REVIEW OF COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA

DRAFT PROPOSALS

INTRODUCTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS
ASSESSMENT
PROPOSALS
CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT
THE NEXT STEPS

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 City and County of Swansea as directed by the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government in his Direction to us dated 19 December 2007 (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 9 January 2008 to all of the Community Councils in the City and County of Swansea, 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 Swansea City and County Council received a number of suggestions for community boundary changes. A list of these can be found at 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 (14 March 2008) was also given on our web site.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 We propose that:

the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Pontlliw be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix E;
the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Mynyddbach be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix F;
the boundary between the Communities of Cockett and Townhill be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix G;
the boundary between the Communities of Cockett and Penderry be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the maps at Appendices H and I;
the boundary between the Communities of Landore and Morriston be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix J;
the boundary between the Communities of Bonymaen and Llansamlet be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix K;
the boundary between the Communities of Penllergaer and Llwchwr be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix L;
the boundary between the Communities of Birchgrove and Clydach be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix O;
the boundary between the Communities of Dunvant and Upper Killay be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix P;
the boundary between the Communities of Clydach and Morriston be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix R;
the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Morriston be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix S;
the boundary between the Communities of Townhill and Castle be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix U;
the boundary between the Communities of Cwmbwrla and Penderry be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix V;
the boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Grovesend and Waungron be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix W;
the boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Llwchwr be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the maps at Appendix X;
the boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Llwchwr be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the maps at Appendix AB; and
the boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Penllergaer be realigned to follow the green line as shown on the map at Appendix AC.

In addition we have considered, but at this stage make no recommendations for, the following suggestions:

the separation of the Three Crosses ward from the Community of Llanrhidian Higher (map at Appendix C);
the boundary between the Llanmorlais and Penclawdd wards of the Community of Llanrhidian Higher (map at Appendix D);
the boundary between the Communities of Penllergaer and Llangyfelach (map at Appendix M);
the transfer of Dunvant Rugby Club from the Community of Upper Killay into the Community of Dunvant (map at Appendix Q);
the division of the Community of Townhill to form two community areas (map at Appendix T); and
the boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Llwchwr (map at Appendix Z).

3. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

3.1 We received representations from Swansea City and County Council; Clydach Community Council; Mawr Community Council; Gorseinon Town Council; Gowerton Community Council; Ilston Community Council; Killay Community Council; Llangyfelach Community Council; Llanrhidian Higher Community Council; Llwchwr Town Council; Penllergaer Community Council, Pontlliw and Tircoed Community Council; Rhossili Community Council; Upper Killay Community Council; 2 councillors; The Penllergare Trust and The Independents @ Swansea. We considered all of these representations carefully before we formulated our proposals. Details of all of these representations can be found at Appendix B.

4. ASSESSMENT

4.1 We have considered suggested changes to community and community ward boundaries in the following areas: Birchgrove, Bonymaen, Castle, Clydach, Cockett, Cwmbwrla, Dunvant, Gorseinon, Grovesend and Waungron, Killay, Landore, Llanrhidian Higher, Llangyfelach, Llansamlet, Llwchwr, Mawr, Morriston, Mynyddbach, Penderry, Penllergaer, Pontardulais, Pontlliw and Tircoed, Townhill and Upper Killay.

Killay

4.2 Killay Community Council considered that their existing three Wards of North, South and West should be replaced with two Wards named North and South to mirror the County Electoral divisions for the Community. Whilst there appears to us to be merit in reviewing the electoral arrangements of the community we are unable to do so as part of this review. This review is being carried out under Section 54 of the Act which allows us to make proposals for the electoral arrangements of a community that are consequential on a change to the community boundary. We have received no suggestions for a change to the boundary of the Killay Community that impacts on the electoral arrangements and we therefore make no proposals for changes to the electoral arrangements for the Community of Killay. A review of community electoral arrangements may be carried out by the principal council of the area under Section 57(4) of the Act and we recommend that Swansea City and County Council consider undertaking such a review.

Pontardulais

4.3 We noted that Pontardulais Community Council had submitted a proposal to the City and County of Swansea Council in 2006 that the whole of Glynllwchwr Road and Coedbach be transferred into the Dulais West Ward and that Upper Mill, which is currently divided between three community wards, should be included wholly within the boundary of the same community ward. Pontardulais Community Council discussed these suggested changes further at a meeting with Commission staff held at the Council's offices. Whilst there appears to us to be merit in reviewing the electoral arrangements of the community we are unable to do so as part of this review for the reasons given at paragraph 4.2 above. A review of community electoral arrangements may be carried out by the principal council of the area under Section 57(4) of the Act and we recommend that Swansea City and County Council consider undertaking such a review.

Llanrhidian Higher - Three Crosses Ward

4.4 Three Crosses is a ward of the Community of Llanrhidian Higher. Llanrhidian Higher Community Council considers that the Three Crosses ward should form a separate community with its own community council. Swansea City and County Council suggest either a separate community council or transferring Three Crosses as a ward to the Community of Upper Killay. The warding arrangements of the Community of Llanrhidian Higher together with adjoining communities can be seen on the map at Appendix C.

4.5 We noted that the Three Crosses ward has 1,200 electors and that there appears to be a clear distinction between Three Crosses and other settlements in the area. We consider therefore that the Three Crosses ward could form a viable separate community. Before making such a recommendation however we would wish to have an indication that the proposal to form a separate community with its own community council is supported by the electorate. We welcome further views on this matter.

4.6 Swansea City and County Council have also suggested, as an alternative, that the Three Crosses Ward could be transferred to the Community of Upper Killay. We have examined this suggestion but it appeared to us that, in terms of topography and community of interest, Three Crosses has more of an affinity with the Community of Ilston than the Community of Upper Killay. We do note however that the Community of Ilston with 454 electors has a much smaller electorate than Three Crosses (1,200), and that Three Crosses has a similar number of electors to Upper Killay (1,062). We would welcome further representation on this suggestion that the Three Crosses Ward could be transferred to either the Community of Ilston or the Community of Upper Killay.

Llanrhidian Higher - Llanmorlais and Penclawdd Wards

4.7 Llanrhidian Higher Community Council and Swansea City and County Council consider that several properties in the area of Station Road should be transferred from the Penclawdd Ward to the Llanmorlais Ward as shown on the map at Appendix D.

4.8 We consider that this proposal has merit as we noted from a site visit that the only access to the properties was via the Llanmorlais Ward. We also noted that the suggested boundary followed identifiable topographic features. A change to a community ward boundary constitutes a change to the electoral arrangements of a community. Such a change may only be considered as part of this review as a consequence of a change to the community boundary. As we are making no proposals at this stage for a change to the community boundary of Llanrhidian Higher we are unable to consider any changes to the electoral arrangements such as the suggested community ward boundary change at paragraph 4.7.

Llangyfelach, and Pontlliw and Tircoed

4.9 We consider the suggestion that the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Pontlliw and Tircoed should be realigned so as to include within Pontlliw and Tircoed those areas of Tircoed village currently in the Community of Llangyfelach (the roads Brynhyfryd, Tro Tircoed and Ffordd y Goedwig) to have merit. We also note that the suggestion is supported by Swansea City and County Council and both Community Councils. Following a site visit to the area it was noted that the suggested boundary changes followed identifiable geographical features. We also noted that the current Swansea City and County Council development plan did not show any further development in the vicinity of the proposed boundary realignments. We therefore consider that the suggested changes to the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Pontlliw and Tircoed to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. The changes as proposed are shown marked in green on the map at Appendix E.

Llangyfelach and Mynyddbach

4.10 Swansea City and County Council drew our attention to the fact that the existing boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Mynyddbach at the junction between Llangyfelach road and Heol Pentrefelin divides the Bryn Hedydd estate and even cuts through two properties. We considered an alternative boundary (shown marked in green on the map at Appendix F) and Llangyfelach Community Council also suggested the same boundary but with an extension shown marked in purple on the map at Appendix F.

4.11 We consider that as the Bryn Hedydd estate is accessed via the Community of Llangyfelach it is appropriate for the whole of the estate to be situated in that Community. We consider that the boundary shown in green on the map at Appendix F meets this requirement. As a result of a site visit to the area we noted however that the additional properties enclosed by the boundary suggested by Llangyfelach Community Council are accessed via the Community of Mynyddbach and it appears to us that they are more appropriately situated in that Community. We consider therefore that the change suggested by Llangyfelach Community Council is not desirable.

4.12 We consider that our proposal for a change to the boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Mynyddbach to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. The change as proposed is shown marked in green on the map at Appendix F.

Cockett and Townhill

4.13 Swansea City and County Council were concerned that the existing boundary between the Communities of Cockett and Townhill no longer followed a clearly defined line and divided a small business area at Webbon's Way and Meadow Street (map at Appendix G).

4.14 We consider that a change to the boundary would be desirable so as to resolve the anomaly of the divided commercial area. Following a site visit to the area however we noted the difficulties in identifying a possible realignment of the existing boundary. We considered utilising the line of the railway through the tunnel to the north west but rejected this as it followed a feature that was not visible on the ground. It appeared to us that the only line for a boundary that could be clearly identified was to utilise the road to the south of the commercial area (Heol-y-Gors) shown in green on the map at Appendix G). Using this line as the revised boundary would have the affect of including all of the commercial properties off Webbon's Way and Meadow Street in the Community of Cockett. The proposal would also transfer some residential properties on Meadow Street and Heol-y-Gors into Cockett.

4.15 We are of the view that the change to the boundary, as considered, to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. We therefore propose the change to the boundary between the Communities of Cockett and Townhill as illustrated on the map at Appendix G.

Cockett and Penderry

4.16 Swansea City and County Council notified us of two areas of the boundary between the Communities of Cockett and Penderry where recent developments had created anomalies in the boundary (shown on the maps at Appendices H and I).

4.17 In the first area (Appendix H) the existing boundary divides both the area of new housing at Llwyn Teg and also the Pontardulais Road Retail Park. Following a site visit to the area we consider the housing development at Llwyn Teg (and the adjoining area that is to de developed) to be an extension of the area of housing within the Community of Cockett and as such we consider that it would be appropriate for it to be included within that Community. We consider that it would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government for the whole of the housing estate and the whole of the retail park to be included within the Community of Cockett and propose the change to the boundary marked in green at Appendix H.

4.18 In the second area (Appendix I), which lies to the South East of the first area, the current boundary divides an area of housing that includes Beaufort Court, Richmond Way, Cranmer Court, Chantry Court and part of Courtlands Way within the Community of Penderry from a similar area of housing within the area of Cockett. Following a site visit to the area we noted that the only means of access to this area of housing was via the Community of Cockett. We consider that it would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government for this area of housing to be included within the Community of Cockett. We have delineated a new boundary that includes this area and that we consider follows clearly defined features. We therefore propose a change to the boundary as illustrated on the map at Appendix I.

Landore and Morriston

4.19 Swansea City and County Council highlighted the anomaly whereby the existing boundary between the Communities of Landore and Morriston divides the Plasmarl Industrial Estate (as shown on the map at Appendix J).

4.20 Following a site visit to the area we determined that a change to the boundary utilising Neath Road and Ffordd Cwm Tawe as the new boundary would incorporate both the whole of the Plasmarl Industrial Estate and the whole of the car dealership on Neath Road within the Community of Morriston. We consider this change to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and therefore propose a change to the boundary as illustrated on the map at Appendix J.

Bonymaen and Llansamlet

4.21 Swansea City and County Council pointed out that the western part of existing boundary between Bonymaen and Llansamlet is undefined and divides the business park (as shown on the map at Appendix K).

4.22 Following a site visit to the area we identified two areas where the existing boundary divides commercial areas. We consider that where appropriate it is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government for the whole of an industrial estate to be within one community area. We have therefore defined two amendments to the boundary one to include of the whole of the Llansamlet Industrial Estate and the other to include the whole of the Winch Wen Industrial Estate within the Community of Llansamlet. We propose the two changes to the boundary between the Community of Bonymaen and the Community of Llansamlet as marked in green on the map at Appendix K.

Penllergaer and Llwchwr

4.23 We have considered the suggestion by Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald (which was also put forward by Penllergaer Community Council to the City and County of Swansea Council in 2006) for changing the boundary between the Communities of Penllergaer and Llwchwr to follow Hospital Road until it reaches the bridge over the A484, then follow the A484 as far as its junction with the A483 and then follow the A483 until it crosses the river Llan at Cadle where it meets the existing boundary with the Community of Penderry (shown on the map at Appendix L). It is considered that this would provide a more meaningful and recognisable boundary. The representations also point out that the name Garngoch has historical connections with the Community of Penllergaer and that the suggested change would have the effect of including the Garngoch Hospital within the Penllergaer Community. It was also noted that the change did not involve the transfer of any electors.

4.24 Following a site visit to the area we confirm that the suggested boundary follows identifiable topographic features and in our view provides a clearer and more effective boundary in this area than the existing arrangement. We therefore propose the change to the boundary between the Community of Penllergaer and the Community of Llwchwr as marked in green on the map at Appendix L.

4.25 As a consequence of the proposed change to the community boundary we propose a change to the boundary between the Community Wards of Penllergaer West and Penllergaer East. The proposed addition to the Ward boundary utilises part of the existing community boundary as illustrated by the blue line on the map at Appendix L.

Penllergaer and Llangyfelach

4.26 We have considered the suggestion made by both Councillor Fitzgerald and the Penllegare Trust to realign the boundary between the Community of Penllergaer and the Community of Llangyfelach so that the whole of the area of Llan Valley and Valley Woods falls within the Community of Penllergaer (shown on the map at Appendix M).

4.27 A site visit was made to the area where the suggested boundary was inspected. It was noted that because of the terrain which includes areas of dense woodland it was difficult to identify a suitable realignment of the existing boundary given the large area involved and the lack of suitable topographic features for the boundary to follow. It was noted however that the existing boundary, which follows the Afon Llan, is clearly defined. Although we acknowledged that it may be convenient for the Penllergare Trust if the Valley Woods area was wholly within the Community of Penllergaer, when balanced against the lack of a suitable alternative boundary we do not consider this a sufficient reason to make the suggested change desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. We therefore propose no change to the boundary between the Communities of Penllergaer and Llangyfelach.

Birchgrove and Clydach

4.28 Clydach Community Council suggested that the boundary between Clydach and Birchgrove Communities should be changed so as to include the whole of the village of Glais within the Community of Clydach. An appropriate boundary that achieves this aim has been drawn and is illustrated on the map at Appendix N.

4.29 We have considered this suggestion and are of the view that it would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government for the whole of the village of Glais to be included within a single community area. We have noted however that the major part of the Glais village is currently within the Birchgrove Community and consider therefore that it may be more appropriate for the whole of the Glais village to be situated within the Community of Birchgrove rather than the Community of Clydach. From the representations we have received and the information we have gathered it is not possible at this stage to gauge the nature of the links the village has with either Clydach or Birchgrove. The relative number of electors would in the Commission's view suggest that it would be more desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government if the boundary between the Communities of Birchgrove and Clydach were changed so as to include the whole of the of Glais village within the Community of Birchgrove. We consider an appropriate boundary to be the current Glais Ward boundary as illustrated on the map at Appendix O.

Dunvant and Upper Killay

4.30 Upper Killay Community Council suggested that three properties at the end of Ddol Path should be transferred to the Community of Dunvant. The Council have made enquiries with the owners of these properties who have expressed the view that they were in favour of the properties being re-designated as part of Dunvant. Following a site visit to the area we have noted that access to these properties is via Dunvant. We therefore consider it to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government to change the boundary between the Communities of Dunvant and Upper Killay as suggested. We propose a change to the boundary as illustrated on the map at Appendix P.

4.31 Upper Killay Community Council also suggested that the area of the grounds of Dunvant Rugby Football Club should be transferred from the Community of Upper Killay to the Community of Dunvant. Following a site visit to the area it was noted that access to the ground was through the Community of Killay and because of its position in relation to the community boundaries (as shown on the map at Appendix Q), we could not identify an appropriate change to the community boundaries. We are of the view that the perceived benefits from transferring the Dunvant RFC grounds into Dunvant from Upper Killay are outweighed by the complexities involved in changing the community boundaries in the area. We therefore make no proposal for changing the boundary of the Community of Upper Killay in the area of Dunvant RFC.

Clydach and Morriston

4.32 Clydach Community Council suggested that the areas of Caemawr and Pen-y-Rhedyn be transferred into the Community of Clydach from the Community of Morriston.

4.33 Following a site visit to the area we consider that part of the suggested change to the boundary may have merit in that it appears to us that the area of Caemawr is closely associated with the Community of Clydach. We noted however that the area of Pen-y-Rhedyn was more rural in nature than that of Caemawr and the adjoining area of the Community of Clydach. We also noted that Pen-y-Rhedyn could be accessed from both the Community of Clydach and other areas within the Community of Morriston. We consider therefore that the suggestion to include the area of Caemawr within the Community of Clydach to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and propose a change to the boundary as shown on the map at Appendix R. We make no proposals at this time in respect of the Pen-y-Rhedyn area.

Llangyfelach and Morriston

4.34 Llangyfelach Community Council suggested that the area to the west of Pant Lasau Road be transferred from the Community of Morriston into the Community of Llangyfelach. Following a site visit to the area we consider that this suggestion has merit as it appears to us that the nature of the area had more of an affinity with the adjoining rural areas of Llangyfelach than the more urban areas of Morriston. In addition it appeared to us that it would also be appropriate to continue the suggested boundary along Mynydd Gelliwastad Road until it meets the existing boundary with Mawr as we consider this will constitute a clearly defined boundary between the Communities of Llangyfelach and Morriston. We therefore propose a change to the boundary between the Community of Llangyfelach and the Community of Morriston as shown on the map at Appendix S.

Townhill

4.35 The Independents @ Swansea in their letter to the Commission of 2006 suggested that the Community of Townhill be split to form two new communities, Townhill and Mayhill. They consider that the two areas each have their own identities and their own community services and that there is a clear boundary between the two areas.

4.36 Following a site visit to the area we have surveyed a possible boundary that could be used to divide the two areas and this is shown on the map at Appendix T. From the evidence we have at this stage however it we are unable to be satisfied that the two areas are sufficiently distinct to the extent that they form two separate community areas. Before making such a recommendation we would also wish to have an indication that the proposal to form two separate community areas is supported by the electorate. At this stage therefore we make no proposal to divide the existing Townhill Community. We welcome further views on this matter.

Castle and Townhill

4.37 In the course of our consideration of Townhill we identified an area of properties at Nicander Place within the Castle Community that that is adjacent to the Townhill boundary and appeared to be only accessible through Townhill. We consider that a change to the boundary in this area to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and propose the change shown on the map at Appendix U.

Cwmbwrla and Penderry

4.38 During the course of our review we have identified an area including a number of properties at Brenig Road that are accessed via the adjacent Penderry Community though they are currently within the Cwmbwrla Community. We note that Swansea City and County Council consider that the residents of the relevant houses have a one way access and it would be more convenient for them to vote at the polling station for the Clwyd polling district of Penderry. We consider that a change to the boundary in this area to be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and propose the change shown on the map at Appendix V.

Gorseinon, and Grovesend and Waungron

4.39 We identified an area of land within the Community of Gorseinon that includes three properties whose only access appears to be from the Grovesend and Waungron Community. It appeared to us that it would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government for this area to be included within the Community of Grovesend and Waungron. A site visit was made to the area to confirm the issue of access and an alternative boundary that follows topographical features was identified. A map showing the suggested boundary was sent to both Community Councils and their comments were requested.

4.40 In response Gorseinon Town Council opposed the suggested boundary change but gave no reasons for their opposition. Grovesend and Waungron Community Council fully supported the proposal and indicated that the residents of the properties had asked for this change for some time. Swansea City and County Council also supported this proposal. Having considered the views of the two Community Councils and Swansea City and County Council we remain of the view that the change to the boundary is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and we therefore propose the amendment to the boundary as shown on the map at Appendix W.

Gorseinon and Llwchwr

4.41 We identified an anomaly in the existing boundary between the Communities of Gorseinon and Llwchwr that divided part of the estate in the vicinity of Heol Pentre Bach. Following a site visit made to the area we identified a realignment of the boundary that transferred a number of properties into the Community of Gorseinon on the grounds that all access to the properties involved was through Gorseinon. We have noted Llwchwr Town Council's objection to the suggested realignment and considered their alternative boundary, which followed Heol Pentre Bach east, and then Hawthorn Avenue until rejoining the existing boundary. We did not consider however that the alternative boundary suggested by Llwchwr Town Council was as effective as our suggestion as it appeared to leave a number of properties in Llwchwr, which only had access through Gorseinon. We noted that both Swansea City and County Council and Gorseinon Town Council supported our suggested amendment to the community boundary.

4.42 Having considered the views of both Gorseinon and Llwchwr Town Councils we remain of the view that our suggested change to the boundary is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and we therefore propose the amendment to the boundary as shown on the map at Appendix X.

4.43 We have considered the suggestion from Councillor Gillian Evans that the boundary between the Communities of Llwchwr and Gorseinon should be realigned as the Community of Llwchwr encroaches well into the built up area of what is acknowledged locally to be Gorseinon. Councillor Evans' suggested realignment to the boundary between the Upper Loughor Ward of the Community of Llwchwr and the Gorseinon West Ward of the Community of Gorseinon is shown at Appendix Y. This suggestion is similar to our proposal at paragraph 4.40 above but involves the transfer of a greater area of the Community of Llwchwr into the Community of Gorseinon. We consider that, whereas our proposal only involves the transfer into Gorseinon of properties which are accessed only from Gorseinon, Councillor Evans' proposal includes in addition the transfer of properties into Gorseinon, which are currently accessed through Llwchwr. For this reason we do not consider that Councillor Evans' suggested change is an improvement on our proposed realignment and we are therefore minded to retain our recommendation at paragraph 4.41 above.

4.44 We have considered the Councillor Evans' suggested realignment to the boundary between the Kingsbridge Ward of the Community of Llwchwr and the Gorseinon East Ward of the Community of Gorseinon shown on the map at Appendix Z. We note Councillor Evans' point that the properties in the area line a road which is a continuation of West Street, the major road leading south from the central crossroads in Gorseinon. However we are not satisfied that the existing boundary presents a significant anomaly in terms of effective and convenient local government. Additionally, whilst we note Councillor Evans' statement that the Kingsbridge Ward of the Community of Llwchwr encroaches into built up areas, which are locally acknowledged to be part of Gorseinon, we do not consider this to be a sufficient enough reason to realign the existing boundary, which appears to us to be clearly defined.

4.45 Councillor Evans pointed out that the boundary between the Gorseinon East Ward of the Community of Gorseinon and the Kingsbridge and Garden Village Wards of the Community of Llwchwr extended south to encompass the area of the former Bryngwyn steel works and considered this boundary to be somewhat artificial. She stated that the area was now designated for housing development, some of which had commenced. Councillor Evans considered that this housing development at Bryngwyn could either remain in Gorseinon East or be incorporated into the Community of Llwchwr and suggested a possible realignment for the boundary should the latter option be adopted (shown at Appendix AA). We have noted in Swansea City and County Council's Unitary Development Plan that this area is marked as an area to be developed for mixed use (i.e. for housing and for employment) and that the designated area includes the land both to the north and south of the boundary suggested by Councillor Evans. A site visit to the area confirmed that new developments (not shown on the map) at Appendix AA are currently being undertaken both to the north towards the existing built up area of Gorseinon East and to the south towards the built up area of Kingsbridge. It appears to us that once the development of the area is completed the boundary suggested by Councillor Evans could become an artificial division within a continuous built up area which would be more conveniently included within the same community. We noted, however that the line of the River Lliw appeared to present a natural boundary between the Communities of Llwchwr and Gorseinon and that the areas to the north and south east of the former Bryngwyn steelworks to the east of the River Lliw did not appear to be included in the development currently being undertaken to the west of the River. We therefore propose that the boundary between the Communities of Llwchwr and Gorseinon be realigned to follow the River Lliw as shown on the map at Appendix AB.

4.46 We note the point made by Councillor Evans regarding the imbalance of community council representation between the Gorseinon West and Gorseinon Central Wards in the Community of Gorseinon. This has been dealt with under consequential arrangement at paragraph 6.5. We noted Councillor Evans' comments regarding the Swansea City and County Council electoral divisions for the Community of Gorseinon. However such changes do not fall within the remit of the current review. The Commission will be undertaking a full review of all local government electoral divisions in late 2008 and Councillor Evans' comment will be considered at that time.

Gorseinon and Penllergaer

4.47 We identified a minor anomaly whereby the existing boundary appeared to divide a building belonging to a property at the end of Windsor Terrace, Gorseinon. We noted that this change was supported by Swansea City and County Council and Gorseinon Town Council. We consider that a minor change to the boundary is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government and we therefore propose the amendment to the boundary as shown on the map at Appendix AC.

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 Birchgrove, Bonymaen, Castle, Clydach, Cockett, Cwmbwrla, Dunvant, Gorseinon, Grovesend and Waungron, Landore, Llangyfelach, Llansamlet, Llwchwr, Morriston, Mynyddbach, Penderry, Penllergaer, Pontlliw and Tircoed, Townhill and Upper Killay should be realigned to follow the boundaries shown in green on the maps at Appendices E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, P, R, S, U, V, W, X, AB and AC.

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

5.3 This report details our draft proposals for change to the community boundaries in the City and County of Swansea 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 Swansea City and County Council.

Community Council Electoral Arrangements

6.2 The Communities of Birchgrove, Bonymaen, Castle, Cockett, Cwmbwrla, Dunvant, Landore, Llansamlet, Morriston, Mynyddbach, Penderry, and Townhill do not have a community council. There are therefore no consequential changes to be considered as a result of our proposals in respect of these Communities.

6.3 The Community of Clydach is currently divided, for Community electoral purposes, into the community wards of Clydach, Glais, Graigfelen and Vardre. The following table shows the number of electors and councillors for each ward.

Community	Ward	Electors	Councillors	E/C*
Clydach	Clydach	2,225	6	371
	Glais	266	1	266
	Graigfelen	1,325	4	331
	Vardre	2,135	5	427
		5,951	16	371