Agenda and draft minutes

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1.      Cllr Philip Bowyer for Placemaking ~ Abergavenny Town Council

Councillor Bowyer expressed his gratitude to all contributors to the Abergavenny plan, including local residents, consultants, and council officers, recognising the collaborative effort over 18 months. He emphasised that the plan was developed through consensus, with Abergavenny Town Council voting unanimously in support, regardless of political divisions. Highlighting key proposals, he mentioned the ambitious idea of diverting the A40 from the town centre but focused on more achievable goals such as improving access to the railway station and exploring advanced bus systems, including hopper and potentially driverless buses, to reduce traffic and pollution during major festivals. He stressed the urgent need to redevelop the Castle Street car park toilet block and shop mobility cabin into a modern hub with accessible toilets and facilities for bicycles. Describing the extensive consultation process, he noted that over 500 people from diverse groups, including those with accessibility needs, businesses, and young people, were involved in shaping the plan. Finally, he suggested that traditional elections alone are insufficient for democracy and advocated for ongoing, innovative consultation methods to strengthen local governance and engage more young people.

2.      Cllr Roger Hoggins for Placemaking ~ Monmouth Town Council

Councillor Hoggins thanked members of both Monmouth Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council, as well as officers and consultants, for their collaborative work on the Monmouth Town Placemaking Plan. He noted that the plan has been formally adopted by Monmouth Town Council, recognising its importance for residents, visitors, and businesses in shaping future priorities. He stressed that successful delivery depends on securing funding and highlighted that joint council commitment signals seriousness to potential funders. While acknowledging the extensive consultation process, he anticipated some criticism but emphasised that multiple opportunities for public input were provided. He warned against the plan becoming inactive, urging councils to deliver projects and adapt the plan as circumstances evolve. Finally, he underlined the economic benefits of investing in town centres to support retail and overall county prosperity, encouraging continued commitment to implementing the plan.

3.      Bridges Community Centre ~ Steve Pospisil (Vice-Chair of Bridges Trustees)

Mr Pospisil introduced himself as a trustee of Bridges in Monmouth and a chartered accountant, focusing on issues concerning Drybridge House, the charity’s home. He explained that Bridges has invested heavily to restore the property and spends significant funds on maintenance, yet faces challenges due to the council’s policy of market rent leases with only a three-year rental grant guarantee against a 30-year lease. He stated that the absence of a long-term grant commitment exposes Bridges to insolvency risk if the grant is removed or reduced, which trustees cannot legally accept, arguing that this risk is not comparable to normal business practice as Bridges is a charity and cannot operate under such uncertainty. He noted that break clauses create further instability and block access to major funding sources such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is essential for repairs and upgrades. Addressing concerns about commercial activities, he clarified that charity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To agree a course of action from the 4 options available to Members.

Councillor Martin Newell introduced the petition urging the Council to provide Bridges Centre with a Sustainable Long-term Lease without Rebate Reviews.

Councillor Newell expressed his support for Steve Pospisil’s remarks and acknowledged his work with Bridges and its trustees. He highlighted that a petition with over 3,100 signatures is being presented, reflecting significant local concern about the issue. Emphasising the vital role Bridges plays in hosting local events and supporting charities, he warned that its loss would negatively impact community organisations, including those serving vulnerable groups. He stressed the urgency of securing a fair lease for Bridges and Drybridge House, arguing that no business would accept such insecure terms for a long-term agreement. Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate, he offered to work with all parties to find a solution and emphasised the duty to safeguard Bridges and Drybridge House for the future. Finally, he pledged to continue advocating for a fair lease and urged council colleagues to help resolve the situation quickly.

Councillors acknowledged the vital role Bridges plays in the Monmouth community and agreed on the need to secure its future. They considered options for handling the petition, including referring it to full council, requesting a written response from the cabinet member, or involving a working group. While several councillors proposed forming a working group of Monmouth councillors and officers to address the lease issue, it was clarified that scrutiny cannot create such a group directly, as this is an executive function. The committee reached a consensus to refer the matter to the Cabinet Member with a recommendation to consider establishing a working group, viewing this as the most expedient approach. Emphasising urgency to reduce uncertainty for Bridges and the community, the committee voted to proceed with this option rather than sending the petition back to full council. – ACTION: for the Cabinet Member to provide a response

To scrutinise the Monmouth, Abergavenny, Magor with Undy Place Making Plans.

Daniel Fordham introduced the report, delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Craig O’Connor:

Councillor Crook questioned the wording in the Magor with Undy Placemaking Plan in paragraph 3.14, which states that the recently opened walkway train station had made the area accessible to all. He pointed out that the station is not yet open and suggested the language could be misleading.

The officer clarified that the section is written from a future perspective, describing what the area would be like after the plan’s delivery in 10-15 years. It was acknowledged that, out of context, the wording could be confusing, and a suggestion was made to clarify this in the document.

Councillor Groucutt highlighted the positive impact of recent changes in Abergavenny, such as restricting traffic in the town centre, despite initial opposition, and noted how these changes have improved the area. Councillor Groucutt emphasized the importance of local history and heritage, mentioning notable historical events and figures connected to Abergavenny, and how these contribute to community pride. He commended the Placemaking Plan process for bringing together councillors and community members, fostering collaboration, and supporting the town’s continued progress into the 21^st century.

Councillor Thomas praised the collaborative process of developing the Placemaking Plan, which involved county councillors, town councillors, and local groups, ensuring wide scrutiny and good discussion. He highlighted the positive impact of pedestrianisation since 2017, making the town centre more pedestrian- and user-friendly. Councillor Thomas commended the plan for building on previous successes, especially improving gateways and enhancing green spaces like Bailey Park. He concluded by supporting the plan, emphasising the extensive consultation and agreement, and urged moving forward with its approval and implementation.

Councillor Pavia asked how the proposed delivery groups for the Placemaking Plans will have the authority, capacity, and continuity to move from planning to actual delivery, especially for large-scale projects involving multiple funding sources and agencies. He queried whether the regeneration team has sufficient capacity to support the delivery of all town plans, and asked how resident and business participation will be maintained during the delivery phase and how community input will influence future project sequencing.

The Chief Officer acknowledged the importance of resource capacity and stated that, following Cabinet consideration of the plans, the next stage will focus on setting up delivery groups and assessing resource needs, including funding. The officer clarified that the plans are not solely the responsibility of the County Council’s regeneration team; delivery will involve town councils, businesses, and community groups, with resource requirements spread across these partners. The officer also explained that delivery groups, likely mirroring the steering groups, will play a key role in maintaining engagement and that the most effective way to sustain participation is through the delivery of individual projects, which naturally engage residents and businesses

Councillor Dymock asked how community engagement will be maintained and evolve throughout the delivery of the Placemaking Plans, expressing concern that public participation might diminish over time. She requested clarification on what specific metrics and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To scrutinise the rates for markets and stallholders, and the policies for them generally.

Mathew Wooles and Simon Parfitt delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions, with Craig O’Connor and Nick Keyse:

Councillor Dymock asked how more stallholders could be encouraged to attend Caldicot market, noting its accessibility and suggesting that the lack of a structure or cover might be a barrier. She enquired about the possibility of a temporary structure in the town centre to increase footfall and attract more traders. She suggested collaboration with Caldicot Town Team for storage solutions, as they have premises near the church, and mentioned that improved advertising by both the County Council and members could help make the market more vibrant. She also asked if the Town Team is involved in the placemaking delivery group.

The main barrier identified was the lack of structure and storage at Caldicot market, making it difficult to attract new traders, especially given weather dependency. Providing a structure and storage for gazebos/tables would help reduce the initial outlay for new traders. The Chief Officer agreed these are problems that need solving and suggested the placemaking delivery group should work with local partners, such as the Town Team, to find solutions for storage and weather protection. He emphasized the need for collaboration and said the issue would be taken to the delivery group. It was clarified that the decision on Town Team involvement in the delivery group would be made by the group itself.

Councillor Brown asked why Monmouthshire County Council does not promote a market for Chepstow during the week on a regular basis, and enquired about how the Chepstow market operates, specifically whether stallholders have to bring and take away their own stalls.

Officers clarified that Chepstow market is run by a volunteer group and is not one of Monmouthshire County Council’s markets.

Councillor Strong commented on the decline of Caldicot market over the years, noting it has gone from a wide range of stalls to just two regular ones, and asked what the team has done to scope what local people want from their market, including whether Tuesday is the best day and if the market is in the right location. She suggested possibly moving the market nearer to the library and Asda for more footfall and asked about the ownership of the land outside the library. She also enquired if the seasonal markets at the castle are run by the council or a private company, and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to regenerate Caldicot’s town centre.

The officers acknowledged agreement with her points, explaining that the initial focus had been on stabilizing Abergavenny market but now attention would turn to strengthening Caldicot market, including increased advertising. It was stated that the County Council likely owns the High Street and possibly the area outside the library, but this would need to be confirmed with a plan. The importance of market location for generating footfall was noted, and openness to exploring different areas and solutions was expressed. The ongoing challenge of maximizing market success and the impact of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Councillor Brown reiterated an interest in scrutinising surplus council assets, arguing that it should come to Place committee rather than be covered by a review of Property Assets at Performance & Overview committee. – ACTION: to check again with officers

The minutes were confirmed. Councillor Brown requested that these minutes be included in the Cabinet report concerning the Destination Management Plan – ACTION