Conservation groups see council support cut

Conservation groups in Cardiff will no longer be given officer support in providing consultation on planning applications for the city, the Guardian has learned. At a meeting with the executive member for environment Margaret Jones and chief officers at Cardiff Council, chairs of the five conservation groups in Cardiff were told they would no longer be given clerical an admin support as the council continues to make necessary budget cuts as a result of the economic downturn. Operational manager for strategic planning, Phil Williams said: "It was a decision taken by the council to reduce te level of clerical support for five conservation groups. The conservation groups are seen as a valuable resource to provide and assist with making decisions." Chair of North West and Rhiwbina Gardens conservation group Jayne Cowan said: "Over the years support that we have had from that department has been amazing and we are disappointed that with the budget constraints it's gone. "We're obviously disappointed that support has been withdrawn and not all the chairs will be able to use the members services because they are not all councillors, so they won't have the admin support and the onus will become on them." Kirsty Davies from the Llandaff conservation group said: "I think it's disappointing that they have had to. It's another budget cut which no one wants but the conservation groups are all quite committed and are really keen that they will continue to provide the same level of service. "The committee will just have to step up and do their own admin. It's not desirable, bt it has to happen." Phil Williams was keen to stress the level of input into planning decisions would continue. He said: "The level of support will be reduced and the proposal of the meeting was the clarify what support there would be. "90% of applications are not taken to planning committee. They have been re-assured they play a positive role in the planning process." Is this the first of a string of budget cuts from the council? Have your say below.