents who are used to hospital workers parking outside their houses all day every day. That figure came down to 50 and then 40 and now it’s down to just 10 extra places 137 compared to the current 127. Caradog Road, the residential street the hospital’s in, has been documented by the Council’s own Highways Dept as being one of the most difficult streets to park in in the whole town. The other residential streets close by aren’t much different. It was hoped that extra parking places at the hospital might help this. To lose them in the plans is a major setback for many people.

One of the things that’s contributed to this is the National Assembly’s decision to stop hospital’s charging for car parking space. This has meant that no income can be derived from car parking and certainly doesn’t make it easy for hospitals to invest in more.

Of course, it’s argued that this development doesn’t represent an expansion of the hospital but would just maintain its current service to a more modern standard. However it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that, if anything, this application would generate more traffic. This is a serious concern, not just for the immediate area but for the north and east side of Aberystwyth as a whole because even the current situation is far from acceptable for everyone concerned – patients, staff and local residents.

In one way the development would assist the traffic situation in the residential streets around Caradoc Road, if not the parking. The plan is for the hospital to turn it’s entrance around completely and for the main entrance, including the blue light entrance, to become Penglais Hill – the trunk road. This is clearly much more appropriate than ambulances having to negotiate the crowded Caradoc Road. The applicant’s agent says this will result in a vast improvement for residents in that road, although it’s not clear that it will help the parking situation. On the other hand, I have to say that it’s raising major concerns amongst Penglais Hill residents living across from the hospital because anyone living to the north of Aberystwyth knows that Penglais Hill comes to a standstill every morning between 8.30 and 9am and at many other times during the tourist season.

But in many ways the hospital’s hands are tied. They can’t raise money from car parking anymore They can’t control where people choose to park off their premises. They’re dependent on the Council to take their share of the responsibility.

The sentence I like in the officer's report is this,
“Parking generated from the hospital does have a significant impact within the area and, although there may not be an increase, it’s reasonable to consider measures that address these issues in the context of an application. It is important that both staff and visitor’s needs are met (I would add residents to this). These cannot be met on site, so it is reasonable to negotiate off-site provision for parking and transport by another means that would alleviate issues in the surrounding area.”

This refers to the idea of building a park and ride for the north of the town which hospital staff would be expected to use, reserving the hospital car park for patients. I understand the Council and University are in talks about this. I fully support the idea. It’s needed even without this application. However, I understand any plans for this are some way behind the hospital’s timescale for commencement of building which is a real concern. The problem is that, without the Council’s assistance in pursuing decriminalisation and residents parking, it’s hard for the hospital to make its’ workers use any new park & ride. The Council has to play its part also. Will this be the catalyst? By the same token, whilst it’s about it, I’d also like the planning department to consider requesting more parking capacity on the hospital site and see if making this a condition can help them to provide this.

This, of course, is an outline application. The further details that I’ve asked for can be worked on before the next phase. The recommendation is to defer with powers to approve pending the resolution of traffic issues. I think that’s a reasonable recommendation in all the circumstances at this stage. However it also says “subject to conditions and subject to the applicant entering into an agreement … with regard to transportation matters relating to (both) the construction and (the) operational period of the development.”.

I believe the hospital support the spirit of this. They’re fully aware of the traffic problems around the site. But their control over the situation is limited and everything they spend is scrutinised by Cardiff. In fact, if they are to tackle them, they need the Planning Department to impose conditions because planning conditions are the only way they can justify spending the money to their bosses. Naturally they don’t want conditions so harsh that they simply can’t meet them but, if this is approved, the success or otherwise of it, in terms of how it works on the ground, depends on the planning officers working with them to find workable solutions to the traffic issues.

It’s also important that provision for the construction phase is built in. With most developments it’s accepted that some short-lived chaos will take place but this development will take 18 months so serious provision will have to be made.

I don’t have a vote on this. But if the Committee votes with the recommendation I would urge the planning officers to pursue this second part of the recommendation very seriously and ensure that adequate provision is built into these plans to cope with the future traffic to and from this site.

At the same time I’d also urge the Council’s Highways department to recognise the importance of the development and the opportunity it represents to improve the transport infrastructure to the north of the town and give the traffic issues their fullest attention and assistance within the necessary timescale.

Lastly, there is no better time to transfer parking control from the police to the Council and I would, once again, urge the Council to pursue this."

Anyone wishing to see the planning officer’s 12-page report or the Trunk Road Agency's full letter can get in touch with me.

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio a thrwyddedu yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau
The latest on planning and licensing applications in Bronglais ward and around

TRWYDDEDU / LICENSING

Siop Bwydydd Parod Marco, 19 Stryd y Dollborth
Marco's Takeaway, 19 Northgate Street
Mae'r siop uchod wedi gwneud cais i ymestyn eu horiau bwydydd hwyr o 11yh i 5yb o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
The above premises applied to extend their hours of late night opening from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Saturday.
Diweddaraf / Latest - APPLICATION REJECTED
The shop still retains permission for the following opening times:
University Term Time: Tuesday -Saturday 3am, Sunday & Monday 1am
University Holiday Period: Midnight on all days

CYNLLUNIO / PLANNING

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176
Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park
Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)
Diweddaraf / Latest – Discussed at the Development Control Committee on 12th November. The application was DEFERRED, pending agreement from the Trunk Road Agency on road traffic safety on the Penglais Hill side and also subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development. If all these are put in place the Planning Officer can approve the application without going back to the Committee. If agreement cannot be reached it will have to go back to the Development Control Committee for a decision.

Tir rhwng 3 a 4 Rhes y Poplys / Land between 3 & 4 Poplar Row A080535
Codi ty ffordiadwy / Erection of affordable dwelling
Diweddaraf / Latest – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080919
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the front garden of the above house

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080920
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the rear garden of the above house

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradoc Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Ysgol Plas Crug School, Coedlan Plas Crug Avenue A080848
Erection of Conservatory

Llyfygell Genedlaethol / National Library A080810LB
Listed Building Consent - New external wheelchair platform lift, 2 disabled parking bays, relay existing steps adjacent to new platform lift, new access ramp to main entrance, ramps to existing footway.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587
Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 10th December.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog
Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.
Diweddaraf / Latest – No objection from Highways Dept. The application is being dealt with by outside consultants brought in to help clear the Council’s backlog of planning applications.

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 - 9 flats
Phase 2 - 18 flats
Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)
4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)
Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401
Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol
One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus
Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Awaiting decision.

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill A080067
Adeiladu meddygfa a creche
Erection of Doctor's Surgery and Creche
Diweddaraf / Latest – Full planning consent has now been APPROVED, subject to conditions.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273
Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad
Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building
Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. No final decision as yet.


Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Economic Crisis Marks the Death of Thatcherism

I couldn't resist re-producing the quote below from tonight's blog by Robert Peston, the BBC's Business Editor. As someone who believes that much of what is wrong with our society can be traced back to the economic policies of Margaret Thatcher, I find it heartening to see that the current world financial crisis may ultimately have its benefits.

Robert says,

"I've also been musing on the historic significance of tonight's events, and I think it can perhaps be seen as the death of Thatcherism, or at least of an important strand of the dominant ideology of the 1980s and 1990s.
It was Margaret Thatcher who in a series of bold reforms from 1979 onwards gave the City the freedom to trade in everything and anything.
She removed restrictive practices, she encouraged the free flow of capital to and from anywhere in the world, she created the notion of the City as the Great British Success.
For the liberalisation of the City to end with a quartet of our biggest and proudest banks being forced to put out the begging bowl to Government, well that is a moment in ecnomic history - which may well, ultimately, be as significant as the nationalisations of the 1940s and the privatisations of the 1980s."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio a thrwyddedu yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau

The latest on planning and licensing applications in Bronglais ward and around

TRWYDDEDU / LICENSING

Siop Bwydydd Parod Marco, 19 Stryd y Dollborth
Marco's Takeaway, 19 Northgate Street
Mae'r siop uchod wedi gwneud cais i ymestyn eu horiau bwydydd hwyr o 11yh i 5yb o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
The above premises applied to extend their hours of late night opening from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Saturday.
Diwedaraf / Latest - APPLICATION REJECTED
The shop still retains permission for the following opening times:
University Term Time: Tuesday -Saturday 3am, Sunday & Monday 1am
University Holiday Period: Midnight on all days


CYNLLUNIO / PLANNING

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080919
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the front garden of the above house

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080920
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the rear garden of the above house

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradoc Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Ysgol Plas Crug School, Coedlan Plas Crug Avenue A080848
Erection of Conservatory
Diweddaraf / Latest - In the consultation period

Llyfygell Genedlaethol / National Library A080810LB
Listed Building Consent - New external wheelchair platform lift, 2 disabled parking bays, relay existing steps adjacent to new platform lift, new access ramp to main entrance, ramps to existing footway.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587
Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Tir rhwng 3 a 4 Rhes y Poplys / Land between 3 & 4 Poplar Row A080535
Codi ty ffordiadwy / Erection of affordable dwelling
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog
Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.
Diweddaraf / Latest – No objection from Highways Dept. Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.
Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 - 9 flats
Phase 2 - 18 flats
Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)
4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)
Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401
Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol
One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus
Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176
Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park
Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.
A briefing session and open forum for local residents will be held at on Wednesday 15th October at 2pm at the Lounge, Pantycelyn, Aberystwyth University.

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill A080067
Adeiladu meddygfa a creche
Erection of Doctor's Surgery and Creche
Diweddaraf / Latest – Full planning consent has now been approved, subject to conditions.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273
Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad
Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building
Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. No final decision as yet.


Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Ceredigion achieves Fair Trade status

Ceredigion has become the 12th Fair Trade County in Wales. The award has been given two years after a joint motion by Plaid Cymru and Lib Dems called for the Council to pursue Fair Trade status. The county-wide campaign was started by a group in Aberystwyth.

Fair Trade supports small farmers in the developing world who produce food we cannot produce at home and who are disadvantaged by international trading conditions that benefit big business. The Fairtrade Foundation awards Fairtrade status to Nations, Towns, Counties, Schools and Churches that meet five goals developed to raise awareness and support for Fairtrade goods. The movement is making a significant impact in helping the developing world and is strongly backed by churches and chapels.

In a letter to the Council, the Fair Trade foundation said,

"Congratulations on comfortably exceeding the targets given for both retailers and caterers supporting Fairtrade. There is clearly a broad base of support for Fairtrade products in Ceredigion and the sale of Fairtrade products is of course at the core of the Fairtrade campaign. Please pass on our thanks to all the businesses whose support has helped to make Ceredigion a Fairtrade County".

The letter went on,

"Congratulations on gaining the national Library of Wales as a Flagship Employer. We hope that they will use their position to promote Fairtrade to contacts, clients and staff and that their support will encourage other businesses to think about making their own commitment to Fairtrade.

"We would like to particularly highlight the excellent work in promoting support for Fairtrade among the County’s schools. "

Mwy gwybodaeth / More information:http://www.fairtradewales.com/

Plaid Win Another By-election

Plaid Cymru have won the Aberystwyth Town Council By-election in Penparcau, taking their total to ten out of nineteen members on the Council. Owain Jones won on his first attempt by 24 votes over Labour candidate Dylan Jones with the Lib Dems trailing in third place. Plaid's representation in the Penparcau ward is now at it's highest ever, with one County Councillor (Rob Gorman) and three out of five Town Councillors. The By-election was called following the death of longstanding Independent councillor Owen Jones.

In Rheidol ward, another Town Council by-election saw the Lib Dems retain the seat left open by the resignation of their former councillor Lorrae Jones-Southgate. Martin Shewring won by 76 votes over Plaid's Sandra Oliver who received a good vote but was unable to repeat the spectacular win by Plaid's Aled Davies in the same ward's County Council by-election in July.

IS-ETHOLIADAU CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL BY-ELECTIONS

Penparcau
Owain Jones (Plaid Cymru) 141 (42%)
Dylan Jones (Llafur/Labour) 117 (34%)
John Thornton (Dem Rhyd/Lib Dem) 77 (22%)

Rheidol
Martin Shewring (Dem Rhyd/Lib Dems) 243 (59%)
Sandra Oliver (Plaid Cymru) 167 (40%)

New Cycle Path Welcomed

The new section of cycle path from Tanybwlch to Llanfarian via Rhydyfelin is a huge step forward for cyclists wanting to ride into Aberystwyth from the South and is already being used by both cyclists and walkers before it’s even been publicised. It allows cyclists to ride into town avoiding the main road and the large hill at Rhydyfelin. This greatly improves safety and so encourages people from that side of the town to cycle in.

However, further inland, the usefulness of the section from Trawsgoed to Tregaron is severely compromised by a major diversion off the old rail line near Tynygraig and the fact that the path stops two miles short of Tregaron. This is a lost economic opportunity for Tregaron as it’s well documented how cycle paths bring money into an area.

The County Council still has a tendency to see cycling as a tourist activity whereas scores of local people cycle around Aberystwyth every day. Now that Aberystwyth has the Ystwyth Trail coming in from the South and the Rheidol Cycleway from the East, I believe the next step is to make the town itself more cycle-friendly.

The photo shows Simon Leather of Llanbadarn Fawr trying out the new path

Penglais Surgery Gets Go-Ahead

The long-proposed medical surgery on Penglais Hill finally received planning permission this week. The application has been altered from the original in order to accommodate concerns of local residents who have been keen to protect the beautiful 'Dingle' lying between the site and Dan y Coed. Since the application was first put forward a public right of way has been declared running alongside the Dingle. The application site has therefore been narrowed and lengthened in order to place less pressure on the path.

As well as a doctors' surgery the new development will also include a students' medical centre, dentist surgery and nursery. A landscaping plan has been devised with the aim of protecting as many trees on the site as possible. When completed it is expected that Padarn Surgery will move to the new site.