REVIEW OF COMMUNITY REVIEW OF COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF RHONDDA CYNON TAFF

DRAFT PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS
4. ASSESSMENT
5. PROPOSALS
6. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
8. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT
9. THE NEXT STEPS

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 We the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission) have completed the first stage of the review of community boundaries in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff as directed by the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services in her Direction to us dated 20 September 2006 ( Appendix A).

1.2 The purpose of the review is to consider whether, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, the Commission should propose changes to the present community boundaries. The review is being conducted under the provisions of Section 56(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act).

1.3 Section 60 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines, which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In line with that guidance we wrote on 4 January 2007 to The Community Councils of Llanharry, Llanharan, Pont-y-clun, Llantrisant, Hirwaun, and Rhigos (the Pen-y-waun community does not have a community council), the Member of Parliament for the local constituency, the Assembly Members for the area and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. Prior to the start of the review the Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council provided a number of suggestions for community boundary changes. A list of these was enclosed with this initial letter ( Appendix B). We also publicised our intention to conduct the review in local newspapers circulating in the area and asked the Councils to display public notices. Notification of the start of the review and the closing date for representations to be made (8 March 2007) was given on the web sites of both the Commission and the Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 We propose that:

• the boundary between the Community of Pontyclun and the Communities of Llanharan and Llantrisant be realigned to follow the boundary shown in green on the map at Appendix D;
• the boundary between the Community of Llanharry and the Community of Pontyclun be realigned to follow the boundary shown in green on the maps at Appendices E and F; and that
• the boundary between the Community of Hirwaun and the Community of Pen-y-waun be realigned to follow the boundary shown in green on the map at Appendix G;

3. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

3.1 We received representations from Llanharry Community Council, Llanharan Community Council, Pont-y-clun Community Council, Llantrisant Community Council, Hirwaun Community Council and Rhigos Community Council, and a number of residents. Details of all of these representations can be found at Appendix C.

4. ASSESSMENT

4.1 We have considered suggested changes to community boundaries in the following areas: Llanharry, Llanharan, Pont-y-clun, Llantrisant, Hirwaun and Pen-y-waun.

Pontyclun / Llanharan / Llantrisant

4.2 Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council suggested that Ynysddu (from the Llanharan ward of Llanharan Community) and Pant y Dderwen (from the Talbot Green ward of Llantrisant Community) be brought within the area of Pontyclun Community. We have noted the survey carried out by Llanharan Community Council of all 270 houses in Ynysddu whereby 83 % of returned surveys supported a move into Pontyclun. We have also noted Llanharan Community Council's concerns with regard to the loss of precept, although the Council felt that it should be guided by the result of the survey.

4.3 Following a site visit to the area we consider that both the Ynysddu and Pant y Dderwen areas appear to have more of an affinity with Pont-y-clun than with either Llanharan and Llantrisant respectively. We determined that the suggested boundary follows clearly defined geographical features. We are of the view that the suggested changes would be in the interests of effective and convenient local government and therefore propose the changes to the boundary between the Community of Pont-y-clun and the Community of Llanharan and the boundary between the Community of Pont-y-clun and the Community of Llantrisant as illustrated on the map at Appendix D.

Llanharry / Pont-y-clun

4.4 We noted Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council's suggestion that Clos Brenin be transferred from the Tyle-garw ward of the Community of Llanharry to the Community of Pont-y-clun. We also noted that we did not receive any representations in respect of this suggestion.

4.5 Following a site visit to the area we noted that the only access to Clos Brenin was via Pont-y-clun Community and that Clos Brenin appeared to have more of an affinity with the Community of Pont-y-clun than with the Community of Llanharry. We are of the view that the suggested changes would be in the interests of effective and convenient local government and therefore propose the change to the boundary between the Community of Pont-y-clun and the Community of Llanharry as illustrated on the map at Appendix E.

4.6 We noted that Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council also suggested that Elms Farm and a section of the adjacent housing estate be transferred from the Brynsadler ward of the Community of Pont-y-clun to the Community of Llanharry.

4.7 Following a site visit to the area we noted that Elms Farm and the adjacent housing estate appeared to have more of an affinity with the Community of Pont-y-clun than with the Community of Llanharry. We noted that the housing estate was split between the two Communities and that some of the houses appeared to be straddling the existing boundary. We also noted that the suggested boundary follows clearly defined geographical features. We are of the view that the suggested changes would be in the interests of effective and convenient local government and therefore propose the change to the boundary between the Community of Pont-y-clun and the Community of Llanharry as illustrated on the map at Appendix F.

4.8 We have however noted that the proposed change to the boundary between Llanharry and Pont-y-clun in the area of Elms Farm would leave a small area of housing at Castell-y-mwnws at the edge of the Community of Pont-y-clun. We would welcome views on the appropriateness of extending the proposed boundary so as to also include this area within the Community of Llanharry.

Hirwaun / Pen-y-waun

4.9 We noted Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council's suggestion that Trenant, part of Hirwaun Road, Montana Park and Trewaun be transferred from the Community of Pen-y-waun to the Community of Hirwaun. We considered also the suggestion made by Hirwaun Community Council to revert to the original boundary which was the natural watercourse dividing Pen-y-waun and Hirwaun communities. From the information we were given it was not clear where this suggested boundary would lie. The existing boundary between Pen-y-waun and Hirwaun was defined by the Cynon Valley (Communities) Order 1981. It was this order that created the communities of Pen-y-waun and Hirwaun. Previously there had been the communities of Penderyn and Aberdare that were divided along the line of the Afon Cynon. We noted that there is a stream running alongside the Trenant estate which may be the watercourse indicated by the Council. We consider that this may provide an alternative course for part of the boundary suggested by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council. We would welcome views on this matter.

4.10 Following a site visit we noted that the areas in question appeared to have an affinity with both Hirwaun and Pen-y-waun. We also noted that the boundary suggested by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council follows clearly defined geographical features.

4.11 We also noted Hirwaun Community Council's concerns regarding the Communities First area status of Pen-y-waun and the effect that the transfer of approximately 200 dwellings would have on both communities. As we understand it the change to the boundary will not affect Pen-y-waun's status as a Communities First area. The Community of Pen-y-waun does not have a community council so a concern about loss of precept does not apply. The change to the boundary would mean that Hirwaun Community Council would have to provide their services to a larger area but this would be offset by the increase in their precept. At this stage we are of the view that the suggested change to the boundary between the Communities of Pen-y-waun and Hirwaun would be of benefit in terms of effective and convenient local government. We therefore propose a change to the boundary as illustrated on the map at Appendix G.

5. PROPOSALS

5.1 Having considered the evidence available to us at this stage of our review we propose that the boundaries of the Communities of Pont-y-clun, Llanharan, Llantrisant, Hirwaun and Pen-y-waun should be realigned in the area under review to follow the boundaries shown in green on the maps at Appendices D, E, F and G.

5.2 Detailed maps to a larger scale showing the proposed new boundaries can be inspected at the offices of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and at the office of the Commission in Cardiff.

5.3 This draft report details our proposals for change to the community boundaries in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff and we would welcome comments on the proposals.

6. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS

6.1 In considering the various changes to the community boundaries it was also necessary for us to take account of the effects on the electoral arrangements for community councils and the principal authority, which would result from these changes. This section of our report details our proposals for consequential changes to the electoral arrangements. We would also welcome comments on this aspect of our report. The electoral statistics used in this report were provided by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.

Community Council Electoral Arrangements

6.2 The Community of Pont-y-clun is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Cefnyrhendy, Groes-faen, Maes-y-felin and Miskin. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

* Electors per Councillor

6.3 Under our proposals the number of electors in the Cefnyrhendy ward will rise by 575 to 2,937 electors and the Maes-y-felin ward will rise by 161 to 1,853 electors. We noted that in order to maintain a similar level of representation to that which currently exists within the Community of Pont-y-clun it would be necessary to increase the number of councillors by 1 to 11. We consider that the number of councillors should be allocated in proportion to the number of electors. We therefore propose the electoral arrangements for the Community of Pont-y-clun to be as follows:

6.4 The Community of Llanharan is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Brynna, Llanharan and Llanilid. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

6.5 Under our proposals the number of electors in the Llanahran ward will reduce by 490 to 2,283 electors. We noted that in order to maintain a similar level of representation to that which currently exists within the Community of Llanharan it would be necessary to reduce the number of councillors by 1 to 13. We consider that the number of councillors should be allocated in proportion to the number of electors. We therefore propose the electoral arrangements for the Community of Llanharan to be as follows:

6.6 The Community of Llantrisant is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Beddau, Talbot Green, Town and Tyn-y-nant. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

6.7 Under our proposals the number of electors in the Talbot Green ward will reduce by 85 to 1,967 electors. We noted that no change is necessary in the number of councillors in order to maintain a similar level of representation to that which currently exists within the Community of Llantrisant. We are also of the view that the allocation of councillors that currently exists for each ward remains in proportion to the number of electors. We therefore propose the electoral arrangements for the Community of Llantrisant remain as follows:

6.8 The Community of Llanharry is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Llanharry and Tyle-garw. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

6.9 Under our proposals the number of electors in the Tyle-garw ward will reduce by 161 to 379 electors and the number of electors in the Llanharry ward will rise by 72 to 2,080 electors. We noted that no change is necessary in the number of councillors in order to maintain a similar level of representation to that which currently exists within the Community of Llanharry. If the number of councillors were allocated in proportion to the number of electors, the electoral arrangements for the Community of Llanharry would be as follows:

6.10 Given the discrepancy in the number of electors between the Llanharry and Tyle-garw wards we have concerns about the desirability of warding the Llanharry Community. We also have concerns about the high level of representation in the Community and would wish to consider a reduction in the number of councillors. We do not make proposals on either of these issues at this stage but we would welcome comments before we consider our final proposals.

6.11 The Community of Hirwaun is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Hirwaun and Penderyn. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

6.12 Under our proposals the number of electors in the Hirwaun ward will rise by 339 to 3,330 electors. We noted that in order to maintain a similar level of representation to that which currently exists within the Community of Hirwaun it would be necessary to increase the number of councillors by 1 to 15. We consider however that, in comparison with a number of other communities in the area, the level of representation within the Community of Hirwaun is already high. We do not therefore propose an increase in the number of councillors. If the number of councillors were allocated in proportion to the number of electors, the electoral arrangements for the Community of Hirwaun would be as follows:

6.13 Given the discrepancy in the number of electors between the Hirwaun and Penderyn wards we have concerns about the desirability of warding the Hirwaun Community. At this stage we do not make a proposal on this issue but we would welcome comments before we consider our final proposals.

6.14 Under the proposals the community of Pen-y-waun would reduce by 339 to 1,568 electors. As the Community does not have a community council no consequential changes to the electoral arrangements are required.

County Borough Council Electoral Arrangements

6.15 The Hirwaun Electoral Division consists of the Hirwaun ward of the Community of Hirwaun and currently has 2,991 electors represented by 1 councillor. The proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Hirwaun and Pen-y-waun would mean the number of electors in the Hirwaun Electoral Division would increase to 3,330.

6.16 The Llanharan Electoral Division consists of the Llanharan ward of the Community of Llanharan and currently has 2,773 electors represented by 1 councillor. The proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Llanharan and Pont-y-clun would mean the number of electors in the Llanharan Electoral Division would decrease to 2,283.

6.17 The Llanharry Electoral Division consists of the Community of Llanharry and currently has 2,548 electors represented by 1 councillor. The proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Llanharry and Pont-y-clun would mean the number of electors in the Llanharry Electoral Division would decrease to 2,459.

6.18 The Pen-y-waun Electoral Division consists of the Community of Pen-y-waun and currently has 1,907 electors represented by 1 councillor. The proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Pen-y-waun and Hirwaun would mean the number of electors in the Pen-y-waun Electoral Division would decrease to 1,568.

6.19 The Pont-y-clun Electoral Division consists of the Community of Pont-y-clun and currently has 5,091 electors represented by 2 councillors. The proposed changes to the boundaries between the Community of Pont-y-clun and the Communities of Llanharry, Llanharan and Llantrisant would mean the number of electors in the Pont-y-clun Electoral Division would increase to 5,827.

6.20 The Talbot Green Electoral Division consists of the Talbot Green ward of the Community of Llantrisant and currently has 2,052 electors represented by 1 councillor. The proposed change to the boundary between the Communities of Llantrisant and Pont-y-clun would mean the number of electors in the Talbot Green Electoral Division would decrease to 1,967.

6.21 We are of the view that for all of the above electoral divisions the changes to the number of electors as a consequence of the proposed boundary changes are not so significant as, at this time, to require either an increase or a decrease in the number of councillors representing each electoral division. Within the next few years we are due to conduct a review of the electoral arrangements for all of principal councils in Wales and we anticipate that we will receive directions from the Welsh Assembly Government to guide us in the conduct of the review. At that time we will look in detail at the electoral arrangements for Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and will take into account any changes that arise from these proposed changes to community boundaries.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

7.1 We wish to express our gratitude to Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and the Community Councils for their assistance and to all persons and bodies who made representations to us.

8. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

8.1 All observations on this draft report should be sent to:

The Secretary

Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

Caradog House

1-6 St Andrews Place

Cardiff

CF10 3BE

not later than 25 October 2007.

9. THE NEXT STEPS

9.1 When we have considered the comments made to us in response to this draft report we shall submit our recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government in the form of a report and proposals. It will then fall to the Welsh Assembly Government, if they think fit, to implement our recommendations either with or without modifications.

MRS S G SMITH LLB (Chair)

D H ROBERTS BSc DMS MBCS MCMI (Deputy Chair)

REV. HYWEL MEREDYDD DAVIES BD (Member)

E H LEWIS BSc. DPM FRSA FCIPD (Secretary)

August 2007

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