House demolished without Planning Permission

The developers of the old North Road Hospital site have pre-empted a planning application to demolish a house by demolishing it anyway. The application to demolish Garn Wen in Infirmary Road was submitted in June. The intention is to widen the road to allow further building. The application has received objections from local residents and is likely to be discussed in Ceredigion Council's Development Control Committee in December. Theoretically, if the planning application is rejected the developer could be made to re-build the house. However Ceredigion has a record of taking no action in cases such as this.

Getting the right balance between flats and houses

Alun Williams has called for a halt to family houses being converted into flats in Aberystwyth. On Wednesday, Ceredigion County Council's Development Control Committee decided to allow the conversion of 'Preseli' in North Road into three flats despite objections from several local residents and the Town Council.
Speaking during the debate, Alun Williams said:

"There's nothing wrong with flats but we have hundreds of them now and every healthy town needs the right balance between flats and traditional houses. In Aberystwyth, that balance is in danger of being lost as we lose more and more family homes to flat conversions.

"Contrary to what the planning officer's report says, there's nothing 'inevitable' about this. Traditional houses are what gives a town its roots. The planning department should now be exercising control in order to maintain the kind of community people rather than abandoning its responsibility like this.

"Following strong lobbying from Aberystwyth Town Council, the Unitary Development Plan quite rightly stopped the development of any further HMOs in the town. When its successor – the Local Development Plan – is being formulated, I will be arguing that the time has come to do the same with the conversion of traditional homes to flats".

Drill Hall Summit Requested

Plaid Cymru councillor Alun Williams has called for those campaigning for a community centre in Aberystwyth to meet as a matter of urgency with the council officers and developers currently making plans for the future use of the Drill Hall in Glyndwr Road.
A meeting in the Buarth Hall organised by former county councillor Hywel Jones was told by Cllr Williams that the Council was planning to move the Day Centre in Park Avenue to the Drill Hall if consultation with the users of the centre proves favourable. As part of the development of Mill Street car park the Day Centre would be replaced with shops and an extra layer would be put on the car park.
Cllr Williams warned,
“Whilst Social Services, who run the Day Centre, would undoubtedly allow community meetings to take place in the Drill Hall from time to time, the current plans would not allow the place to function as the kind of community centre envisaged by campaigners.”
“With plans rapidly being developed, now is the time for a delegation of those concerned to request a meeting with the County Council’s Estates department, Social Services and the developers to thrash out the possibilities for full community usage of the Drill Hall so that these can be incorporated into the plans. If its left much longer it’ll be too late”.
He told the meeting,
“The delegation should include the Community Association, Hywel Jones, who has campaigned so passionately on the issue, and a representative of Glyndwr Road residents.”
The meeting accepted his proposal and agreed to approach the Council.

Heritage Scheme for Aberystwyth

Alun Williams has called for a Heritage Scheme for Aberystwyth similar to those that have operated successfully in Aberaeron, Tregaron and Cardigan. Speaking at a Town Council meeting he said,
“Heritage schemes have operated extremely successfully in Aberaeron, Tregaron and Cardigan. They’ve benefited the economy of those towns and they’ve raised the town pride and self-esteem of everyone who lives in them.
“Aberystwyth has a marvelous architectural heritage that is not being looked after and is being allowed to deteriorate. Other towns in Ceredigion have been transformed by these schemes. The expertise exists in the Council and its clear that the Assembly are supportive. Surely Aberystwyth, the flagship town of not only Ceredigion but the whole of mid-Wales, should now have it’s turn.
“I’m asking the Town Council to write to the Director of Environmental Services and Housing to ask Ceredigion to set aside the resources to make this possible.”

Aberystwyth Car Occupancy Survey

A survey was carried out on Monday 10th September between 7am - 9am covering all four approach road to Aberystwyth town. The survey was conducted outside University term time but school terms had begun.

Overall 3,085 cars entered the town and 2,069 (67%) had only the driver as an occupant. Lorries and vans are not included in the figures.

The survey was carried out by volunteers from the Transition Towns group who are highlighting green transport issues. Whilst it is acknowledged that many commuters drive out of practical necessity, travellers are being urged to consider car sharing or public transport on at least some days to reduce parking pressure and traffic congestion in the town.

Total Cars / Single occupancy
Blvd St Brieuc 583 / 397
Llanbadarn Road 677 / 359
Penglais Hill 1,065 / 750
Penparcau Road 760 / 563
Totals 3,085 / 2,069

With thanks to Kelvin Mason for compiling the figures

Lansio Cynlluniau Newydd yr Ysbyty / New Hospital Plans Launched

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Mynychodd tua 45 o drigolion lleol gyfarfod gyda swyddogion o Ysbyty Bronglais yn ddiweddar er mwyn lansio cynlluniau newydd uchelgeisiol ar gyfer ehangu’r ysbyty. Mae’r cynlluniau yma’n cynnwys 50 man ychwanegol i barcio ceir a chyfeirio ambiwlansys drwy’r fynedfa ar Riw Penglais yn hytrach na’r drefn bresennol o deithio trwy Ffordd Caradog.

Er nad ydynt wedi eu terfynu eto, mae yna gynlluniau ar gyfer codi estyniad â phedwar llawr yn yr ardal rhwng yr adran Damwain ac Argyfwng bresennol a Thŷ Helyg ar Ffordd Caradog. Bydd yr adeilad newydd yn cynnwys adran newydd Damwain ac Argyfwng, Uned Penderfyniadau Clinigol â 14 gwely, a theatrau newydd. Byddai hyn yn golygu dymchwel y Labordy Patholegol presennol ond ni fyddai Tŷ Geraint – yr Uned Gofal Lliniarol Cancr – yn cael ei effeithio. Byddai haen arall yn cael ei adeiladu ar y prif faes parcio drwy ddefnyddio llethr naturiol y bryn. Maent nawr wedi rhoi’r gorau i’r cynlluniau blaenorol i adeiladu maes parcio aml-lawr ar ben uchaf yr ysbyty gan mai dim ond cynlluniau sy’n gysylltiedig â gofalu am gleifion sydd yn cael eu hariannu erbyn hyn.

Y cam cyntaf fydd i gyflwyno amlinelliad o’r cais busnes i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, ac mae’r ysbyty’n gweithio ar hyn. Yn dilyn yr ymgyrch iechyd gan yr Aelod Cynulliad dros Geredigion, Elin Jones AC, mae’r Cynulliad wedi cytuno i fuddsoddi ymhellach yn yr ysbyty ond nid oes prosiect penodol wedi cael ei gytuno hyd yn hyn. Y gobaith yw y bydd yr adeilad newydd ar agor erbyn diwedd 2011.

Roedd yr ymateb y cyfarfod i’r cynlluniau yma yn bositif ar y cyfan. Fodd bynnag, nodwyd bod aelodau o staff yn parhau i barcio eu ceir y tu allan i dai trigolion lleol a bod hyn yn creu problemau ac, er bod y bwriad i greu mwy o le i barcio, anogwyd yr ysbyty i gynyddu’r nifer o fannau parcio yn fwy fyth.

Trigolion lleol oedd y cyntaf i weld y cynlluniau hyn. Fe addawodd cynrychiolwyr o’r ysbyty y byddent yn parhau i ymgynghori gyda’u cymdogion dros y misoedd nesaf ac fe’i llongyfarchwyd ar hyn.

Os hoffech drafod y prosiect yma, gallwch gysylltu â Brian Thomas yn yr ysbyty ar 01970 – 623131

Datblygiadau eraill yn yr ysbyty
· Mae’r prif weithredwr wedi danfon llythyron at staff sy’n ysmygu – ac sydd nawr yn methu gwneud hynny yng nghyffiniau’r ysbyty – i barchu eiddo trigolion lleol;
· Mae’r ysbyty yn gwario £3 miliwn ar gyflenwad trydan yn benodol ar gyfer eu hanghenion nhw. Bydd y cyflenwad hwn yn gweithio erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn ac fe fydd yn dod â’r arfer o broblemau trydanol yn yr ysbyty yn arwain at doriad yng nghyflenwad trydan tai mewn ardaloedd cyfagos i ben;
· Bydd yr Uned Monitro Cardiaidd newydd yn agor yn ystod mis Rhagfyr.

NEW HOSPITAL PLANS LAUNCHED

Around 45 local residents recently attended a meeting with Bronglais hospital officials where ambitious new expansion plans for the hospital were launched. These include 50 extra car parking places and the channeling of ambulances through the Penglais Hill entrance rather than the present Caradog Road.

The plans, still in their early stages, are for a four-storey extension to be built between the present Accident & Emergency Department (A & E) and Ty Helyg in Caradog Road. The new building would house a new A & E, a 14-bed Clinical Decisions Unit and new Operating Theatres. This would involve demolishing the current Path Lab but the new Ty Geraint palliative cancer centre would remain. An extra layer would be placed on the main car park using the natural slope of the hill. The previous plan to place a multi-storey car park at the top end of the hospital has now been abandoned as only plans directly linked to patient care, like these, can now receive funding.

The first step, currently being worked on, is for an outline business case to be presented to the National Assembly. Following the health campaign by Ceredigion’s Assembly Member Elin Jones, Assembly have agreed to further invest in the hospital although the specific project still has to be agreed. It is hoped that the new building could be functioning by the end of 2011.

The meeting was broadly positive about the proposals. But the point was made continuously that staff parking outside the houses of local residents was a serious problem and, whilst the extra parking provision was welcomed, the hospital was urged to increase this.

Local residents attending were the first to see these plans. Hospital representatives promised to continue the dialogue with their neighbours in the coming months and they were congratulated for their consultation initiative.

Anyone wishing to discuss the plans can contact Brian Thomas, Communications Director, on 01970-623131

Other hospital developments
The Hospital's Chief Executive has sent out letters asking staff who smoke, now exiled from around the hospital, to respect the properties of local residents.
The hospital are spending £3 million on a dedicated electricity supply. This to be switched on by the end of the year and will end the instances of hospital supply problems causing powercuts in the surrounding areas.
The new Cardiac Monitoring Unit is due to open in December

Cynllunio Diweddara / Planning Latest

CEISIADAU AROS I BENDERFYNIAD / APPLICATIONS AWAITING DECISION

Llys Ardwyn (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A070866
Variation of Condition No 2 attached to planning permission A050289 to allow the development of 17 units within Phase 3, an increase of six units.
Diweddara / Latest - Currently in the consultation period

Infirmary Road, Aberystwyth A070617
Demolition of dwelling, road widening & provision of public footpaths
Diweddara / Latest - Currently in the consultation period

Arfron, Cae'r Gog A070631
Alterations & extension
Diweddara / Latest - currently in the consultation period

Pencarreg, Ffordd Llanbadarn / Llanbadarn Road A070476

Codi 3 annedd / Erection of 3 dwellings

Diweddara / Latest - currently in the consultation period

10 Stryd y Dollborth / 10 Northgate Street A070339

Newidiadau ac estyniad / Alterations and extension

Diweddara / Latest - currently in the consultation period

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill
Proposed Medical Surgery
Diweddara / Latest - Outline planning permission approved. No detailed application has yet been submitted

PENDERFYNIADAU DIWEDDARA / LATEST DECISIONS

12/9/07
Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A070737
Erection of 3 cycle shelters
Penderfyniad / Decision - Approved

24/8/07

Llys Ardwyn (Safle Hen Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A061185

Trosi adeilad cyfedol i ffurfio 4 rhan-dy (gan gynnwys 3 unded fel tai fforddiadwy)
Conversion of existing building to form 4 apartments (including 3 units as affordable dwellings)Penderfyniad / Decision Approved subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement on Affordable Housing.

Llys Ardwyn (Safle Hen Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A060264
Application for 3 houses on Plots 3, 4 & 5
Penderfynias / Decision Approved subject to conditions.

Others applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:

Phase 1 – 9 flats
Phase 2 – 18 flats
Phase 3 – 11 flats
Houses on Plots 1 & 2

3/8/07

Glanbrenig, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road A070517
Codi garej / Erection of a garej
Penderfyniad / Decision - Approved subject to conditions

18/7/07
Infirmary Road (Hen safle Ysbyty Ffordd y Gogledd / Old North Road Hospital site) A061132
Codi 9 flatiau gyda maes parcio cysylltiedig, tirlunio ac isadeiledd / Building of 9 flats with associated car parking, landscaping & infrastructure.
Penderfyniad / Decision - Deferred pending negotiation on the design of the units, particularly the rear balconies, the Director of Environmental Services and Housing being authorised to APPROVE an acceptable scheme subject to conditions including a Grampian style condition linking commencement of the development to the road improvements proposed by the developer at Garn Wen.

Grandstand comes down

The picture shows Vicarage Field Grandstand in Llanbadarn Road being demolished. The grandstand has been unused for many years for health & safety reasons. When the University, who own the field, conducted a review of their property it was decided that demolition was the best option. Planning permission for the demolition was applied for and then granted after there were no objections.

Llys Ardwyn - Cais Cynllunio Newydd / New Planning Application

SCROLL DOWN FOR ENGLISH

Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi (Hen Safle Ysgol Penweddig) -
Cais Cynllunio Newydd A070866

Mae cais cynllunio wedi cael ei gyflwyno er mwyn cynyddu’r nifer o fflatiau fydd yn cael eu hadeiladu yng Nghyfnod 3 (yr hen ‘C Bloc’) datblygiad Llys Ardwyn o 11 i 17.

Rhoddwyd caniatâd cynllunio yn wreiddiol ar gyfer 11 fflat yng Nghyfnod 3 o’r prosiect i drosi adeilad yr hen ysgol ym Mai 2005.

Gellir gweld y cais cynllunio yn y Swyddfa Cyngor Tref (12.30-4pm, ffôn 624761) yn Neuadd y Dref, Morfa Mawr, neu fe allaf ddod â’r cais i’ch tŷ. Dylid danfon unrhyw sylwadau at yr Adran Gynllunio, Cyngor Sir Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA erbyn 6 Medi 2007.

Gwybodaeth ychwanegol am y safle Llys Ardwyn
Nid oes yna benderfyniad wedi ei wneud ar y ddau gais cynllunio a gyflwynwyd ar gyfer y safle yma yn gynt eleni, sef:
1/ A061185 – cais i drosi’r ardal a adnabyddir fel y ‘claddgell’ i 4 fflat (gan gynnwys 3 annedd fforddiadwy)
2/ A060264 – cais i adeiladu 3 ty ar leiniau 3, 4, & 5 ar ochr yr ysbyty o’r safle.

Dyma’r ceisiadau cynllunio sydd eisoes wedi cael caniatâd ar gyfer y safle Llys Ardwyn:
Chwefror 2003 - Cyfnod 1 – 9 fflat

Rhagfyr 2003 – Tai ar leiniau 1 & 2
Chwefror 2004 - Cytuno gorchmynion Cadwraeth Coed
Gorffennaf 2004 – Cyfnod 2 – 18 fflat

Mai 2005 – Cyfnod 3 – 11 fflat

*****************************************************************

Llys Ardwyn, St David's Road (Old Penweddig School Site)

New Planning Application A070866

A planning application has been submitted to increase the number of flats allowed in Phase 3 (the old ‘C Block’) of the Llys Ardwyn development from eleven to seventeen.

Planning permission was originally granted for 11 flats in Phase 3 of the conversion of the old school in May 2005.

You can see the application at the Town Council Office (12.30 – 4pm, phone 624761) in the Town Hall or myself or another councillor can bring it round to you. Comments should be sent to the Planning Department, Ceredigion County Council, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA by 6th September 2007.

Additional information about the Llys Ardwyn site
Two planning applications submitted for the site earlier in the year have still not been decided upon. These are:
1/ A061185 - an application to Convert the area known as the ‘undercroft’ into 4 apartments (including 3 units as affordable dwellings)
2/ A060264 - An application to build three houses on plots 3, 4, & 5 on the hospital side of the site.

Planning applications so far agreed on the Llys Ardwyn site are:
February 2003 - Phase 1 – 9 flats

December 2003 – Houses on Plots 1 & 2
February 2004 - Tree Preservation Orders
July 2004 – Phase 2 – 18 flats

May 2005 – Phase 3 – 11 flats

Castell Rock Success

The fourth Castell Rock festival was held at Aberystwyth Castle on Saturday and, once again, proved a big success. Around 500 people enjoyed an afternoon and evening of local youth rock bands. This is one of the few opportunities that local youth bands have to play in front of an audience this big. The organisers now have a four-year track record of putting on the event and they deserve a lot of credit for creating such a good atmosphere that everyone enjoys in a beautiful setting. The event was alcohol-free and raised money for Wales Air Ambulance.

Cynllunio Diweddara / Planning Latest

CEISIADAU AROS I BENDERFYNIAD / APPLICATIONS AWAITING DECISION

Llys Ardwyn (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A070866
Variation of Condition No 2 attached to planning permission A050289 to allow the development of 17 units within Phase 3
Diweddara / Latest - Currently in the consultation period

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A070737
Erection of 3 cycle shelters
Diweddara / Latest – currently in the consultation period

Infirmary Road, Aberystwyth A070617
Demolition of dwelling, road widening & provision of public footpaths
Diweddara / Latest - Currently in the consultation period

Arfron, Cae'r Gog A070631
Alterations & extension
Diweddara / Latest - currently in the consultation period

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill
Proposed Medical Surgery
Diweddara / Latest - Outline planning permission approved. No detailed application has yet been submitted

Llys Ardwyn (Safle Hen Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A061185
Trosi adeilad cyfedol i ffurfio 4 rhan-dy (gan gynnwys 3 unded fel tai fforddiadwy)Conversion of existing building to form 4 apartments (including 3 units as affordable dwellings)
Diweddara / Latest - not yet been approved pending a Section 106 agreement on affordable housing.

Llys Ardwyn (Safle Hen Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A060264
Application for 3 houses on Plots 3, 4 & 5
Diweddara / Latest - permission not yet granted because the two applications (i.e. this + the one above) are linked in terms of affordable housing provision.

Others applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 – 9 flats
Phase 2 – 18 flats
Phase 3 – 11 flats
Houses on Plots 1 & 2


PENDERFYNIADAU DIWEDDARA / LATEST DECISIONS

3/8/07
Glanbrenig, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road, Aberystwyth A070517
Codi garej / Erection of a garej
Penderfyniad / Decision - Approved Subject to Conditions

18/7/07
Infirmary Road (Hen safle Ysbyty Ffordd y Gogledd / Old North Road Hospital site) A061132
Codi 9 flatiau gyda maes parcio cysylltiedig, tirlunio ac isadeiledd / Building of 9 flats with associated car parking, landscaping & infrastructure.
Penderfyniad / Decision - Deferred pending negotiation on the design of the units, particularly the rear balconies, the Director of Environmental Services and Housing being authorised to APPROVE an acceptable scheme subject to conditions including a Grampian style condition linking commencement of the development to the road improvements proposed by the developer at Garn Wen.

Full Backing for Residents Parking

Plaid Cymru Councillor for the Aberystwyth Bronglais ward, Alun Williams, has spoken out in support of Residents' Parking following a debate in a meeting of Aberystwyth Town Council about a letter received from the County's Highways department.
Responding to the debate, Cllr Alun WIlliams said:

"Aberystwyth needs a Residents' Parking scheme to make life tolerable for residents who are the backbone of the community here. The first step in the process is to transfer parking enforcement from the police to the Council – known as 'decriminalisation'. I realise it costs money and that it's complicated, but it's got to come eventually.

"Aberystwyth residents visit their friends in other places, see it working there and wonder why it's not happening here. Not for the first time, Ceredigion is lagging behind the rest of the country. I sympathise with the position of council officers. They've done the research and know how to go about it. What they need is political leadership from the Council Cabinet.

"I'm tremendously encouraged to see Residents' Parking supported in the Aberystwyth Masterplan and hope the Masterplan consultants can now become allies in the campaign".

WANT TO SEE THE LATST BRIEFING ON RESIDENTS PARKING? E-mail Alun at alunw@ceredigion.gov.uk

More allotments needed

Plaid Cymru Councillor Alun Williams has called for more gardening allotments to be made available in the Aberystwyth area.
Speaking following a meeting of the 'Transition Town' group, the Plaid Cymru Councillor for the Aberystwyth Bronglais ward said:

"Aberystwyth currently has just 27 official allotments with a further eight temporary ones. There are a further eight out at Blaenplwyf. The waiting list currently stands at around 70 – 80 people with normally a five year wait before a plot can be offered. This is far too long.

"There was recently a very large meeting at the Morlan Centre on reducing our dependence on oil and becoming more self-sufficient. Looking at the size of the allotment waiting list, it is clear that the County is not providing sufficiently for the demand by people to be able to grow their own food.

"At a time when the Aberystwyth Masterplan is looking at the allocation of land around the town for various purposes it's important that we bear in mind that, whilst the Council obviously wants to get the best price it can for land around the town, we also need to remember our commitment to environmental sustainability and provide for local people who want to grow food themselves".

Bronglais ward get its own Rural Affairs Minister

This blog would like to congratulate our Assembly Member Elin Jones on becoming Wales’s Rural Affairs Minister. Elin has lived in Bronglais ward for many years.

She will be joining Ieuan Wyn Jones, Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Jocelyn Davies who have also been appointed as Plaid Cymru's first ever Government Ministers.
Commenting on her Ministerial appointment, Elin said:

"I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed as Rural Affairs Minister in the new One Wales Cabinet. After being in opposition for eight years, I'm now looking forward to the challenges that being a Minister will bring. I am particularly pleased that my portfolio in the One Wales Cabinet is dedicated especially for Rural Affairs since Plaid Cymru and others have called for this to become a reality for a number of years.

"My first Ministerial engagement will be hosting a meeting with the European Commission's Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, on Sunday and attending the Royal Welsh on Monday. However, as the daughter of a Teifi Valley farmer, I will also ensure that Ceredigion's voice is heard in the heart of government and my commitment to my constituency will continue to be my priority".

The One Wales agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Labour Party is arguably the most reresentative Welsh government possible, including, as it does, the largest number of AMs of any likely coalition and representing both the south Wales valleys and the rural areas of the Mid and North.

The text of the agreement can be seen at: http://www.plaidcymru.org/uploads/publications/281.pdf

Ystwyth Trail Cycle Route on track for completion

NOTES FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH ALUN ON RADIO CEREDIGION'S TALKABOUT SHOW WITH STEVE EDGE ON 20th JULY

The Ystwyth Trail is a, so far, partially-built 21 mile long route for cyclists and pedestrians between Aberystywyth and Tregaron based around the old railway line to Carmarthen

Route
The path starts off at Aberystwyth Football Club, goes across Pont yr Odyn footbridge, and down Felin y Mor Road. When all the work is done, it will then go along the route of the old railway line past Pen Dinas, through Rhydyfelin, Llanfarian, Llanilar, Trawsgoed, Ty’n y Graig, Ystrad Meurig and almost to Tregaron.

Old railways
Old railway lines are fantastic for cycle paths because they’re virtually flat paths, created with incredible effort by labourers in the 19th century. Often they had to dig straight through rock to keep the route flat. The Carmarthen line was closed in the 1960s after the Beeching report. If they’re not going to be used again for railway lines (which would, of course, be great) then they’re ideal for cycling and creating a cycle track is a fantastic way to make the best of all the work that’s been put into creating the tracks in the first place.

Funding
The path has received £1.4 million of Objective 1 funding because its recognised that it will create employment through the tourist industry.

Tourists v. local users
I’m slightly uncomfortable with the path being viewed as simply a route for tourists. For me it’s just as important that local people use it. And I’m particularly hoping that some people will use the section from Llanfarian, through Rhydyfelin into town to get into work in the mornings. This section will be tarmacked (the rest is compacted dust - not quite as fast as tarmac but still quite adequate for cycling.) so it’ll provide a good easy run into town. Certainly the inspector mentioned this in his report.

I’m not optimistic enough to imagine that it could make a big difference to the queues of traffic trying to get into Aber during the morning rush hour, which regularly stretch back as far as Llanfarian, but I do think we need to be offering people as many different transport choices as possible to reduce the congestion and it could make a small difference.

Compulsory Purchase Order
There has been a little bit of resistance from a few landowners along the path of the route so, after a public enquiry, the Council has now obtained a Compulsory Purchase Order to connect up some sections of the route that it’s not been possible to up to now and, most importantly, to build the Aberystwyth to Llanfarian section.

The Inspector at the public enquiry said that the Council’s proposal was well thought out and he said there was a compelling case in the public interest for the creation of the whole route. And of course landowners are fully compensated and the Council will work with them to erect any necessary fences and gates along the path.

The bad news
It’s not all good news. Towards the Tregaron end there will still be two sections of track that landowners have not released and that the Council has decided not to pursue as part of the Compulsory Purchase Order, even though they’re not in use and are very well suited to a cycle path. This means that in those places - near Trawscoed and near Ystrad Meurig - the route has to take fairly substantial detours along bridle paths and B roads which are quite steep in sections. That may be fine for committed, fit leisure cyclists but it does spoil the continuity of the route for local commuters and for families with small children.

I can understand why some landowners might feel threatened by the idea of cyclists going through a piece of their land but I think its based on misconceptions. People who use cycle routes are some of the most law-abiding sections of the population. There’s a wider public interest here and a wider economic interest for North Ceredigion in that cycle tourists bring quite a significant amount of money into an area. And I think its debateable whether its right for one or two people to be able to effectively veto the coherence, if you like, of the path for everyone. And that will lessen the economic benefits of the path.

But we have to accept what’s happened for now and, anyway, there are plenty of positives, particularly about the Aberystwyth end of the path. And I’m looking forward to next April when it should all be fully open.

Walkers and the disabled too
Of course, although we’re calling them cycle paths here, the paths are also great for walkers and, in many places, for the disabled who are now seeing parts of the countryside opened up that were never open to them before.

Sections in use now
Llanfarian to Llanilar and Trawsgoed
A section from the far side of Trawsgoed to approaching Ty’n y Graig
The section across Cors Caron

Work to be done soon
Work is taking place now at the Tregaron end
The Aberystwyth – Llanfarian section is due to start in October
The section between Ystrad Meurig and Ty’n y Graig will be started towards the end of this year.
It’s hoped that everything will be in place by April next year. Funding runs out in June so it will need to be done by then.

Despite the drawbacks I've mentioned, the completion of the Ystwyth Trail will be another step towards making Wales a cycle-friendly nation.

http://www.ystwythtrail.org.uk/

WANT TO SEE A COPY OF THE PLANNING INSPECTOR'S REPORT ON THE COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER? E-mail me your address at alunw@ceredigion.gov.uk and I'll send you a hard copy.

Full Masterplan Response

THIS IS A LETTER WRITTEN BY ALUN WILLIAMS IN RESPONSE TO THE ABERYSTWYTH MASTERPLAN PROPOSALS

Firstly, I view this as a hugely positive document that the town has needed for some time. I fully support the high profile given to environmental issues, reducing the impact of cars and making the town more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists. I also support the criticism of the quality of recent developments and the call for higher standards in future.

Specific ideas I want to applaud are:
* Ensuring residents have an opportunity to park close to their homes – I very much hope this will give impetus to the Council’s consideration of residents’ parking and decriminalization.
* Attractive pedestrian and cycle routes and a layout that make non-car use an attractive choice
* The promotion of a rail shuttle and rail freight.
* The importance of Plas Crug Avenue and the possibility of extending it
* Improved access to Parc Natur Penglais from the town
* The identification of the potential of the harbour area
* The need for a ‘village centre’ in Penparcau
* Recognising and protecting existing quality streets, spaces and buildings – the architecture of Aberystwyth is impressive in many places but largely ignored at present
making more of assets such as the river corridor, coastline, green spaces and surrounding hills;
* A river walk-way between Trefechan Bridge and Pont yr Odyn
* The need to improve Glanyrafon Industrial Estate - there is no reason why industrial estates should be bleak and ugly, especially one next to a river. At the moment the roads on the estate don’t even have names.

Perhaps inevitably, I’ll spend a little more space commenting on the negative or questionable aspects of the plan as I see them but these should be taken in the context of my overall support for the plan.

North Road / Queens Road Tennis / Bowling Area
It’s difficult to see how the existing well-used open space uses can be maintained if the site is substantially re-developed. It should be borne in mind that there is currently a very attractive view over the bowling greens from North Road and this should be maintained.

The Arts
The Arts are given very little attention in the Plan, despite a superb Arts Centre and the presence of many nationally (Wales) important artists in the area. There is currently a group of local artists, some well-known, who are looking into the possibility of turning the Old Police Yard in Queens Road into a space for artists to use and exhibit. The town is much in need of a town centre place for them to work and display. I know they would be delighted to talk to LDA about their ideas.

A Llanbadarn Bypass
I was interested to hear in the verbal presentation that the team had not been fully convinced of the need for this. Since the mini-roundabouts were placed at the Llanbadarn junction it has become clear that what was previously thought of as an impossible junction to make good has now become far less of a blockage to the system.

I’m sure you are familiar with the idea that bypasses can create more traffic. I’m not at all sure that a bypass would have the effect on Llanbadarn that some people are hoping for, particularly if a Park & Ride and the football club are placed there as part of the package. I also note that the road through Llanbadarn is identified as a strategic route to the seafront.

Blaendolau and the Football Club
I’m not sure how the proposal to move the football club fits with the mention of the importance of protecting the integrity of the Blaendolau open space.

At the moment the vast majority of people attending football matches walk to the ground. Moving it to the outskirts of the town would immediately change attending football matches and the other activities held at the club to car-based activities. In addition there would be a net loss of playing field to the town.

It should be remembered that Blaendolau is one of the best quality training and tournament facilities in Wales. Various sports tournaments are held there. One of these, the ‘Ian Rush Tournament’, due to be held there in only a couple of weeks time, attracts youth football teams from all over the world, bringing considerable economic benefit. The Welsh Football Association bring professional players there to undertake their senior coaching qualification.

The loss of a significant amount of this quality sporting space to the town by moving the football club would be badly felt. My preference would be to substantially develop the existing football club site around the club itself.

Moving the Station
I understand the rationale for this but would need some convincing. The current location places the railway terminus perfectly in the heart of the town where, in an environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure, it should surely belong. I would prefer to see creative use made of the land alongside the line coupled with walkways across. The difficulties of negotiating with the railway authorities about any changes at all are, of course, well-known.

Areas of the Town
Dividing the town into zones has been a useful exercise. However I think you have missed the distinctive character of the streets on the Buarth and around the eastern side of Bronglais Hospital and also the existence of Trefechan as a community.


I hope you take these comments into consideration. I’m looking forward to when the more detailed sections of the Plans are released. Once again I’d like to say that I think the Masterplan makes a very welcome contribution to Aberystwyth’s future..

Yours sincerely

Alun Williams
County Councillor, Bronglais Ward, Aberystwyth

WANT TO RESPOND TO THE MASTERPLAN YOURSELF? The address is Steffan Roberts, Regional Development Manager, Welsh Assembly Government, Y Lanfa, Trefechan, Aberystwyth, SY23 1AS. steffan.roberts@wales.gsi.gov.uk

WANT TO SEE A COPY OF THE MASTERPLAN? E-mail me at alunw@ceredigion.gov.uk and I'll send you a copy.

Cefnogaeth y 'Masterplan' / Masterplan Support

CEFNOGAETH Y ‘MASTERPLAN’
Mae ‘Masterplan’ Aberystwyth a lansiwyd yn ddiweddar yn cynnwys cefnogaeth ar gyfer ardaloedd parcio ar gyfer preswylwyr yn dilyn argymhelliad cynghorwyr Plaid Cymru i’r ymgynghorwyr. Wrth ymateb i gwestiynau pan lansiwyd y ‘Masterplan’, dywedodd yr ymgynghorwyr y byddent hefyd yn trafod gyda’r Cyngor Sir ynglŷn â’r angen i drosglwyddo rheolaeth dros barcio o’r Heddlu i’r Cyngor. Mae hyn yn gam hanfodol cyn y gellir cyflwyno ardaloedd parcio ar gyfer preswylwyr.

MASTERPLAN SUPPORT

The recently launched Aberystwyth Masterplan contains support for Residents’ Parking, following a submission to the consultants by Plaid Cymru councillors. When questioned at the Plan’s launch, the consultants said they would also be talking to the County Council about the need for parking control to be transferred from the Police to the Council, known as ‘decriminalisation’. This is a measure regarded as essential before a Residents’ Parking scheme can happen.

Yellow Line Consultation

The County Council's Highways Department is now formally consulting on plans to restrict parking on streets in the Bronglais and Buarth areas where over-parking has been causing serious access and passing problems. The plans, a draft of which was circulated to those most affected at the end of last year, have been modified slightly since then in the light of comments. All the proposals have been drawn up following specific requests from residents.

To summarise, the proposals are:
* Caradog Road - double yellow lines on the corner of the junction with Iorwerth Avenue. To prevent pedestrians being obstructed, to provide a refuge for passing cars and to allow cars to turn.
* Cae'r Gog - double yellow lines around the corners of the spur to Caradog Road to enable vehicles to turn the corners
* St David's Road - double yellow lines on the left side going towards the hospital at the Llanbadarn Road and Iorweth Avenue ends. To enable larger vehicles to get through. The lines in the draft proposals on the other side at the Iorwerth Avenue end have now been deleted following comments.
* Buarth Road - single yellow lines on the inside of the bend leading up from Llanbadarn Road. To enable cars to pass each other during the day. No restriction after 6pm

Getting the balance right between allowing sufficient parking space and maintaining safe access to the streets is never easy. On the one hand over-parking in narrow streets has led at times to them becoming impassable and to dangerous situations developing. On the other, restricting parking too much could make life more difficult for residents. Either way, everyone is welcome to comment.

The plans can be viewed in detail at the Town Hall reception from a date to be set early this month (July) or you can ask one of your councillors to bring them to you. Comments should be sent to the Highways Department, Neuadd y Sir, Stryd y Farchnad, Aberaeron, SA46 0AT.

More Traffic Wardens for Hospital Area

CYMORTH YCHWANEGOL WARDEINIAID TRAFFIG
Mae Arolygydd Heddlu Aberystwyth wedi dweud wrth y ddau warden traffig sy’n gweithio yn Aberystwyth i ymweld ag ardaloedd yr ysbyty a Buarth bob wythnos er mwyn sicrhau bod pobl yn parchu’r cyfyngiadau parcio yno yn dilyn cais oddi wrth gynghorwyr lleol. Yn y gorffennol, prin iawn fyddai’r wardeiniaid traffig yn gallu ymweld â’r ardal o ganlyniad i’w pwysau gwaith ac roedd hyn aml yn arwain at bobl yn parcio’n anghyfreithiol ger yr ysbyty a’n achosi anawsterau i drigolion yr ardal. Gobeithir y bydd y sefyllfa nawr yn dechrau gwella.

Y ffyrdd gorau o gysylltu â’r heddlu ynglŷn â phroblemau parcio ac unrhyw broblemau arall nad ydynt yn rhai brys yw:
Ffôn: 0845 – 3302000.
E-bost: communications.centre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk

Cyfeiriad: Gorsaf Heddlu Aberystwyth, Boulevard St Brieuc, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PH

EXTRA TRAFFIC WARDENS

Aberystwyth's Police Inspector has instructed the town's two traffic wardens to visit the hospital area every week to ensure parking restrictions are enforced following a request from councillors. Visits to the area by the hard-pressed wardens were previously no more than occasional, leading to frequent illegal parking and difficulties for residents. It is hoped the situation will now improve.

The non-emergency route to contact the police about parking or any other issue is to phone 0845 – 3302000.

The e-mail address is communications.centre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
The written address is Gorsaf Heddlu Aberystwyth Police Station, Boulevard St Brieuc, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PH
Alternatively the wardens themselves, Tania and Juliet, are very helpful if you happen to see one in the street.

Thanks to Brian Clifford for the photo

Voting Board Trial Proposal

MOTION TO GIVE THREE-MONTH TRIAL TO USE OF VOTING BOARD IN COUNCIL MEETINGS - Speech to Council 28/6/07 – Alun Williams

Its one of the first questions that new councillors ask when they sit down in the chamber – why don’t we use the voting board? I don’t know if the voting board was ever used before my time as a councillor but its certainly the case that the majority of councillors have never had the opportunity to try it. And, when I’m told that the cost of the board was somewhere between £30 – £40,000, that doesn’t seem right.

A number of times in Development Control Committee councillors have asked if the board can be used but we’ve always been told it requires a motion of Council. Development Control Committee is specifically referred to in the motion because this is the meeting in which by far the most votes are taken. And they’re often very important votes. And it needs to be said that, at times this year, there have been some quite chaotic scenes in that committee when hand counts have been shown to be counted wrongly and recounts have been taken and results reversed.

Now, of course, apart from the damage to the image of the Council amongst the public and press watching, there are legal implications to this. If an important planning application has been won or lost due to a mistake in counting hands, and that can be proved, then the council is open to legal action. And that situation has come very, very close to happening quite recently.

Of course nothing is completely foolproof and voting boards can cause difficulties as well. That’s why we’re proposing a trial first to look at how it would work in practice. I appreciate there could be problems of accountability but recorded votes can still be called for and the current situation has been legally dangerous for the authority at times.

So this motion is simply asking for a trial period of three months during which Full Council and the Development Control Committee will use the voting board to see how it works in practice. And, after the trial, the Council can come back and decide whether or not they want to continue using it, or to use it in particular meetings, or leave it to each committee to decide, or give discretion for the chair to use it in close votes or whatever they want. But, for the sake of the Council’s credibility, it really does need to be tried.

The motion was defeated by one vote