Contents

1 Background 1 1 201

2 Introduction 3 3 National Policy Context 5 September

4 Local Policy Context 11 , Paper 5 Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot 17 opic T 6 Current and future trends 45

7 Conclusions and Strategy Formulation 51 Leisure

8 Preferred Strategy 53 Indoor

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Appendices Space

A Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot 59 Open B Extract from Rights of Way Improvement Plan showing access land 61 C Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres 63 D Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities 67 E List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 69 F Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy 85 Contents Open

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1 Background 1 201

1.0.1 This is one of a range of emerging papers forming part of the LDP evidence base which offers more detailed information and explains the approach of the plan in relation September to different topics and issues affecting the County Borough. This paper will look specifically , at Open Space and Indoor Leisure. It will explain the background which will help to identify Paper objectives, issues, options and the preferred strategy for the LDP. The paper will be

developed as the preparation of the Deposit Plan proceeds and a final version will be opic T published at the Deposit stage. Leisure

1.0.2 The Pre-Deposit Plan is the first statutory stage of the LDP. The LDP shapes the future growth of communities in Neath Port Talbot and will set out the policies and Indoor land allocations against which planning applications will be assessed. and 1.0.3 The Pre-Deposit Plan is also an important opportunity to comment on the strategies

that will shape the final Deposit Plan. The Deposit Plan is the second statutory stage of Space the plan and will allow a further period of formal public consultation. The Deposit Plan will be submitted to the Welsh Government, which will appoint an Independent Inspector to Open assess the soundness of the Plan in the Examination in Public. If the Inspector considers the Plan to be sound it will be recommended for adoption. Once adopted the LDP will supersede the Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan, and be the document which allocates sites for development and identifies policies which will be used to determine all planning applications in Neath Port Talbot.

1.0.4 The Topic Paper can be read in isolation or in conjunction with the Topic Papers and Background Papers that have been prepared to give a full picture of Neath Port Talbot.

1.0.5 The open space assessment has fed extensively into this Topic Paper.

1.0.6 If you have any comments on this Topic Paper they can be submitted on line on the Council's website www.npt.gov.uk/ldp. Follow the LDP logo to the portal page and post your comments direct. Alternatively you may submit them in writing to the address below or via email to [email protected]. Comments will have to be received before midnight on 17th October 2011 and the name of the Topic Paper and specific paragraph to which the comment relates will need to be identified in your response.

LDP Team Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council The Quays Brunel Way Baglan Energy Park 1 Neath SA11 2GG

01639 686821 1 . Background Open

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2 2 . Introduction

2 Introduction 1 201

2.0.1 Open Space is defined as all open space of public value, including land, and water areas like rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and disused dock basins which offer opportunities (1) September for sport, recreation & tourism. It includes; Public Parks & Gardens; Natural & , Semi-Natural Green spaces; Green Corridors; Outdoor Sports Facilities; Amenity Green Paper space; Provision for Children & Young People; Allotments, Community Gardens, and City

(urban) Farms; Cemeteries & Churchyards; Accessible Areas of Countryside in the Urban opic T Fringe; and Civic Spaces & Water. Leisure

2.0.2 The provision of facilities and service is by a wide range of organisations and bodies and includes the Welsh Government (Forestry Commission level), the County Indoor Borough Council, Community Councils, Neath Port Talbot Homes, Housing Associations,

charitable organisations including the National Trust, West Wales Wildlife Trust, Celtic and

Leisure, sports clubs, community groups and private businesses. Space

2.0.3 Recreation is important for the emotional and social development and well being of all residents; it encourages social interaction, team building, physical activity etc. The Open provision of a mix of indoor and outdoor facilities for recreational use is vital to provide choice and alternatives and to cater for as wide a range of people as possible. The use of all weather facilities (both indoor and outdoor) adds to the available choice. Group or team activities e.g. sports clubs etc help to create a sense of belonging and community. It needs to be remembered that sport and recreational facilities are not just for children, and need to provide something for all age groups and abilities.

2.0.4 Recreation is key to improving health and well being in the County Borough. Ill health is a major issue in Neath Port Talbot and the Council is committed to improving the health and fitness of the population. For further information on the detailed aspects of health in the County please refer to the Health Topic Paper.

2.0.5 It is important to recognise that a paper such as this can only provide a 'snapshot' of the position at the survey date. The information will be reviewed and updated before completion of the Deposit Plan and when individual proposals are considered.

3

1 TAN 16 Sport, Recreation & Open Space 2 . Introduction Open

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4 3 . National Policy Context

3 National Policy Context 1 201

Wales Spatial Plan (2008)

3.0.1 The Wales Spatial Plan recognises that our environment is fundamental to our September quality of life and that its protection and regeneration is essential for health and well being. ,

The Plan encourages more walking and cycling as part of daily life, providing clean open Paper spaces with more opportunities to enjoy wildlife. opic T

Planning Policy Wales (2011) Leisure 3.0.2 Both Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and Technical Advice Note Sport, Recreation

and Open Space (TAN 16) state that Planning Authorities should provide the framework Indoor for well located, good quality tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities. The areas and and facilities provided in both rural and urban areas should be: sensitive to the needs of users; attractive, well designed, well maintained, and protected from crime and vandalism; Space safe and accessible by deprived or disadvantaged communities and to people whose

mobility is restricted; and accessible by a variety of sustainable means of travel, particularly Open walking, cycling and public transport. Long-distance routes, rights of way, disused railways and waterways are important tourism and recreation facilities, both in their own right and as a means of linking other attractions.

3.0.3 PPW identifies that Sport and Recreation contribute to our quality of life and the Welsh Government supports the development of sport and recreation, and the wide range of leisure pursuits which encourage physical activity. These activities are important for the well-being of children and adults and for the social and economic life of Wales. The Welsh Government’s main planning objectives include: promoting a more sustainable pattern of development; creating and maintaining networks of facilities and open spaces in places well served by sustainable means of travel, in particular within urban areas; and social inclusion, improved health and well-being by ensuring that everyone, including children and young people, the elderly and those with disabilities, has easy access to the natural environment and to good quality, well-designed facilities and open space.

3.0.4 Planning Policy Wales states that the planning system should ensure that adequate land and water resources are allocated for formal and informal sport and recreation, whilst taking full account of the need for recreational space and current levels of provision and deficiencies, and the impact on the locality and local communities.

3.0.5 It identifies that formal and informal open green spaces, including parks with significant recreational or amenity value, should be protected from development, particularly in urban areas where they fulfil multiple purposes, not only enhancing the quality of life, but contributing to biodiversity, the conservation of nature and landscape, air quality and 5 the protection of groundwater. Such open spaces also have a role in climate protection and in enabling the adaptation of urban areas to the impacts of climate change, for example by contributing to flood management and helping to reduce urban heat island effects.

3.0.6 All playing fields whether owned by public, private or voluntary organisations should be protected except where: 3 . National Policy Context

Open Facilities can best be retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site;

Space

Alternative provision of equivalent community benefit is made available; or

and

Indoor There is an excess of such provision in an area.

Leisure 3.0.7 Development plans should establish a strategic framework for the provision and

enhancement of well designed tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities in the areas T opic they cover and contain clear policies for the provision, protection and enhancement of

Paper tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities. They should set standards of provision, so that local deficiencies can be identified and met through the planning process, and set out ,

September policies to avoid or resolve conflict between different pursuits.

3.0.8 The development plan should protect from development playing fields and open

space that has significant amenity or recreational value to local communities. It should 201 indicate the ways in which previously developed or disused land and water bodies will be 1 considered for tourism, sport and recreation uses, particularly in relation to urban regeneration.

3.0.9 The development plan should consider the scope to use disused land and routes as parks, linear parks or green ways in urban areas. It should encourage the provision of safe cycle routes and footpaths. Where recreational use of redundant railway lines or spaces alongside canals or rivers is proposed, the plan should ensure that there is no detriment to adjoining users, wildlife or flood defences.

3.0.10 The development plan should encourage the multiple use of open space and facilities, where appropriate, to increase their effective use and reduce the need to provide additional facilities. It should ensure that open spaces and built facilities are, where possible, sited, designed and maintained as integral parts of existing and new developments so as to encourage their use and minimise crime and vandalism.

3.0.11 In terms of new facilities, developments for tourism, sport and leisure uses should, where appropriate, be located on previously developed land with the sensitive refurbishment and re-use of historic buildings presenting particular opportunities for tourism and leisure facilities. Local Planning Authorities should also encourage the multiple use of open space and facilities, where appropriate, to increase their effective use and reduce the need to provide additional facilities.

Technical Advice Note 16 Sport, Recreation and Open Space (2009)

6 3.0.12 In terms of the Open Space Assessment outlined in PPW, TAN16 states that these objectives can best be achieved by undertaking local assessments of need and audits of all types of existing provision. The Local Planning Authority should develop standards that reflect the local social, economic, demographic and geographical characteristics and that are based on robust evidence derived from an open space assessment. The open space assessment should include a quantitative, qualitative and an accessibility component. 3 . National Policy Context

3.0.13 The Local Planning Authority should also identify and protect open space with a 1 201 significant amenity, nature conservation or recreational value and subsequently establish criteria against which sites should be assessed if development pressures arise. When planning new sport and recreational facilities, and open space, design and noise issues September need to be taken into consideration. ,

3.0.14 In terms of specific provision: Paper

opic T Policies in the LDP should address the need to provide and protect allotment/ compost/ wildlife sites where a shortfall has been identified, and to improve the accessibility of

such sites to all users; Leisure

The recreational potential for water based recreation should be considered as part of Indoor

the open space assessment and be reflected in LDP preparation; and

LDPs should identify suitable locations for golf courses, dependent on the Authority’s Space Open Space assessment. These golf courses should be promoted as a tourist

attraction, as well as a sporting or recreational activity. Open

3.0.15 In order to improve access to open space schools are encouraged to open their playing fields and premises for community use, particularly where there is limited provision of playing fields and open space.

3.0.16 TAN 16 states that it is essential that Local Authorities consider accessibility for people who have impaired mobility or impairment, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Disability Equality Duty 2006. As well as disabled people, Local Planning Authorities should also promote and provide better facilities for people from ethnic minorities and the disadvantaged.

Environment Strategy for Wales (2006)

3.0.17 The Environment Strategy for Wales focuses on improving the built and natural environment, including encouraging the provision and retention of green spaces in urban areas. This strategy states that every community should have a high quality, well planned and maintained built environment which provides access to green spaces and areas for recreation, and supports biodiversity.

Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity ‘Climbing Higher’ (2005)

3.0.18 'Climbing Higher’ sets out the Welsh Government’s long term strategy for an active, healthy and inclusive Wales where sport and physical activity are used to enhance the quality of life nationally and in local communities 7

3.0.19 Specific targets in the strategy include:

By 2025, no-one should live more than a 6 minute walk (300m) from their nearest natural greenspace; 3 . National Policy Context

Open By 2025 all public sector employees and 75% of all other employees will have access to sport and physical activity facilities at, or within, 10 minutes walk of the workplace;

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By 2025, the percentage of people in Wales using the Welsh natural environment for

and outdoor activities will increase from 36% to 60%;

Indoor By 2025, 95% of people in Wales will have a footpath or cycle path within a 10 minute

Leisure walk.

T opic 3.0.20 The strategy states that young people’s needs (including those who are disabled)

Paper are a priority. The Welsh Government recognises the critical importance of play for the development of children’s physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills. It ,

September recognises that providing opportunities for physical health can help address wider health and well-being issues, particularly obesity and mental health, and that the closer a play area is to home, the more likely it is to be used by children.

201 Walking and Cycling Action Plan (2009) 1

3.0.21 The Action Plan, published by WG, summarises the key steps planned to secure a walking and cycling culture in Wales. It is evident from some of the aims of this action plan that implementation will be closely tied to LDPs. The Plan contains a range of actions grouped under the following four themes which seek to deliver these objectives:

1. Changing Behaviour - Walking and cycling to make an increasing contribution towards climate change targets and raising levels of physical activity.

2. Sustainable Travel encouraged via better Walking and Cycling Infrastructure - To create safe, attractive and convenient infrastructure for pedestrian and cycle travel.

3. Policy Objectives - Ensure that walking and cycling are included in cross-cutting policies, guidance and funding.

4. Evaluation - To enable the Welsh Government and delivery partners to track progress in delivering the actions of this Plan and intended outcomes

3.0.22 Neath Port Talbot is already implementing this as it has developed its own Walking and Cycling Strategy.

Creating an Active Wales (2010) 8 3.0.23 Creating an Active Wales sets out the steps the Welsh Government will take, with partners, to achieve an active, healthy and inclusive Wales. Priority actions have been agreed under four strategic aims.

1. Active Environment - to develop and maintain a physical environment that makes it easier and safer for people to choose to be more physically active. 3 . National Policy Context

2. Active Children and Young People - to support children and young people to live 1 201 active lives and become active adults.

3. Active Adults - to encourage more adults to be more active, more often, throughout September

life. ,

4. Sport for all - to increase participation in sport by all sectors of the population. Paper

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Children's and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 Leisure 3.0.24 Chapter 2 of this measure relates to Play and Participation. It places duties on local authorities in relation to play, specifically that they must assess the sufficiency of Indoor play opportunities for children in their area and also secure sufficient play opportunities and for children. There are also duties in relation to children’s participation in decisions that affect them. Space

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4 Local Policy Context 1 201

Community Plan (2010 - 2020)

4.0.1 One of the aims of the Community Plan is that by 2020 local communities will be September more aware of the opportunities for enjoying culture, physical activity, play and sport. , Paper 4.0.2 In terms of confident communities by 2014: opic T

The impact of public services upon the environment, including the physical infrastructure required for sustainable communities, will be reflected in the Local Leisure Development Plan and planning processes. Indoor

and 4.0.3 In terms of the Environment by 2014 we want to: Space To help improve the health and well-being of all citizens; healthy and clean air, land and water are secured by robust environmental management systems. Also the diversity of local habitats and species is successfully managed, protected and Open enhanced; helping citizens enjoy wildlife and a healthy environment.

All citizens have safe, litter-free, accessible green spaces within walking distance from their homes.

4.0.4 In terms of transport by 2014 :

The awareness, acceptability and use of sustainable transport, such as public transport, walking and cycling has increased.

4.0.5 In terms of health social care and wellbeing by 2014:

There are stronger health improvement connections between the different strategies, plans and services. This includes information and support to encourage physical activity and healthier food choices; and tackle smoking, alcohol consumption and drug taking.

Our Space Your Space (2009)

4.0.6 This Neath Port Talbot strategy identifies that there has been under investment in greenspace over the years and as a result the quality of sites and facilities has deteriorated. With increased funding and more efficient delivery techniques these sites 11 can be improved. It also identifies that there has been insufficient community engagement and that there has not been a strategic approach in the past. The strategy identifies a number of aims including: 4 . Local Policy Context

Open To improve the provision and distribution of available facilities so everyone benefits,

Space To ensure easy accessibility to sites to encourage maximum use by as many people as possible

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Indoor 4.0.7 The following actions are identified to make the strategy happen:

Leisure Greater community consultation and involvement

T opic Targeting resources more effectively

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4.0.8 Each of the different areas of greenspace has their own actions, these are too September long to reproduce here, but are detailed in F 'Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy'.

201 Children and Young People’s Plan (2011-2014) 1 4.0.9 Its vision is that:

Children and Young People in Neath Port Talbot will be healthy, confident, active individuals who achieve their potential within a safe home and community that is free from poverty, abuse and exploitation.

4.0.10 One of the 7 core aims is that all children should:

(4) Have access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities

4.0.11 A number of challenges to this provision were identified in the previous plan and some of these are related:

To the reduction in natural play spaces

The proportion of girls and boys classed as obese in Wales by the age 15 is higher than England and Scotland

Access to a range of play, sport, leisure and cultural opportunities for children and vulnerable children and young people particularly for young people with disabilities

Engagement of girls aged 11 – 16 in sport

12 The proportion of young people who are sufficiently active reduces between the ages of 15 and 24

4.0.12 Since the last plan progress has been made

A Play Development team is in place, delivering play schemes, after school activities and supporting communities to develop their play opportunities 4 . Local Policy Context

A play audit has been undertaken 1 201

There has been no further reduction in natural play spaces September

4.0.13 One of the priorities (over the next 3 years) is to improve the physical health and , emotional wellbeing of children and young people. A number of actions are proposed Paper which will address this including opic T

Support schools to maintain initiatives, both in schools and local communities, that support improved emotional wellbeing, physical activity and healthy eating, and which Leisure reduce accidents and injuries Indoor Further develop plans, services and activities to improve levels of physical activity, and diet and address rising obesity Space Develop a strategy for play to help focus, prioritise and co-ordinate play services for children Open

Further develop initiatives to promote the engagement of more young people in sports, leisure and cultural activities, ensuring that these activities are accessed by young people who have left school and by disadvantaged groups including ethnic minorities, disabled children, young offenders and Looked After Children

4.0.14 The WG requires the preparation of a local 'Creating an Active Wales Plan' to ensure local implementation of the targets and vision in the national physical activity plan for Wales. The specific targets for Creating an Active Wales which contribute to the long term ambition to create an active, healthy and inclusive Wales are:

To shift the average point of activity for adults from 30 minutes on 2.4 days per week to 30 minutes on 3.4 days per week by 2020;

To shift the average point of activity for 11 to 16 year olds from 60 minutes on 3.9 days per week to 60 minutes on 4.9 days per week by 2020.

4.0.15 In 2006, partners in Neath Port Talbot worked together in developing two key plans for Physical Activity: a Strategic Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and a Sport and Active Living Strategy. In 2008, these plans were used to support the development and monitoring of our Local Agreement for Physical Activity (LAPA) with the Sports Council for Wales. The LAPA has been the key service delivery mechanism for our plans. 4.0.16 As a result of WG Policy initiatives since this time, the work of the Physical Activity 13 and Healthy Eating partnership groups with our Core Aim 4 Group for Play, Sport, Leisure and Culture. The remit of this combined group will be to revise and update the physical activity and healthy eating plans so as to create one integrated plan which will include actions to:

Align our work with the priorities within Creating an Active Wales Implement the Obesity Pathway 4 . Local Policy Context

Open Achieve priorities relating to play, sport, leisure and culture identified in this Children and Young People’s Plan and Child Poverty Strategy, the Children and Families

Space (Wales) Measure 2010 and our Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy

Support the transition of healthy lifestyle into adult life and

Indoor 4.0.17 The on going challenge is to co- ordinate and target the development of play opportunities to meet agreed priorities.

Leisure Health Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy (2011 – 2014)

T opic 4.0.18 The partnership has agreed a number of priority projects for the next strategy

Paper round. Those Health Improvement priorities affecting recreation and open space primarily relates to reducing obesity. ,

September 4.0.19 Neath Port Talbot has the third highest percentage of people in Wales reporting themselves as obese or overweight at 61%. This is higher that the national average of

201 57% and of neighbouring local authorities/localities with Swansea at 56% and Bridgend

1 at 59%.

4.0.20 Contributory factors to obesity and overweight are poor diet and low levels of physical activity. Overall,only 27% of the adult population of Neath Port Talbot report undertaking the nationally recommended levels of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days a week (5 x 30). In addition to low physical activity levels; only 34% indicated eating the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The national Welsh average is 36%.

4.0.21 The gender differentials show a continuing health inequality between males and females in terms of physical activity. When broken down by gender; 35% of males reported engaging in the nationally recommended levels of physical activity. The Welsh average is 37% for males. The rate for females in Neath Port Talbot was 20% compared to the Welsh average of 24%. Females continue to be harder to engage in physical activity and sport in adulthood.

4.0.22 Priority 1 is to reduce obesity. This will be achieved by the project lead having responsibility for bringing together the work of the physical activity and nutrition local strategic health improvement planning groups. Action will be taken to implement the national obesity pathway on a local authority/locality basis. The group will also ensure that what is learned from the evaluation will be scoped into the Local Development Planning and Health Group to ensure that Health Impact assessment tools being developed will consider this to increase physical activity levels and improve nutrition from a spatial perspective. 14 Neath Port Talbot Walking and Cycling Action Plan (2010 -2014)

4.0.23 The vision for walking and cycling within Neath Port Talbot is for the County Borough to become a place where increased numbers of residents and visitors walk and cycle as part of their daily lives. 4 . Local Policy Context

4.0.24 The mission statement is to encourage more people to walk and cycle more 1 201 safely and more often. To achieve this the Authority will:

1. Promote and encourage walking and cycling as an alternative to the private car (where

practical), as an enjoyable, environmentally friendly and healthy activity for people of September

all ages and abilities. ,

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2. Assist residents and visitors alike to pursue and enjoy the social, economic and leisure opic T opportunities within the community in safety. Leisure

4.0.25 The actions the Authority will undertake are grouped around four main themes:

1. Active Communities: Develop active communities through promotion to encourage Indoor

walking and cycling for health and wellbeing, economic, and social inclusion benefits. and

2. Healthy Commuting and Work Travel: Encourage active commuting by walking and Space

cycling within Neath Port Talbot for environmental and health benefits.

Open 3. Tourism: Promote available activities and opportunities to tourists for economic development.

4. Improving the Network: Improve and maintain the walking and cycling network to enable safe walking and cycling.

4.0.26 The Key Actions under each section are identified in the strategy.

Neath Port Talbot Physical Activity and Health Action Plan (2006-2016)

4.0.27 This Action Plan is intended first and foremost to encourage and support local people in being physically active and to improve and sustain their health and well-being. The Plan specifically aims to:

1. Increase the proportion of the adult population who undertake moderate intensity physical activity for 30 minutes on at least five days every week.

2. Increase the proportion of children and young people who undertake one hour of at least moderate intensity activity per day.

3. Reduce the percentage of the adult population who undertake no physical activity.

Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan (2008) 15 4.0.28 The objectives of the open space topic are detailed below:

Open spaces and built facilities are integral parts of the settlement; 4 . Local Policy Context

Open Promote a sustainable pattern of provision which would enhance the facilities and opportunities available to residents and visitors, provided they would not cause

Space unacceptable impacts;

and Ensure that new development makes its fair contribution to the provision of necessary

Indoor facilities and services, either within the site or as a contribution to provision to serve the area.

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T 4.0.29 The Plan identifies that a key objective of the Plan is to promote a sustainable opic pattern of sports and recreation provision.

Paper 4.0.30 Existing policies are set out in the adopted UDP. ,

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16 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

5 Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot 1 201

5.0.1 Due to the geography of the County Borough, which has a flat coastal plain housing the main urban centres and the five Valley areas, the County is well served by areas of September open countryside which are available for residents and visitors to enjoy for both formal , and informal recreational purposes. Some of these areas are also visited by tourists and Paper day trippers from outside the County. opic T 5.0.2 The County has three major Country Parks Margam Park, the Gnoll, and the Afan Forest Park which attract visitors from within and outside the County Borough. There are Leisure also a number of other important recreational facilities serving the County Borough which are briefly detailed below: Indoor

Aberavon Beach is a popular attraction in the County Borough with its long golden and beach providing opportunities for informal recreation opportunities. It has a long flat

promenade which is popular with walkers and cyclists; Space

Aberdulais Basin is an important recreational area in Aberdulais offering extensive Open woodland walks and allows enjoyment of the Canal and its surroundings;

The Afan Forest Park contains a visitor centre, campsite, café, gift shop, bike wash, cycle hire, Miners Museum, mountain bike trails and way marked walks. Glyncorrwg Bike Centre and Ponds has a caravan and camping site, fishing, water sports, café, mountain bike trails and walks and is part of the Afan Forest Park;

Briton Ferry Woods is an attractive woodland area with extensive walking routes readily accessible to residents;

Craig Gwladys Country Park has way marked woodland paths and picnic sites;

Glanrhyd Plantation and Cwm Du Glen provide spectacular walks through a lost valley close to Pontardawe;

Glantawe Riverside Park is an informal countryside recreation area with open spaces, walks and cycle paths. The site’s footpaths link to the Swansea Canal towpath and the Cwmtawe cycle way;

The Gnoll Country Park has a visitor centre and café, adventure playground, golf, walks and a fishing lake;

Margam Park is designated an historic park and garden by CADW and contains the Castle, Orangery, Margam Abbey, the gardens, café, adventure playground, farm 17 trail, crazy golf, deer herd, narrow gauge train, cycling routes, fishing and walks on a range of way marked routes of varying intensity;

Pant y Sais Fen is a SSSI, a SAC and Nature reserve and walks can be taken through the Fen using the board walk and Canal Towpath 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Outdoor sports and recreation provision

Space 5.0.3 The County has a number of golf courses, and driving ranges located in the County, these facilities serve wider catchments, it is important also to be aware of provision outside

and the County boundary which is also used by residents of Neath Port Talbot (e.g. Maesteg,

Indoor Clydach, Porthcawl, Morriston, Garnant etc).The facilities currently available within the County are as follows: (refer also to map in Appendix A 'Location of Golf Courses and

Leisure Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot').

Table 5.1 Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot T opic

Paper Golf Courses Driving Ranges ,

Earlswood, Jersey Marine Aberdulais, Neath September

Corus, Margam Lakeside, Margam (1)

Glynneath Golf Club Seven Sisters, Dulais Valley 201

1 The Gnoll, Neath

Lakeside, Margam

Neath Golf Club, Cadoxton

Pontardawe Golf Club

Swansea Bay, Jersey Marine

1. Glynneath Golf Course lies just outside the Neath Port Talbot County Boundary within Powys County Council.

5.0.4 The County has 3 athletics tracks with facilities at Cwrt Herbert, Margam (Longlands Lane) and Sandfields which serve the whole of the County.

5.0.5 There is a wide network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes and long distance walks e.g. the St Illtyd’s Walk and the Coed Morgannwg Way. These routes provide opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health and fitness. There are also a number of waterfalls walks in Neath Port Talbot which are predominantly in the upper reaches of the Neath Valley at Pontneddfechan, Melincourt and Aberdulais. In addition, the County also has a number of woodlands for recreational use – Eaglesbush Valley, Shelone woods, Coed Cefn Llan Isaf, Godre'r Graig, Melin Court, Tonna, and the Glanrhyd Plantation.

5.0.6 Due to the rurality of many areas in the County Borough there are significant areas 18 of open access land, common land, and Forestry Commission land around a number of settlements which provide natural countryside which residents can roam and enjoy. Often these areas are well linked with footpaths from the settlements. (refer to map in Appendix B 'Extract from Rights of Way Improvement Plan showing access land'). 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

5.0.7 Many communities are served by sports clubs that provide their own facilities. 1 201 They include football, rugby and bowls. They are often well established clubs that play an important role in the local community and may provide a range of activities for junior as well as senior players. They may draw players and supporters from outside the local September community. The clubs often have clubhouse facilities and these may include function and , other rooms that may be available for community uses. Paper

Indoor facilities – County overview opic T

5.0.8 In Neath Port Talbot the Leisure Centres are located close to centres of population.

There are 5 Leisure Centres run by Celtic Leisure (an Industrial and Provident Society to Leisure manage leisure facilities on behalf of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council), offering Indoor

a range of services and classes for residents. These are located at Neath Sports Centre, Neath Leisure Centre, Glynneath, Pontardawe and the Blaengwynfi Social Welfare Centre and as shown on Map 5.1 'Location of Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools in Neath Port

Talbot'. In addition the private Glamorgan Health Club and Academy at Llandarcy provides Space a broad range of facilities. Open 5.0.9 The facilities available at these Leisure Centres are outlined in Appendix C 'Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres'. It should be noted that these were correct at the time of writing this report and changes to classes and facilities are likely to occur over time. It is evident that a wide variety of opportunities exist for residents to participate in recreational activities especially as many privately run classes take place in halls and community centres across the County Borough.

5.0.10 Swimming pools in the County are located at Neath, Cymmer, Glynneath and Pontardawe. Ystalyfera and Llangatwg schools allow the community use of their swimming pools out of hours. The facilities available at the existing swimming pools are detailed in Appendix C 'Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres'.

5.0.11 In 2009 a devastating fire destroyed the Afan Lido Sports Centre and the Aquadome swimming pool in Port Talbot. However it was announced in December 2010 that a replacement sports / community building will be constructed to replace the complex. It will contain a swimming pool, sports hall, health and fitness suite, large multi purpose dance studio/ meeting room and a range of other community facilities including 20 enterprise units, library /learning resource centre, ICT training room, youth facility, crèche/ nursery, café, multi purpose meeting/community room/ workshop. It is hoped that following community consultation that work will be able to start late 2011 or early 2012. No opening date has been given.

5.0.12 A range of facilities are also provided by the private sector (including health clubs and dance studios) and Community Councils (including community Halls). 19 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Map 5.1 Location of Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools in Neath Port Talbot

Space

and

Indoor

Leisure

T opic

Paper ,

September

201 1

20 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Schools which share their facilities 1 201

5.0.13 These services are supplemented by the facilities provided by Community Schools. These are schools which, by agreement, allow the public to access particular

facilities out of school hours. They are a very useful resource and it makes sense to utilise September buildings and facilities which the Council provides which would otherwise be lying idle ,

after hours or in school holidays. The Community school scheme is a fantastic way of Paper making better use of facilities already provided by the Council; it can save money by opic T avoiding duplication of facilities and can help place the school at the centre of the community. The following map details the schools that offer sports/ leisure facilities for Leisure community use. Indoor

5.0.14 The schools and the facilities they make available are detailed in the table in Appendix Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities. It is evident that many communities and do not have access to schools which share their facilities, and some areas also have

limited access to Council provided leisure facilities. For example there are no formal indoor Space leisure facilities in the Amman or Dulais Valleys and whilst they have shared school use these do not offer any leisure provision. Open

21 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Map 5.2 Schools with Shared Sports/ Leisure Facilities

Space

and

Indoor

Leisure

T opic

Paper ,

September

201 1

22

Spatial analysis of recreation provision by 8 areas 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

5.0.15 The County Borough has been split into 8 spatial areas for the purposes of LDP 1 201 preparation. Each of these spatial areas will be examined in turn to get an overview of facilities within the areas. Further information on the facilities and provision in each of the 8 areas is contained within Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area', September which details the findings of the Open Space Survey carried out by the Planning Policy , Team and shows the position as at December 2010. Paper

5.0.16 The information below contains an assessment of individual ward areas which opic T can suggest whether there is sufficient or inadequate provision compared with the standards identified by the Fields in Trust. The Authority intends using the Fields in Trust Standards Leisure as a basis for assessing provision and subsequently tailoring the assessment to the characteristics and needs (as expressed by stakeholders) of individual LDP areas. The Indoor Fields in Trust Standard identifies that open space provision should ideally be provided

at the following ratios: and

All sports 1.60ha/1000 population (of which 1.15ha/1000 population is for playing Space

pitches); Open

Children’s play space 0.25ha/1000 population;

Informal playing space 0.55ha/1000 population;

Total Children's Play is a combination of children's play space and informal playing space and equates to 0.8ha/1000 population

Total requirement is 2.4ha/ 1000 population.

5.0.17 For the purposes of the assessment school sports pitches have been omitted in the calculations as access and public use of these facilities is not necessarily permanent. Details are provided of the schools which share their facilities and the extent of that provision (refer to Appendix D 'Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities').

5.0.18 The Open Space Assessment provides full details and maps of the provision in each ward of the County Borough. When considering these results it is necessary to take into account that some areas may be served by facilities in nearby wards. Preparation of the LDP provides an opportunity to consider whether the provision serving communities is sufficient or can still be improved and what type of provision would be appropriate based on the needs of that community.

5.0.19 Below is an overview of provision within the 8 spatial areas of the County Borough. It is evident that there are anomalies between wards and a number of areas experience 23 a shortfall in the level of provision of facilities based on the FIT Standard detailed above.

Neath spatial area 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Major recreation facilities are available at the Gnoll, Craig Gwladys Country Parks, Aberdulais Basin, Briton Ferry Woods, Pant y Sais Fen in Jersey Marine and the

Space beach at Crymlyn Burrows.

and The Neath and Tennant Canal towpaths are important linear recreational routes. The

Indoor Neath Canal also provides the opportunity for boating while both canals allow fishing.

Leisure The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

T The redevelopment of the Gwyn Hall will provide a theatre / cinema and arts facilities, opic smaller scale provision includes the Neath Little Theatre and the use of Community

Paper halls and other facilities. ,

September Many wards have areas of accessible countryside within easy access of the built up areas, via a network of footpaths and bridleways. All of these facilities are free to use.

201 There is a good range of cycle routes linking communities with the town centre and

1 Canal tow paths, footpaths and bridleways providing access to the countryside surrounding the built up areas.

There are recreational parks within the area in Briton Ferry, Skewen, Melin, Neath, Tonna and Hillside. Playing field provision is largely focussed at Dwr y Felin, (which also has an athletics track) Cimla, Skewen and Briton Ferry, although there are also facilities in other wards, including the outdoor facilities provided by the Glamorgan Health Club and Academy at Llandarcy.

All of the wards within the Neath spatial area are served by at least 1 children’s play area.

Golf courses are located in Neath (Cadoxton), Fairyland (The Gnoll) and there are 2 courses at Jersey Marine. There is also a Golf Driving range in Aberdulais. The location of these facilities is detailed in the map in Appendix A 'Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot'.

Allotments are found in Briton Ferry, Melin Park, Fairyland, Cadoxton, Crymlyn Burrows and Tonna. A number of these allotments have significant waiting lists. There is also a community garden at St Mary’s Church Briton Ferry.

There is a Teen shelter and a skateboard park at the Brynhyfryd Recreation site in Briton Ferry and a bike track in Skewen Park and Crymlyn Burrows to serve the 24 resident teenagers. Multi-use-games areas are located in Skewen Park and Tonna. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

There are a number of schools which allow the use of some of their facilities out of 1 201 school hours by the local community and provide useful additional facilities for the community, not just in terms of sports but also wider leisure use. More detailed information on the services and facilities which can be accessed in these schools is September provided in Appendix D 'Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities'. , Paper

There are a range of community halls and facilities provided by sports clubs, while the town centre includes a range of health clubs and leisure facilities. opic T

There are four sports centres which offer facilities on a pay for use basis and one Leisure private sports club: Indoor

Neath Sports Centre at Dwr y Felin has badminton courts, all weather floodlit playing field, athletics track, crèche, licensed bar and Health and Fitness suite. and It offers a wide range of fitness classes and has wheelchair access and disabled

facilities. Space

Neath Leisure Centre contains a leisure pool with teaching area, Hydro slide, Open children’s pool, squash courts, weights/fitness area including Wellness gym, Jacuzzi and sauna. It has wheelchair access and disabled facilities.

Hengwrt Community Sports Centre (Briton Ferry) offers a range of activities for all ages of the community with a sports hall, community room and fitness centre.

Llangatwg Health and Fitness Centre is a new Health and Fitness Centre recently opened to the public one evening a week based at Llangatwg School. The School pool is open some evenings and school holidays.

There is also a private sports centre and Neath Port Talbot College Academy Facilities at Llandarcy where members pay a membership fee to use the facilities which include swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor sports, gym, fitness classes etc.

25 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open 5.0.20 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Neath Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below.

Space

Table 5.2 Open Space provision in the Neath Spatial area showing the surplus/ shortfall based on

and the FIT standard

Indoor Ward Total Pitch Sport Total Children's Informal

outdoor Children's Play Leisure Sport Play

T Aberdulais 94% 130% 115% 64% 139% opic

Paper Briton Ferry E 75% 94% 19% 27% 49%

, Briton Ferry W 79% 110% 205% 34% 283%

September Bryncoch N 66% 90% 8% 25% 0%

Bryncoch S 104% 121% 139% 37% 186%

201

1 Cadoxton 12% 16% 95% 66% 107%

Cimla 60% 83% 61% 2% 88%

Coedffranc C 63% 75% 227% 114% 278%

Coedffranc N 0% 0% 10% 33% 0%

Coedffranc W 170% 199% 177% 266% 136%

Dyffryn 3% 4% 137% 42% 180%

Neath East 76% 105% 43% 30% 50%

Neath North 67% 77% 91% 37% 116%

Neath South 5% 0% 180% 16% 255%

Tonna 44% 61% 106% 79% 117%

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision

5.0.21 In relation to the FIT standards: the above table clearly shows the extent of the shortfall of provision across the spatial area, and this is exemplified in the maps.

Areas for informal recreation are in deficit in the Briton Ferry East, Neath East, Cimla, Bryncoch North and Coedffranc North wards and there is an oversupply for informal 26 recreation in the remaining wards. There is a deficit in the provision of sports pitches in the majority of wards. The only wards which meet the standard are Aberdulais, Briton Ferry West, Bryncoch South, Coedffranc West and Neath East.

In respect of total outdoor sport (which includes facilities like bowls and tennis) only Bryncoch South and Coedffranc West meet the required level of provision. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Children’s play provision is deficient in all wards except Coedffranc Central and 1 201 Coedffranc West.

It should be noted that Coedffranc West in the open space assessment has an over September

provision of pitch sports, but this assumes the use of the facilities at the Glamorgan , Health Club and Academy which are available by subscription. Paper

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst opic T there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is major consideration. Leisure

It should be noted that a number of schools allow the community to use some of their Indoor

sports facilities out of school hours, which adds to the above provision. The area of

the provision is not included in the calculations as there is no formal written agreement and

covering this shared use. Space There is a recreational fishing lake at Abernant Farm in Cimla and the Gnoll. Open

Port Talbot spatial area

Margam Country Park and Afan Forest Park (within the Afan Valley Spatial area) are used by residents from all over the County Borough and also serve the population of the Port Talbot spatial area.

The expanse of Aberafan Seafront with its long promenade provides an opportunity for free recreational activities both on the beach, in the water or along the promenade.

Many wards have areas of accessible countryside within walking distance via a network of footpaths and bridleways.

Recreational parks are located in Sandfields, Baglan, Port Talbot, Cwmafan, Bryn and Margam.

There are two golf courses in Margam – Tata and Lakeside. It should be noted that changes to the Tata sports facilities are likely when the Peripheral Distributor Road (Harbour Way) is constructed from Junction 38 at Margam, although alternative land has been set aside in the UDP for this purpose. There is also a golf driving range at Water Street Margam (refer to map in Appendix A 'Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot').

There are a good range of cycle routes linking communities with the town centre and the seafront, and footpaths and bridleways which provide access to the countryside 27 surrounding the built up areas.

All wards have at least 1 formal children’s play area. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Playing field provision is concentrated in Cwmafan, Bryn, Sandfields East, Sandfields West, Baglan, Taibach and Port Talbot. There are a range of facilities in Margam,

Space most of which are linked to the Tata provision but these are available for pubic use.

and Allotments are provided in Baglan, Baglan Moors, Velindre, Margam and Cwmafan.

Indoor These allotments have waiting lists most of which are lengthy. There is a community garden in Aberavon.

Leisure There is a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Aberavon, and teen shelters in Aberavon

T and Baglan Park. The park also contains a 24 hour kick about area. Skateboard ramps opic are provided in Bryn Park and on the Aberavon Seafront.

Paper There are a number of schools which allow the community to use their facilities out ,

September of school hours and these provide a useful additional resource – especially the indoor facilities since the loss of the Afan Lido complex. Facilities currently available in the Port Talbot Spatial area are detailed in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by

201 spatial area'. 1 There is a lake at Eglwys Nunydd which is used for water sports and there are lakes for fishing at Margam Park.

The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

In terms of Indoor Leisure provision, the formal leisure facilities for the spatial area were lost when the Afan Lido Leisure Centre was destroyed by fire in December 2009. However it was announced in December 2010 that a replacement sports / community building will be constructed to replace the Afan Lido. This will be smaller than the previous provision, but will be more focussed to meet the needs of the community.

Aberafan seafront has an Aqua splash play area for children.

There are a range of community halls and facilities provided by sports clubs, while the town centre includes a range of health clubs and leisure facilities.

28 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

5.0.22 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Port Talbot 1 201 Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below.

Table 5.3 Open Space Provision in the Port Talbot spatial area showing the surplus/ shortfall based on the FIT Standard September

, Ward Total Outdoor Pitch Sport Total Children's Informal Paper Sport Children's Play

Play opic T

Aberavon 41% 57% 65% 4% 94% Leisure Baglan 34% 45% 132% 23% 182% Indoor Bryn & Cwmafan 91% 119% 235% 88% 302% and Margam 220% 230% 67% 9% 93% Space Port Talbot 58% 49% 28% 23% 31%

Sandfields East 140% 189% 115% 24% 155% Open

Sandfields West 121% 168% 49% 34% 56%

Taibach 117% 163% 54% 11% 73%

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision

5.0.23 In relation to the FIT standards, the above table shows:

There is a surplus of sports pitch provision in the Margam, Bryn and Cwmafan, Sandfields East, West and Taibach wards. Elsewhere there is a shortfall.

There is a shortfall in total outdoor sport provision in Aberavon, Baglan, Bryn and Cwmafan and Port Talbot.

All wards are deficient in formal children’s play provision.

The Port Talbot, Taibach, Aberavon, Margam, and Sandfields West wards have a deficit in informal open space.

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is a major consideration. 29 Pontardawe spatial area

The area is well served by natural Open Space with the Cwm Du Glen, Swansea Canal and Pontardawe-Ystalyfera cycle way together with Forestry Commission Land and Open Access Land.

The Swansea Canal provides the opportunity for fishing. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

Space There is a relatively good network of public footpaths linking the above mentioned areas of open space with the built up areas.

and

Indoor In Rhos and Alltwen there is limited accessible countryside, although the footpath network and small size of the settlements compensate and allows access to the open

Leisure countryside.

T There is a golf course at Pontardawe. opic

Paper There are parks in Pontardawe, Trebanos, Rhos, Alltwen and Ynysmeudwy. ,

September All of the wards are served by at least one children’s play area. There are no children’s play facilities or informal recreation space in the settlements of Gellinudd or Cilybebyll.

201 There are no allotments in the spatial area. 1 All wards have some sports pitch provision, although the level of provision varies greatly. Bowls and tennis provision is only available in Pontardawe.

There are no MUGAs in the spatial area although there is a BMX track in Rhos.

There is athletics provision at Cwmtawe School.

Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, allows the use of some of its facilities out of school hours by the local community and provides useful additional facilities for the community, not just in terms of sports but also wider recreational use. Facilities currently available in the Pontardawe Spatial area are detailed in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area'.

Pontardawe Leisure centre, located in Parc Ynysderw, offers a range of indoor and outdoor provision including badminton courts, weights room, squash courts, indoor bowls centre, all weather floodlit playing field, wheelchair access and disabled facilities. It also offers a wide range of classes daily for juniors and adults alike.

Other leisure provision includes a 25 metre swimming pool with teaching pool which offers a range of classes. There is also a golf course locally.

Pontardawe Arts Centre is also important for recreation and has a theatre, cinema, art gallery and a dance studio.

30 There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs.

5.0.24 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Pontardawe Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Table 5.4 Open Space provision of Wards in the Pontardawe Spatial area showing the surplus / 1 201 shortfall based on the FIT standard

Ward Total Outdoor Pitch Sport Total Children's Play Informal sport Children's September

Play , Paper

Alltwen 18% 25% 99% 20% 135% opic

Pontardawe 149% 173% 94% 22% 126% T

Rhos 38% 52% 31% 39% 29% Leisure

Trebanos 106% 148% 21% 24% 19% Indoor

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision and

5.0.25 In relation to the FIT standards: Space

Alltwen and Rhos have a deficit in pitch sports and total outdoor sport provision. Open However Pontardawe and Trebanos have a surplus of outdoor sports provision, which has the potential to serve a wider catchment area.

All wards are deficient in formal children’s play areas and total children’s play.

Pontardawe and Alltwen have a surplus in informal recreation space.

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is a major consideration.

Swansea Valley spatial area

Cwmllynfell is located in a relatively rural area at the gateway to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park with easy access to the surrounding countryside.

Ystalyfera and Godre’r Graig also have relatively good informal access to the open access land to the North of the settlements; however, formal access via public rights of way is limited.

There is a cycle-path that passes through the Swansea Valley which connects Trebanos with Ystalyfera.

The canal towpath alongside the Swansea canal provides a user friendly linear route 31 along parts of the valley floor.

The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

There are recreational parks in the area at Ystalyfera, Cwmllynfell and Rhiwfawr. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Each wards has sports pitch provision with tennis and bowls available in Ystalyfera and Cwmllynfell.

Space

There are no allotments in the spatial area.

and

Indoor There are no golf courses in the spatial area - the closest provision would be in Pontardawe.

Leisure There is a teen shelter, skateboard ramp and MUGA in Ystalyfera, a basketball court

T in Cwmllynfell and a BMX Track in Rhiwfawr. opic

Paper There are children’s play areas and areas of land for informal recreation in each of the wards. ,

September There are two schools which allow the use of some of their facilities after school by the local community and provide useful additional facilities for the community, not just

201 in terms of sports but also wider recreational use. Facilities currently available in the

1 Swansea Valley are detailed in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area'.

There are no formal indoor leisure facilities in the Swansea Valley. Residents would generally need to travel to Pontardawe to access facilities, or alternatively use the facilities at Ysgol Gyfun or Y Wern.

There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs.

5.0.26 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Swansea Valley Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below.

Table 5.5 Open Space Provision of Wards in the Swansea Valley Spatial area showing the surplus / shortfall based on FIT Standards

Ward Total Outdoor Pitch Sport Total Children's Children's Informal Sport Play Play

Cwmllynfell 73% 64% 205% 79% 261%

Godre'r Graig 93% 129% 92% 62% 105%

Ystalyfera 43% 42% 89% 57% 104%

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision 32 5.0.27 In relation to the FIT standards:

There is a deficit in children’s play areas and total outdoor sport provision in all wards.

Pitch sport provision is deficient in Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

All wards have an over provision of informal open space. 1 201

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is major September

consideration. , Paper Dulais Valley spatial area opic T

All wards are well served by areas of accessible countryside and forestry land around the main settlements, which have good access via footpaths and bridleways including Leisure access to the long distance footpaths St Illtyd’s Way and Sarn Helen. Indoor There are no cycle routes in the Dulais Valley. and

The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities. Space

There is a recreational fishing lake at Tyn y Graig, Crynant. Open

There is a park in Seven Sisters.

All wards are served by more than one children’s play area.

The Dove Workshops in Banwen has allotments and a community garden.

There are MUGAs in all wards with skateboard ramps in Crynant and Onllwyn, a BMX track and hard court in Crynant, a teen shelter in Seven Sisters and an astro turf pitch in Onllwyn.

Blaendulais Primary School allows the use of some of its facilities out of school hours by the local community. It provides useful additional facilities for the community, but does not provide additional sports or recreational use. The facilities currently available in the Dulais Valley Spatial area are detailed in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area'.

There is a golf driving range located to the south of Seven Sisters and rugby soccer facilities are provided by local clubs and the Council.

There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs.

5.0.28 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Dulais Valley Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below. 33 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Table 5.6 Open Space provision of Wards in the Dulais Valley Spatial area showing the surplus/ shortfall based on the FIT Standards

Space Ward Total Pitch Sport Total Children's Children's Informal

and Outdoor Play Play

Sport Indoor

Crynant 56% 72% 118% 67% 141%

Leisure Onllwyn 179% 244% 409% 150% 525%

T

opic Seven Sisters 433% 601% 481% 60% 671%

Paper The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision ,

September 5.0.29 In relation to the FIT standards:

Seven Sisters and Onllwyn have a surplus of pitch sport and total outdoor sport but

201 Crynant has an overall deficit of these categories. 1 All wards are well provided with areas of informal open space.

Onllwyn is the only ward which provides enough children’s play facilities to meet the standard.

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is a major consideration.

Neath Valley spatial area

There are large areas of open countryside surrounding the main settlements but access to these areas varies.

Neath canal is a valuable recreational resource that has mostly been restored from Abergarwed to Glynneath and is available for boating, fishing and as a leisure walking route.

The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

There are areas of forestry land and a number of waterfalls which are used recreationally by residents of the Neath Valley and as tourist attractions.

34 The ponds at Rheola have the potential to be an important resource as a wildlife sanctuary and an area for water sports.

The main formal provision is located in the villages of Glynneath, Blaengwrach and Resolven. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

There is sport pitch provision in each of the wards. With tennis and bowls provision 1 201 in Glynneath and Resolven. Blaengwrach has tennis but no bowls.

Each ward is served by at least 1 children’s play area. September

Allotments are provided in Glynneath and to a lesser extent in Resolven. , Paper

The Glynneath golf Course actually lies within the administrative boundary of Powys opic T County Borough Council.

There is a MUGA in Resolven which also has a basketball court, Blaengwrach has a Leisure

5 a side pitch and multi use grassed play area, and there is a hard court in Glynneath. Indoor

The only shared school facility in this spatial area is at Blaengwrach Primary School and where there is ad hoc use by the local rugby club. As a result residents may not have the potential to access more local services and facilities for sport, recreation and Space education. Facilities currently available in the Neath Valley Spatial area are detailed

in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area'. Open

In terms of indoor provision the Vale of Neath leisure centre in Glynneath provides formal leisure facilities with a 25 metre free-form pool with hydro slide, fully equipped gym and small sports hall. It offers a range of fitness classes and has wheelchair access and disabled facilities

There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs.

5.0.30 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Neath Valley Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below.

Table 5.7 Open Space provision of Wards in the Neath Valley Spatial area showing the surplus/ shortfall based on the FIT standard

Ward Total Outdoor Pitch Sport Total Children's Children's Play Informal Sport Play

Blaengwrach 32% 42% 168% 74% 210%

Glynneath 43% 9% 156% 14% 220%

Resolven 77% 94% 85% 56% 98%

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision 35 5.0.31 In relation to the FIT standards:

All wards have an under provision of pitch sport and total outdoor sports.

Blaengwrach and Glynneath have over provision of informal open space. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open All wards have an under provision of formal children’s play areas.

Space It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is major

and consideration.

Indoor

Leisure Afan Valley spatial area

The Afan Valley contains large areas of forestry commission and open access land T opic which serve the communities.

Paper These areas are well linked to the built up areas by footpaths and bridleways. ,

September In addition, there are cycle routes along the Valley floor which forms part of the longer distance Afan Valley cycle route, linking Abercregan with Glyncorrwg and a route

linking Pontrhydyfen to Blaengwynfi. 201

1 The Valley is also home to world famous mountain bike trails focussed on Glyncorrwg and the Afan Forest Park.

The Afan Forest Park provides a natural resource for local residents, residents of the County Borough and visitors from further afield.

All of the wards are served by rugby and/or football pitches some provided by sports clubs and bowling greens.

All of the wards are served by at least 1 children’s play area.

There are no golf courses in the spatial area the closest provision is at Maesteg in Bridgend County Borough.

Abercregan has the only registered village green in the County Borough.

Allotments are provided in Blaengwynfi, Cymmer and Glyncorrwg.

There are currently no MUGAs in the spatial area, however work is due to start to provide a MUGA for community use in the Gwynfi ward at the school and Tonmawr has a basketball court and Glyncorrwg an astro turf pitch.

There are a number of schools which allow the use of some of their facilities out of school hours by the local community. Facilities currently available in the Afan Valley 36 are detailed in Appendix E.

There are ponds at Glyncorrwg which are used for recreational fishing and kayaking etc.

The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Cymmer has a community swimming pool. 1 201

In Cymmer the Upper Afan Valley community sports centre offers excellent training facilities including a fully equipped fitness suite with a large range of cardiovascular September

and weight resisted equipment. Also, at the sports centre there are four badminton , courts, an indoor football arena and much more including the all weather floodlit Paper

playing surface. Organised fitness classes also run weekly including: circuits, spinning and boxercise. opic T

Blaengwynfi social centre includes a CV and fitness suite, multi gym and weights Leisure

room, snooker hall and sports hall, library activity classes, 5 a side and an ICT suite. There is also a sports hall in Tonmawr. Indoor

There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs. and

Space 5.0.32 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Afan Valley

Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps maps 5.3 to 5.7 below. Open

Table 5.8 Open Space provision of Wards in the Afan Valley Spatial area showing the surplus / shortfall based on the FIT Standard

Ward Total Pitch Sport Total Children's Play Informal Outdoor Children's Sport Play

Cymmer 66% 72% 362% 44% 507%

Glyncorrwg 189% 253% 142% 27% 195%

Gwynfi 67% 50% 211% 12% 301%

Pelenna 145% 178% 549% 43% 195%

The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision

5.0.33 In relation to the FIT standards:

There is a deficit in provision of pitch sport and total outdoor sport in the Cymmer and Gwynfi wards.

There is over provision of land for informal recreation throughout the Afan Valley. There is a deficit of Children’s play areas in all wards. 37 It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is a major consideration. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Amman Valley spatial area

Space The Amman Valley is surrounded by hills with access to the surrounding countryside via a range of rights of way and large expanses of common and open access land.

and

Indoor The disused railway line which passes through the area provides an important green corridor and recreational facility.

Leisure The rivers and watercourses provide game fishing opportunities.

T opic There is a recreational park in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Parc Y Werin, which contains a

Paper range of facilities. ,

September There are pitch sports available in each ward with a range of sports clubs.

Each of the wards have at least one children’s play area.

201 There is no golf course in the spatial area; the closest provision is at Garnant in the 1 adjoining Authority of Carmarthenshire.

There are no allotments in the spatial area.

There are MUGAs in Gwaun Cae Gurwen and a hard court in Tairgwaith.

Gwaun Cae Gurwen Primary school allows the use of some of their facilities out of school hours by the local community. It provides useful additional facilities for learning opportunities for the community, but does not offer opportunities for additional sport or recreational use. Facilities currently available in the Amman Valley are detailed in Appendix E 'List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area'.

Tairgwaith Trotting Club is an important leisure and recreational resource which has a number of harness racing fixtures a year. This facility is of national importance and attracts visitors from all over Great Britain and Ireland.

There are no publicly provided formal recreational facilities in the Valley. Residents would need to travel to access services- facilities (including an open air swimming pool) are located in Brynamman (in Carmarthenshire, less than 1 mile from Lower Brynamman) and Pontardawe.

There are a range of community halls and sports facilities provided by sports clubs.

38 5.0.34 The following table details the level of provision by ward within the Amman Valley Spatial area, a map showing the spatial spread is detailed in maps 5.3 to 5.7 below. 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Table 5.9 Open Space provision in the Amman Valley Spatial area showing the surplus/ shortfall 1 201 based on the FIT Standard

Ward Total Outdoor Pitch Sport Total Children's Play Informal Sport Children's Play September

, Gwaun Cae 72% 94% 144% 47% 188% Paper

Gurwen opic

Lower 230% 103% 649% 47% 916% T

Brynamman Leisure The table shows the level of provision, where 100% meets the FIT Standard; coloured figures show Wards with a shortfall in provision Indoor 5.0.35 In relation to the FIT standards: and

Gwaun Cae Gurwen has a shortfall in pitch and total outdoor sport provision. Space

All wards have a shortfall in formal children’s play provision. Open All wards have a generous excess of informal open space.

It is evident that some wards have very little provision in particular categories, whilst there may be provision in a nearby ward, accessibility of facilities is a major consideration.

Provision in relation to the Playing Fields in Trust Guidance

5.0.36 The maps on the following pages show the percentages of open space provision according to the Fields in Trust categories. Those wards coloured in yellow do not meet the suggested level of provision. The figures show the percentage of provision where 100% shows that the ward meets the suggested level of provision. Less than 100% shows a shortfall (in coloured text) and over 100% shows a surplus (in black text). The maps graphically show the data contained in the tables in the previous section.

39 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Map 5.3 Total Outdoor Sport provision in Neath Port Talbot (based on FIT Standard)

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40 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Map 5.4 Pitch Sport provision in Neath Port Talbot based on FIT Standard 1 201

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41 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Map 5.5 Children's play in Neath Port Talbot based on FIT standard

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42 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Map 5.6 Total children's play provision in Neath Port Talbot based on FIT standard 1 201

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43 5 . Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot

Open Map 5.7 Informal open space in Neath Port Talbot based on FIT standard

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44 6 . Current and future trends

6 Current and future trends 1 201

Health and wellbeing issues

6.0.1 The population of the County Borough has some of the worst health in Wales. September

There is high incidence of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, obesity and ,

there are also high numbers of people with Long Term limiting illness. This restricts people’s Paper access to employment, and can affect their ability to carry out day to day tasks, and access opic T services and facilities. Whilst understanding that the individual needs to make the decision to improve his/ her lifestyle, the LDP can ensure that should people wish to be active, they Leisure have access to services and recreation provision in their local area. It is important to recognise that the LDP is an important part of the jig saw in trying to improve people’s Indoor health, but that this needs to be done holistically in partnership with other Council

departments and external bodies. and

6.0.2 In the preparation of the Deposit Plan an assessment of existing open space Space provision will be used to assess the implications of new development on that provision.

Money from Section 106 agreements can be used to ensure that the existing facilities are Open improved to meet the needs of the expanded population and are accessible, and also to provide new facilities. As explained in the Infrastructure Topic Paper, the Authority's approach to funding community facilities will be included in a major decision on whether to adopt the new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

6.0.3 It is important to encourage healthy behaviour from an early age. In addition to ensuring there is choice of provision locally for children, the links with Safe Routes in Communities and Play Strategy Teams are vital.

6.0.4 Apart from the adequacy of provision, it is important to assess the condition of facilities. This includes the condition of pitches, changing facilities and indoor facilities. Similarly paths and cycle routes need to make the user feel safe and have a suitable surface so people are not deterred from using them if the weather has been wet, they are using the route alone, or have walking difficulties. Reflecting the LDP's focus on delivery at the neighbourhood level, the Public Right of Way system will play an important role for all sectors of the community including the disabled. Open space survey work will be expanded to look at condition of facilities and discussions will be held with colleagues in transport to look at access routes to the facilities and identify missing links, with the potential to safeguard land and use Section 106 money to deliver these.

6.0.5 Health is affected by deprivation and poverty. Some of the most deprived areas also have the worst health. This can impact on a person’s ability to use a service which needs to be paid for, or to access a free service if they have to travel by public transport. It is vital therefore to have free local facilities that can be readily accessed by all sectors 45 of the community.

What can the Planning System do?

Identify the open space/ recreational and leisure facilities that areas need and deliver these via Section 106 contributions (or CIL) on planning applications; 6 . Current and future trends

Open Increase the number of allotments in the County Borough e.g. by allocating sites or possibly by considering a land share scheme where it allows individuals to take over

Space a derelict parcel of land for growing vegetables and fruit at little or no cost to the

Council; and

Indoor Where opportunities arise enhance greenspace provision and natural greenspace due to its holistic effect and importance for mental heath;

Leisure Improve accessibility and opportunities for active travel;

T opic Maximise the potential for recreational opportunities afforded by redevelopment

Paper schemes e.g. the Harbourside at Port Talbot, Briton Ferry Docks etc ,

September Future role of Recreation, Open Space and Indoor Leisure

6.0.6 With an ageing population, the focus of need for recreational and leisure provision 201 will change. Although there will remain a need for team and activity sports, there will be 1 an increasing demand to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled.

6.0.7 As facilities are rationalised (both in the public and private sectors), it is likely that they will be needed to ensure that they are accessible to all who need or wish to use them.

6.0.8 People will need to travel further to access these facilities due to their wide catchment areas. The main facilities are located in Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe.

6.0.9 Glynneath, Cymmer, Hengwrt (Briton Ferry), Llangatwg and Blaengwynfi also have indoor leisure facilities of varying sizes. Residents in the Dulais Valley and Amman Valley will need to travel outside of their communities to access indoor leisure facilities. There may be scope in encouraging the establishment of Community Focussed schools in these areas, to provide indoor leisure facilities. Indeed Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera provides this function for the Swansea Valley communities. However there are no comprehensive schools in the Dulais and Amman Valleys, so the contribution in local primary schools would need to be considered.

6.0.10 In terms of formal parks, Country parks, sports pitches etc it is unlikely over the plan period that new parks will be established by the Council. In terms of children’s play and MUGAs the Council’s policy over recent years has been to consolidate provision with the result that facilities are not always accessible to the local population. The planning focus (via PPW) is on sustainable development which appears to be at odds with the policy on children’s play provision. However, large schemes such as the Coed Darcy development 46 will provide a range of new facilities.

6.0.11 Community Councils have a major role to play in this area and provide a wide range of facilities. However, Port Talbot and the Afan Valley (with the exception of Pelenna) do not have Community Councils so all provision in these areas is made and maintained by the Council. 6 . Current and future trends

6.0.12 It is likely that there will be a greater emphasis on more informal recreation areas 1 201 which allow greater flexibility in how people (both young and old) are able to use them. This can improve play opportunities for children who have more freedom to express themselves than the traditional play area allows. Opening up access to green areas around September communities provides great health and education benefits to a wider local audience. Local , stakeholder groups will play an important role in setting priorities for future provision. Paper

6.0.13 In terms of cycle routes and footpath/ bridleways, there are many routes linking opic T different communities in the County Borough. The emphasis will be on improving these links and determining where missing links could, if provided, improve connectivity for Leisure commuters, shoppers, schoolchildren, and for recreational activities. The important thing is to improve connectivity to allow people to make the small changes to walk to the local Indoor school or shops, to change their mindset and improve their health and fitness so it becomes

second nature to walk or cycle locally. It will be important that these routes are wherever and feasible available to all including people with push chairs and the disabled. Space

6.0.14 The Afan Valley mountain bike trails are of national importance and bring economic benefits to the local area. In addition, within the Pontardawe, Neath, Neath Valley and Open Swansea Valley areas the recreational use of the canal towpaths is important especially as for significant sections they pass through quite built up areas and are useful in providing opportunities for recreation and commuting.

6.0.15 The recreational opportunities posed by areas of open water and rivers are recognised and include an accessible coastline and beaches, a number of major rivers and a selection of smaller waterways. Access to the banks of these rivers is not always possible, but opportunities exist along their lengths for different pastimes and recreational opportunities e.g. fishing, canoeing, sailing etc. There are also recreational lakes at Eglwys Nunydd (sailing) and the former Borrow pits at Pentreclwydau and Rheola Lake (used for triathlon events) and there are a number of fishing lakes at Abernant (Cimla), The Gnoll (Neath), Margam Park, Glyncorrwg and Ty’n y Graig (Crynant).

6.0.16 Other opportunities for recreation exist via the provision of tennis and bowls facilities, which are generally well spread throughout the County Borough, and the provision of allotments. There is a waiting list for Council owned allotments, which are all located in Port Talbot. Within the other communities a number of allotment sites are provided by Community Councils. These too have waiting lists for plots. Some sites have established over the years on vacant parcels of land. It is evident that there has been an increase in demand for allotments and many people want to grow their own produce. Linked with the need to improve the health (and diet) of residents of Neath Port Talbot, consideration needs to be given to increasing the numbers of allotments available. There are no allotments in the Pontardawe, Amman Valley and Swansea Valley spatial areas. Elsewhere in the Neath and Dulais Valleys there is only provision in one settlement per spatial area. 47 In Banwen the Dove workshops are developing a community garden and allotment. There is potential to consider land share schemes to plug the shortfall of provision in the short term. In terms of allotments the Council has a duty to provide facilities if there is a need. 6 . Current and future trends

Open 6.0.17 Recreation and open space has a large part to play in the health improvement of the population of Neath Port Talbot. The LDP aims to deliver provision which meets the

Space needs of the diverse population, the young, the old, the sports fanatic, the disabled, and

minority groups. This could include setting aside land for future provision to ensure that and it is not lost to housing or another use and developing policies regarding open space

Indoor provision which is ward specific (as the needs between wards will differ). It is evident that in order to achieve these aims a co-ordinated and multi disciplinary approach to provision

Leisure is needed and we need to be prepared to consider non traditional approaches.

T What can the Planning system do? opic

Paper Provide the required range and quantity of accessible leisure, recreation and other facilities throughout the County Borough; ,

September Provide an environment that encourages healthy, active lifestyles;

201 Identify what communities need and develop policies to deliver these via the LDP; 1

Ensure that where there is a shortfall in provision that existing provision is safeguarded;

Allocate land for new sports, recreation, open space uses;

Ensure provision is accessible and meets the needs of the community;

Ensure that provision is planned as part of new developments;

Promote the shared use of facilities with Schools;

Implement the settlement strategy to deliver community hubs and co -locate facilities within communities with good access;

Develop a greenspace strategy which allows access to green areas in urban areas and the urban fringe.

Accessibility

6.0.18 Accessibility is one of the key components in determining whether a facility will meet the needs of the community or its wider catchment. There needs to be good access to local facilities which people can use on a day to day basis. This could be the local park, informal open spaces for dog walking, walking routes, cycle routes etc. 48 6.0.19 In terms of access to the larger facilities (Country parks, golf courses, indoor leisure centres etc) generally people will travel to these facilities by public transport or car. However, careful consideration needs to be given to their accessibility by other modes of transport for example cycle paths, footpaths and bridleways and by public transport. 6 . Current and future trends

6.0.20 Consideration needs to be given to how accessible facilities are for disabled 1 201 users, people with walking aids and people with prams. The topography and gradient will also affect how far people will travel to a facility as well as whether the facilities and services themselves are suitable. These considerations will be factored in to the Open Space September standards that the Authority will develop. ,

6.0.21 The Safe Routes in Communities scheme is being used to develop ideas to Paper improve accessibility to a range of local services, not just the local park but shops, school, opic T church and other facilities and services. This scheme looks at areas in an integrated way and assesses all its facilities and how they can be better and more safely linked to Leisure encourage walking and cycling. Indoor

What can the Planning system do? and Safeguard existing walking, cycling routes and bridleways in, between and around communities; Space

Examine opportunities to improve/expand the existing walking and cycling routes Open using Section 106 monies – link in with safe routes in communities schemes;

When new schemes are submitted consider carefully the green transport plan, catchment areas and the sustainability of the chosen location;

Consider also how services to existing facilities can be improved;

Consider active travel for day to day activities, not just recreation;

Promote the recreational potential of the Canal system.

Community focussed schools

6.0.22 It is evident that the building of new leisure/ open space facilities is costly and in the present economic climate unlikely to be possible from the public purse. It is important therefore to maximise the use of existing buildings and facilities – especially schools which in many cases already have playing fields and recreational land, which in the main are closed after school hours and not available for use by the community. Whilst there may be cost issues, it is likely to be far less costly than having to acquire land and provide new pitches for that community. A number of schools in the County, as detailed previously in the spatial area sections, are already making their facilities available after hours to the benefit of the wider community. This scheme has the potential to be rolled out further across the County and the LDP could require that new facilities will have a community focus. 49 6 . Current and future trends

Open What can the Planning system do?

Space Support the Community Focussed scheme using money from Developer contributions to supplement the grants available and allow greater take up of the scheme across

and the whole of the County Borough;

Indoor Require new schools to be designed to allow the use of their facilities by the wider

Leisure community.

T opic Population

Paper 6.0.23 It is important to use population statistics to determine the age make up of ,

September communities to try and determine the age profile of ward populations and their future needs. By looking at population profiles it is possible to assess how that population will change over the life of the plan e.g. if a population is ageing, their needs in terms of sport

and recreation are likely to differ from a ward where the population comprises a higher 201 percentage of children under 16. 1

6.0.24 There are some wide variations in the make up of the populations of wards across the County Borough. Further details on population projections and profiles are provided in a separate Topic Paper on Population and Housing.

6.0.25 It is important that in developing the Strategy that full consideration is given to all sectors of the population and how this may vary over the life of the plan.

What can the Planning system do?

Consider the needs of all sections of the community when developing Policies relating to new facilities (both open space/recreation and community facilities).

50 7 . Conclusions and Strategy Formulation

7 Conclusions and Strategy Formulation 1 201

7.0.1 Leisure and recreation need to play a central role in delivering sustainable communities. They are important in improving community cohesion, delivering confident September communities and improving both physical and mental health. Neath Port Talbot is facing , up to major challenges: an ageing population which shows low levels of good health and Paper activity. opic T 7.0.2 Leisure and recreation provision need to be viewed as one of the first concerns in considering the shape of future communities and when assessing how individual Leisure developments can contribute. Indoor

7.0.3 Existing provision is increasingly concentrated on the M4 / coastal corridor and Pontardawe, and the ability of the public and private sectors to sustain smaller, more local and facilities is under increasing pressure. Space 7.0.4 The LDP strategy aims to set out a framework for provision based on existing

centres, and also focuses on communities and provision at the neighbourhood level. It is Open at the local level that changes in behaviour need to be encouraged.

51 7 . Conclusions and Strategy Formulation Open

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52 8 . Preferred Strategy

8 Preferred Strategy 1 201

8.0.1 The LDP strategy will set out what the Authority considers should be provided within identified catchment areas in order to move towards more sustainable and healthy September development. ,

8.0.2 In considering the health of the population in planning decisions it will help to Paper bolster the importance of Open Space and Leisure provision as a means to tackle the ill opic T health of our population. The needs of the community will be considered at all stages of the planning process from policy drafting to the determination of planning applications by Leisure the availability of up to date information in the Open Space Assessment. Indoor

8.0.3 Emphasis will be given to ensuring a minimum level of provision based on the Fields in Trust approach, but also from stakeholder involvement in assessing what the and communities themselves wish to see. Space 8.0.4 The Open Space and Recreation Strategy identified in the Pre-Deposit plan

identifies the importance of open space and recreation provision to encourage healthier Open and more active lifestyles. The Strategy seeks to integrate provision with the Settlement Strategy and :

1. Provide opportunities for outdoor and indoor sport and leisure based on provision by the County Borough, Community Council's, sports clubs and private enterprises. Opportunities for co-location and joint use will be promoted and the strategy will seek to ensure that new provision is well located to serve all the community.

2. Within each spatial area a detailed strategy will be prepared which balances the costs of provision and maintenance of facilities against the needs of the community, which will include developer contributions from new development.

3. Provide and protect an open space network (including playing fields, informal open space, allotments, Country Parks, and Public Rights of Way) that meets the needs of people of all abilities. This will include a range of facilities from local provision for everyday use to larger more extensive provision which serves a wider area.

8.0.5 The Settlement Strategy will be key to delivering healthier communities and make the County a more vibrant, community focussed and sustainable place in a greener, healthier and safer environment. It will identify what the Authority considers should be provided within different sized communities (Local, Community or Town Level) in order to move towards more sustainable and healthy development, which will benefit the whole community and provide opportunities for sport and recreation. This will be linked with the 53 Transport Strategy which will promote active travel, the Countryside strategy which will protect Common and Open Access land, and the Climate Change Strategy which will, through the greenspace strategy, protect existing green areas within urban areas and provide areas of green space in new developments. 8 . Preferred Strategy

Open 8.0.6 The settlement strategy will identify a framework of centres which will be the focus of new development. This will be delivered through Policy 2 of the Pre-Deposit Plan , which

Space states:

and

Indoor Policy 2

Leisure Settlement Framework

T The location of development should be compatible with the settlement framework opic strategy:

Paper - At the local level residents should be within walking distance of open space, green ,

September space, local shops and community facilities;

- At a community level residents should be within easy access of a wider range of

201 facilities and shops; 1 - The town centres will provide the widest range of facilities and services and act as hubs for surrounding communities.

8.0.7 Development will be favoured where it:

Is within walking distance of public transport, walking and cycling routes;

Is co- located with other facilities and services;

Can perform a wider community function e.g. as a community hub;

Is within walking distance of the residential areas it intends to serve;

Will increase the vitality, vibrancy and attractiveness of the existing settlement.

8.0.8 The importance of local facilities are vital to the well being of communities and residents ability to take part in recreation and exercise. Providing these facilities locally encourages greater levels of usage, allows social interaction with the local community and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions where local facilities are accessed by walking and cycling.

8.0.9 Linked with this is Policy 3 Sustainable Development aspects of which impact on 54 sport and recreation. Together with the Settlement Framework, these Policies will help to deliver communities with accessible recreational opportunities, which will have wider benefits including improving health and wellbeing amongst the population. 8 . Preferred Strategy 1 201 Policy 3

Sustainable Development September

, Proposals for new development will reflect sustainable development principles by: Paper

Guiding development to sustainable locations in accordance with the settlement opic T framework;

Reducing the use of natural resources including water, energy, waste, good Leisure

quality agricultural land and priority wildlife habitats; Indoor

Offering sustainable transport options that reduce the need for the private car; and

Creating safe, attractive and accessible neighbourhoods/ communities; Space

Promoting, where appropriate, the efficient use of land including previously Open developed sites;

Avoiding siting vulnerable developments within areas of noise and air pollution or flood risk

Promoting high quality design;

Addressing the impacts of climate change through the sustainable design and location of development (i.e. low carbon and mitigation);

Promoting the greening of urban areas including tree planting and ‘green roofs’;

Reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy resources including on-site generation.

8.0.10 In delivering such benefits from new development, use will be made of Section 106 Developer Contributions. Policy 4 relates to physical, social and environmental infrastructure, and identifies the types of schemes for which money may be sought. These include: Community and Public Transport, Community facilities including Community Hubs, Environmental enhancements and public realm improvements, improving access to facilities including the provision of walking and cycling routes, leisure, recreation and open space 55 etc.

8.0.11 In encouraging greater physical activity, Policy 12 of the Pre-Deposit Plan states: 8 . Preferred Strategy Open

Space Policy 12

Open Space, Leisure and Recreational Facilities and

Indoor The LDP will seek to ensure the provision of sufficient open space, leisure and recreational facilities within the County Borough by:

Leisure Prioritising the provision of open space, green space or community facilities,

T within existing urban areas, in redevelopment schemes; opic

Paper Retaining and, wherever possible, enhancing existing open space and recreational facilities; ,

September Ensuring new developments address local needs and thus allocate land for public open space, children’s play facilities, green space and allotments;

201

1 Improving walking and cycling routes.

8.0.12 In view of the shortfall in open space provision in some parts of the County Borough, it is important that the LDP addresses this, by protecting existing facilities and requiring additional provision where there is a need as a result of development. The Deposit Plan will identify detailed Policies relating to open space.

8.0.13 The importance of the countryside around settlements for informal recreation and its resultant benefits to mental and physical health are well noted. A Green Space Strategy is being developed as part of the LDP which will identify and protect a network of green areas and corridors within and adjoining urban areas. This assists in terms of both recreation and biodiversity.

8.0.14 Indeed the explanation to Policy 20 (relating to Protection of Habitats and Species) identifies that within urban areas a Green Space Strategy will help identify and protect a network of green areas and corridors. Green corridors may include: disused railway lines, canal towpaths and cycle routes. They have a dual purpose, acting as an important amenity resource for the community providing access routes and recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats.

8.0.15 A key part to delivering healthy sustainable development is to ensure that there are transport options including, walking, cycling routes and access to public and Community Transport choices. Part of delivering this is ensuring facilities are located where they are 56 accessible by a range of transport options and the following policies will help to deliver this aim: 8 . Preferred Strategy 1 201 Policy 26

Public and Community Transport September

, Public transport infrastructure and Community transport will be supported Paper

opic T

Policy 27 Leisure

Accessibility Indoor

Accessibility will be improved by providing and enhancing cycling and walking routes and

for everyday and leisure routes. Space

Open Policy 28

Active Travel

All new development proposals will need to provide safe and active forms of transport.

8.0.16 Walking and cycling routes will be used to link local communities to services and in so doing improve people's health and access to recreational opportunities on a day to day basis, as part of normal activities. New developments will be required to provide appropriate linkages to existing routes.

8.0.17 Policy 31 of the Pre-Deposit Plan seeks to safeguard the Canal Network, and therefore enable it to be used for both tourists and as a local recreational resource. It should be noted that small parts of the network on the Swansea and Neath Canals (at Ysgwrfa near Glynneath on the Neath Canal and above Ynysmeudwy on the Swansea Canal) will no longer be safeguarded as their restoration would be particularly expensive, difficult and compromise existing roads and residential properties.

8.0.18 It is considered that the implementation of the Preferred Strategy, its policies and strategies will will help drive the health improvements needed for the County Borough. The delivery of improvements to recreation and open space as part of the Strategy will help deliver wider health benefits to the population of the County Borough in Partnership with other Council Departments and external partners. 57 8.0.19 The Deposit Plan will contain detailed Policies in respect of open space, leisure and recreational facilities. 8 . Preferred Strategy Open

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58 A . Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot

A Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot 1 201

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59 A . Location of Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot Open

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60 B . Extract from Rights of Way Improvement Plan showing access land

B Extract from Rights of Way Improvement Plan showing access land 1 201

September

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and

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61 B . Extract from Rights of Way Improvement Plan showing access land Open

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62 C . Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres

C Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres 1 201

Table C.1 Facilities and services available at the leisure centres in Neath Port Talbot

Neath Sports Neath Leisure Pontardawe Hengwrt Vale of Neath Blaengwynfi September

Centre Centre Leisure Centre , Paper Gym Fitness centre Gym Sports hall Sports hall Sports hall opic T

Indoor sports Weight training Fitness centre CV/ fitness Fitness suite CV & fitness suite hall suite Leisure All weather Squash All weather Function / Gym Multi gym & Floodlit football Floodlit football Community weights

pitch pitch room Indoor

and

Floodlit football Lifestyle Indoor Sports Multi gym & Fitness classes Function room pitch consultations hall weights Space Fitness classes Youth fitness Birthday fun badminton Birthday fun football club parties parties Open

Fitness suite Health suite Licensed bar basketball football snooker

Conference / activity Conference library Meeting classes /meeting facilities facilities

Birthday fun workouts for over ICT Suite parties 50s

Licensed bar activity classes badminton

badminton basketball

basketball

63 C . Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres

Open Table C.2 Leisure classes on offer at the Leisure centres

Space Neath Sports Centre Pontardawe Leisure Hengwrt Vale of Neath Blaengwynfi Centre

and Spinning Aerobics Zumba Aerobics 50+ workout

Indoor Zumba Zumba yoga Yoga Activity Classes

Leisure Sunday shape up Ab blast Youth fitness Pilates Football

T Body combat Step fit Football training Pump fit Badminton opic

Body pump Indoor cycling (J) dodge ball Dodge ball (J) Basketball Paper

Circuits Salsacise badminton Salsacise ,

September Step Pilates Step Zumba

Boxercise Pump fit Basketball Spinning

201 Body toning Circuits boot camp Funky Friday 1

Yoga Combat fit Fit ball

Pilates Yoga

50+ Last one standing

Power Circuits

(J) Denotes that the class is for juniors

64 C . Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres

Table C.3 The facilities available at the swimming pools 1 201

Neath Cymmer Glynneath Pontardawe

25m pool 25m pool 25m pool 25m pool September

, Splash parties Children’s pool Swimming club Learner pool Paper Aqua aerobics Ladies only sessions Ladies only sessions Parent & toddler sessions opic T Lifeguard courses Canoe club Swimming lessons Disabled swimming lessons

Slide sessions Pool parties Slides Fun time slide Leisure

Small pool Aqua aerobics Pool parties Aqua aerobics Indoor

Celtic Aqua Academy Parent and toddler Celtic Aqua academy Swansea Valley swimming and sessions club

Aqua Tots Family nights Aqua aerobics Water polo Space

Club sessions Fabulous 50s Canoeing Cwmtawe sub aqua club Open sessions

Swimming lessons Pontardawe lifesaving club

Swimming lessons

Canoeing

hydrotherapy

Lifeguard courses

Ladies only sessions

65 C . Facilities and Services available at Leisure Centres Open

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66 D . Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities

D Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities 1 201

Table D.1 Schools which share their facilities with the Community

Spatial area Facilities available September

, Neath Paper

Llangatwg Community Whole school for Adult learners, gym, artificial turf pitch, swimming pool, youth opic T

School wing, sports pitches, movement and dance hall, childcare provision, cookery, Welsh language, diet and fitness Leisure Cefn Saeson Comp Sports hall, sports pitches, artificial turf pitch, drama hall, extended sport, music, holiday club and ICT Indoor Cwrt Sart Community Comp Artificial turf pitch, assembly hall, gym sports development, play and summer and

scheme, community clubs, sports pitch

Dwr y Felin Lower Artificial turf pitch Space

Dwr y Felin Comp Music, orchestra, youth and wind band, extended school rugby club Open Bryncoch C in Wales Life skills, brownies, mother and toddler

Catwg Primary Martial arts, W.I., after school club, gardening group and country store

Tonnau Community Primary Community Room and IT floodlit multi use games area full range of community School club hires- karate, old time dancing, fit for fun etc

Ysgol Maes Y Coed Sibling group

Port Talbot

Sandfields Comp Gym and the on site STRIDES project. Future possibly theatre, library, homework club, health and fitness suite

Dyffryn Comprehensive Artificial turf pitch and sports pitches, netball/ tennis

Glan Afan Comprehensive Library and ICT for over 50s

Blaenbaglan Primary Out of school hours sport

Glanymor Primary Townswomen’s guild and extended sport

C. Hirwaun Primary Sports pitch usage

Tywyn Primary Field used for district and club football/rugby

St Joseph’s Comp Football/ rugby pitches and community use of a sports hall

St Therese’s Primary Ad hoc use of grassed area

Pontardawe 67

Cwmtawe Comp Youth work, extended ICT, music club, out of hours sport

Swansea Valley

Ysgol Gyfyn Ystalyfera Sports hall, swimming pool, sports pitches, equipped gym, D . Schools with Shared Sports/Leisure Facilities Open Ysgol y Wern Ystalyfera Childcare,sport and club links

Space Neath Valley

and Blaengwrach Primary Ad hoc use by local rugby club

Indoor Dulais valley

Blaendulais Primary Community meetings, after school club, family learning project Leisure

Afan Valley

T opic Cymmer Afan Comp Local Action Centre, adult education, extended ICT, holiday club and youth

work equipped gym Paper

Cymmer Afan Primary fully equipped sports hall and artificial turf pitch ,

September Pen Afan Primary Classrooms designated for Community use and a multi use games area and pitches

201 U Amman Valley 1 G C Gurwen Primary Out of school hours learning

Schools in coloured text have sports/ recreation facilities available for shared use. Their location is shown on Map 5.2.

68 E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area

E List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 201

Information on Services and facilities has been collected from survey work undertaken by the Planning policy Team. It should be noted that this information is liable to change over September time and is believed to be correct as at December 2010. If any errors are noted, please , inform the department at: [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the information. Paper

(For LDP purposes the County Borough has been split into 8 spatial areas) opic T * denotes that a pavilion is present on site

** denotes play area to be transferred to Neath Port Talbot Homes Leisure

Table E.1 Indoor

and NEATH TOWN SPATIAL AREA

Play areas (managed by Community Councils) Space

Blaenhonddan C.C Coedffranc C.C D.Clydach .CC. Tonna C.C. Open

Elias Rd Bryncoch Parc Wern Caewathan Lon Glynfelin Dan y Bryn

Leiros Park Drive Baldwin’s Crescent. Crymlyn Burrows The Drive, Longford Memorial Park School Rd Bryncoch

Heol y Felin Caewern School Rd Jersey Marine

New Road Cilfrew The Greenway Llandarcy

Bryn Catwg Cadoxton Skewen Park, Wern Rd

Ynysygerwn Ave Tennant Park Skewen Aberdulais

Play Areas (managed by the Council)

Bowen Street Neath Hengwrt

Brynnau Wood Cimla Heol Glynderwen Waunceirch

Cefn yr Allt Aberdulais Jersey Park Briton Ferry

Cimla Common Jersey Terrace

Crymlyn Park Skewen Maes yr Hafod Cadoxton

Evans Road Neath Mount Pleasant Hillside

Fairyland Neath** Off Dwr Y Felin Rd Waunceirch Gnoll Park adventure unit Pen y Dre Neath 69 Gnoll Park disabled unit Victoria Gardens Neath

Graham’s Terrace Skewen Wellfield Square Neath

Play Areas managed by others

Hunter’s Ridge Tonna E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Parks

Space Melyn Park Mount Skewen Tonna Crymlyn Tennant Park Victoria Jersey Pleasant Park Memorial Burrows Gardens Park

Hillside Park Park and

Indoor Play Play Play Play Play Play Play Play

ground ground ground ground ground ground ground ground Leisure

Open space Recreational 2 bowling Open space Open Open space Ornamental Laid out T opic Park greens space garden gardens

Paper Recreational Bowling green Sports Recreational BMX track 2 football Laid out Open Park * pitches park pitches gardens space ,

September Formal allotments Rugby pitch Bandstand woodland gardens

Cricket 2 rugby Cricket

201 ground * pitches ground 1 MUGA Bowls

6 tennis Cricket courts nets

Open space

Football pitch

BMX track

Football/ mini football

Aberdulais (Cefn yr Allt) 1 pitch

Briton Ferry Wharf 2 pitches

Briton Ferry Town / Ynysmaerdy 1 pitch (club)

Cadoxton (Off Bryn Catwg) 1 pitch

Caewern Soccer Field Caewern 1 pitch

Cefn Saeson Sports Ground Cimla 2 pitches & 1 mini pitch

Cilfrew 1 pitch

Cwrt Herbert Sports Fields 5 pitches & 3 mini pitches

70 Cwrt Sart Comp Briton Ferry 2 pitches

Llandarcy 2 pitches (private club training)

Llandarcy Sports academy 1 pitch (club)

Off Dwr y Felin Rd 2 pitches

Melin Park 1 mini pitch E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Parc Newydd Briton Ferry 2 pitches & 1 mini pitch 201

Parc Wern Skewen 1 pitch

Skewen Park 1 pitch September

Tennant Park 2 pitches (1 club) , Paper Waunceirch mini football opic T

Ynysygerwyn 1 pitch

Rugby Leisure

Briton Ferry RFC/ Ynysmaerdy 1 pitch (club) Indoor Briton Ferry Wharf 1 pitch and Bryncoch Recreation Ground 1 pitch (club) Space

Cefn Saeson Sports Ground Cimla 1 pitch

Cwrt Herbert Sports Fields 3 pitches Open

Cwrt Sart Comprehensive Briton Ferry 1 pitch

Gnoll RFC 1 pitch (club)

Llangatwg Comprehensive School 2 pitches

Tennant Park 1 pitch (Club)

Tonna 2 pitches

Cricket

Bryncoch Recreation Ground 1 pitch

Cefn Saeson Sports Ground Cimla 2 pitches

Cwrt Herbert Sports Fields 2 pitches

Gnoll 1 pitch

Jersey Park Briton Ferry 1 leased pitch

Llandarcy 1 pitch

Llangatwg Comprehensive School 1 pitches

Skewen Park 1 pitch

Ynysmaerdy 1 pitch

Ynysygerwyn Cricket Club (private) 1 pitch 71

Tennis Courts

Dyfed Rd Neath* 6 courts

Llandarcy 4 courts (sports club)

Skewen Park 6 courts E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Athletics

Space Cwrt Herbert Sports Fields Neath Athletics track and Jump pits

Bowling and

Indoor Briton Ferry Bowling Green 1 green

Dyfed Rd Park 2 greens

Leisure Llandarcy 1 green

T

opic Mount Pleasant Hillside 1 green

Paper Skewen Park 2 greens ,

Westernmoor Rd 1 green September

Ynysmaerdy Bowling Green Briton Ferry 1 green

Multi Use Games Areas

201

1 Skewen Park Tonna (at the school)

Facilities for older children

Crymlyn Burrows – BMX Track James Field Briton Ferry Teen shelter

Dyffryn Artificial turf pitch Skewen Park BMX Track

James Field Briton Ferry Skateboard ramp Cwrt Herbert Artificial turf pitch

Allotments

Briton Ferry (Old Rd) Fairyland

Cadoxton Melin Park (Old Rd)

Community Garden St Mary’s Church B. F. Tonna Henfaes Road and Heol y Glo

Crymlyn Burrows

Golf

Earlswood Jersey Marine The Gnoll Neath

Neath Golf Club Aberdulais Aberdulais Golf Driving Range

Swansea Bay Golf Club Jersey Marine

PORT TALBOT SPATIAL AREA

72 Play Areas (managed by the Council)

Aberafan Seafront Hopkin Street Aberafan

Aneddfan Cwmafan** Oakwood Pontrhydyfen

Baglan Park Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan

Bishops Mead Baglan Moors Talbot Memorial Park E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Bryn Park Tollgate Park Margam 201

Brynbryddan Cwmafan** Vivian Park Sandfields

Cross Street Velindre Western Ave sports field Sandfields September

Coed Hirwaun Ynysygwas Cwmafan , Paper Goytre Close Goytre opic T

Play areas (managed by others)

Cae Glas Cwmafan Tal Y Wern Taibach Leisure

Parks Indoor Aberavon Baglan Park Bryn Park Parc Siencyn Talbot Tollgate Park Vivian Park

Seafront Powell Memorial Margam Sandfields and

Cwmafan Park Space

Recreational Recreational Park Recreational Recreational Ornamental Recreational Ornamental/ park Park Park / Park Recreational

Recreational Park Open Park

Adventure playground Playground Playground Playground Playground playground playground

Open space Open space Open space Open Space Open Space Open Space War memorial

Laid out 24 hour kick about Skateboard Laid out Laid out Laid out gardens area ramp Gardens gardens gardens

Paddling Bowling green * Bowling Bowling green 2 bowling 2 bowling pool green * * greens greens *

Teen shelter Rugby pitch Rugby Pitch Bandstand 4 tennis courts

Football Football Pitch Football 2 football pitch pitch & pitches * changing rooms

2 mini football pitches

Cricket pitch Cricket pitch War Open space memorial

3 Tennis Rugby pitch Courts

Tennis court 73

Football/ mini football

Afan Lido 2 pitches (1 astroturf)

Bryn Park 1 pitch

Evans Bevan Recreation Ground Baglan* 1 pitch & 3 mini pitches E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Goytre 1 pitch

Space Groeswen Sports Field Margam* 3 pitches & 2 mini pitches

Little Warren Sports Fields Sandfields* 1 pitch & 3 mini pitches and

Indoor Margam (Tata) 3 pitches

Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan* 1 pitch & 1 mini pitch

Leisure Port Talbot Town FC 1 pitch (club)

T

opic Sandfields Comprehensive School* 2 pitches & 2 mini pitch

Paper St Joseph’s Comprehensive School 2 pitches ,

Talbot Memorial Park Port Talbot* 1 pitch & 2 mini pitches September

Vivian Park Sandfields* 2 pitches

Western Ave Sports fields Sandfields* 3 pitches & 1 mini pitch

201

1 Ynys Parc (Pant Du) 1 pitch

Rugby

Aberavon Green stars RFC/Little Warren 1 pitch (club - leased)

Aberavon Harlequins RFC 1 pitch (club)

Aberavon RFC 1 pitch (club)

Bryn Park 1 pitch

Cwmafan RFC 2 pitches (club)

Groeswen Sports Field Margam* 3 pitches

Longlands Lane Margam(education) 3 pitches

Margam (Tata) 1 pitch

Oakwood 1 pitch

Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan* 1 pitch

Sandfields Comprehensive School 1 pitch

St Joseph’s Comprehensive School 2 pitches

Talbot Memorial Park Port Talbot 1 pitch

Western Ave Sports fields Sandfields* 1 pitch

74 Cricket

Bryn Park* 1 pitch

Evans Bevan Recreation Ground Baglan* 1 pitch

Groeswen Sports Field Margam* 1 pitch

Margam Park* 1 pitch E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Margam (Tata) 1 pitch 201

Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan* 1 pitch

Port Talbot Cricket Ground Baglan Moors* 1 pitch (leased) September

Western Ave Sports fields Sandfields* 1 pitch , Paper Tennis Courts opic T

Bryn Park 2 courts

Margam (Tata) 4 courts Leisure

Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan* 3 courts Indoor Talbot Memorial Park* 5 courts and Vivian Park Sandfields* 4 courts Space

Athletics

Longlands Lane Margam(education) 100m Athletics track Open

Sandfields Comprehensive School Athletics track and Jump pits

Bowling

Baglan Park 1 green

Bryn Park 1 green

Margam (Tata) 2 greens

Parc Siencyn Powell Cwmafan 1 green

Talbot Memorial park 2 greens

Velindre 1 green

Vivian Park Sandfields 2 greens

Multi Use Games Area

Hopkin Street Aberavon

Facilities for older children

Hopkin Street Aberavon – Teen shelter Baglan Park – Teen shelter

Aberavon Seafront – Skateboard ramp Baglan Park – 24 hr kick about area

Allotments

Baglan Cwmafan 75

Baglan Moors Moor Rd Margam

Community garden at Hopkin St Aberavon Velindre

Golf

Tata Margam Lakeside Golf Driving Range E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Lakeside Margam

Space

PONTARDAWE SPATIAL AREA and

Indoor Play Areas (managed by the Council)

King George V Park Pontardawe Parc Ynysderw Pontardawe

Leisure Lon Tan yr Allt Alltwen

T

opic Play areas (managed by Community Councils)

Paper Cilybebyll C.C. Pontardawe Town Council ,

Brynmorgrug Rd Alltwen Trebanos Park The Green September

Rhos Park March Hywel Rhos Ynysmeudwy Park Old Rd

Parks

201

1 King George V Park Pontardawe Trebanos Park

Recreational Park Recreational park

Bowling Green * Rugby pitch

playground playground

2 tennis courts Informal space

Football/ mini football

Parc Ynysderw Pontardawe* 5 pitches & 1 mini pitch

Pontardawe Recreation Ground* 3 pitches & 2 mini pitches

Rhos Recreation Ground 1 pitch

Rugby

Alltwen 1 pitch (club)

Parc Ynysderw Pontardawe* 2 pitches

Pontardawe Recreation Ground* 2 pitches

Trebanos 1 pitch (club)

Cricket

Parc Ynysderw Pontardawe* 1 pitches

76 Pontardawe Recreation Ground* 2 pitches

Tennis Courts

Parc Ynysderw Pontardawe* 2 courts

King George V Park* 2 courts

Bowling E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 King George V Park 1 green 201

Athletics

Cwmtawe School September

Multi Use Games Area none in spatial area , Paper Facilities for older children opic T

Rhos BMX Track

Allotments none in spatial area Leisure

Golf Indoor Pontardawe Golf Club and

Space

UPPER AMMAN VALLEY SPATIAL AREA

Play Areas (managed by the Council Open

Ger y Afon GCG Llwyn Road Cwmgors

Heol Godfrey Brynamman** Parc – y Werin GCG

Play areas (managed by Community Councils)

Gwaun Cae Gurwen C.C.

Tairgwaith Park, King Edward Rd Play area at Cemetery Rd Cwmgors

Parks

Parc y Werin GCG

Recreational Park Playground

Bowling green with pavilion 2 rugby pitches with pavilion

Tennis court MUGA

Rugby

Maerdy Sports field 1 pitch

Parc Y Werrin GCG* 2 pitches

Bowling

Parc Y Werin GCG* 1 green

Football/ mini football 77

Maerdy Sportsfield 1 pitch

Parc y Werin 1 pitch

Cricket no facilities within the spatial area

Tennis Courts no facilities within the spatial area E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Athletics no facilities within the spatial area

Space Multi Use Games Area

Cwmgors GCG and

Indoor Facilities for older children

Hard court in Tairgwaith Parc y Werrin Artificial turf pitch

Leisure Allotments None in spatial area

T

opic Golf No facilities in Spatial area

Paper ,

SWANSEA VALLEY SPATIAL AREA September

Play Areas (managed by the Council)

Heol y Coed Cae Cwmllynfell Pen Darren Godre’r Graig**

201

1 Parc-y- Darren Ystalyfera

Play areas (managed by Community Councils)

Cwmllynfell C.C (Ystalyfera C.C)

Rhiwfawr Park Gorosto Rd Glyngwyn Park, Glyngwyn Rd

Gnoll Park Gnoll Rd Godre’r Graig

Hodgeson Rd Godre’r Graig

Pen yr Allt Ystalyfera

Varteg Park Varteg Rd

Parks

Parc y Darren Ystalyfera Glyngwyn Ystalyfera Cwmllynfell Park Rhiwfawr Park

Recreational Park Recreational ground Recreational park Recreational ground

Bowling green * Playground Bowling green BMX Track

Playground Playground Playground

2 tennis courts Tennis Court

Basketball court

Cricket

78 Ystalyfera (education) 1 pitch

Tennis Courts

Parc y Darren Ystalyfera 2 courts

Cwmllynfell Park 1 court

Bowling E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Parc y Darren Ystalyfera 1 green 201

Cwmllynfell Park 1 green

Football/ mini football September

Godre’r Graig 3 pitches , Paper Rugby opic T

Cwmllynfell 1 pitch (club)

Ystalyfera 1 pitch (club) Leisure

Athletics no facilities within the spatial area Indoor Multi Use Games Area and Ystalyfera Ffordd Glandwr Space

Facilities for older children

Cwmllynfell park Basket ball court Ystalyfera Ffordd Glandwr Teen shelter Open

Rhiwfawr – BMX Track Ystalyfera Ffordd Glandwr Skateboard ramp

Allotments none in spatial area

Golf No facilities in spatial area

NEATH VALLEY SPATIAL AREA

Play Areas (managed by the Council)

Church Crescent Cwmgwrach** Vale of Neath Leisure Centre Glynneath

Play areas (managed by Comm. Councils)

Blaengwrach C.C Clyne & Melincourt C.C Glynneath T. Council Resolven C.C.

Blaengwrach Recreation Bryn Golwg r/o Ynys yr Pont Walby Ynys y Nos Edwards Terrace Abergarwed ground Afon Ave

Welfare Park, Heol y Felin Coves Field M. court Welfare Park Resolven Park

Maes yr Eglwys

Maes y Ffynnon

Parks Blaengwrach Welfare Park Glynneath Welfare Park Resolven Park 79 Recreational park Recreational park Recreational park playground playground 2 tennis courts

Hard court 4 tennis courts Bowling green

Tennis court Bowling green MUGA E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Multi use grassed area Informal space playground

Space Football pitch

Basket ball court and

Indoor Football/ mini football

Glynneath Welfare Park 1 pitch

Leisure Resolven Park 1 pitch

T

opic Rugby

Paper Blaengwrach 1 pitch (club) ,

Glynneath 2 pitches (1 of which is a club pitch) September

Resolven 1 pitch (club)

Cricket

201

1 Glynneath 1 pitch

Tennis Courts

Blaengwrach 1 court

Glynneath 4 courts

Resolven 2 courts

Athletics no facilities within the spatial area

Bowling

Glynneath 2 greens

Resolven 1 green

Multi Use Games Area

Resolven

Facilities for older children

Blaengwrach Welfare Park 5 a side pitch and multi purpose Glynneath Maes yr Eglwys – hard surfaced area play area

Resolven basket ball court

Allotments 80 Glynneath Resolven (Abergarwed) Golf

Glynneath Golf Club

DULAIS VALLEY SPATIAL AREA E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Play areas (managed by Community Councils and others) 201

Crynant C.C Onllwyn C.C Seven Sisters C.C Welfare Club

Woodland Rd School Rd Dulais Rd Nant y Cafn September

Roman Rd Banwen Heol Heddwch , Paper Main Road opic T

Aberhenwaun Uchaf Pant y Ffordd

Play Areas (managed by the Council ) None Leisure

Parks Indoor Seven Sisters and Recreational park Tennis court Space playground Informal space

bandstand Open

Football/ mini football

Onllwyn Football ground 1 pitch

Seven Sisters Sports Field 1 pitch & 2 mini football pitches

Seven Sisters football field 1 pitch (club?)

Rugby

Crynant 2 pitches

Onllwyn RFC 1 pitch

Seven Sisters Sports Field 1 pitch

Seven Sisters Rugby Field 1 pitch (club?)

Cricket No facilities within the spatial area

Tennis Courts

Crynant 2 courts

Onllwyn 1 court

Seven Sisters 1 court

Athletics no facilities within the spatial area

Bowling no facilities within the spatial area 81

Multi Use Games Areas

Crynant Seven Sisters

Pant y Ffordd Onllwyn

Facilities for older children E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open Crynant Skateboard ramp, BMX Track & hard court Seven Sisters Teen shelter

Space Pant y Ffordd Skateboard ramp Onllwyn artificial turf pitch

Allotments and

Indoor Dove Workshops allotments/ Community garden

Golf

Leisure Seven Sisters Golf Driving Range

T

opic

Paper AFAN VALLEY SPATIAL AREA ,

Play Areas managed by the Council September

Afan Forest Park Menai Ave Croeserw

Fire Station Cymmer Tudor Park Croeserw

201

1 Margaret Terrace Blaengwynfi Ynyscorrwg Park Glyncorrwg

Play areas managed by Community Councils

Pelenna C.C.

John’s Terrace Tonmawr

Parks

Cymmer Welfare Park Tudor Park Croeserw Ynyscorrwg Park Glyncorrwg

Bowling green* Recreational park Recreational park

Tennis courts Football pitch Rugby pitch

Play area Play area

Open Space Open space

Tennis court Bowling green

Artificial turf pitch

Football/ mini football

Abercregan Soccer 1 pitch

Glyncorrwg 1 pitch

Gwynfi Soccer Pitch* 1 pitch

82 Red Field Cymmer* 1 pitch

Tudor Park Soccer Field Croeserw* 1 pitch

Rugby

Pontrhydyfen 1 pitch

Red Field Cymmer* 1 pitch E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area 1 Tonmawr 2 pitches 201

Ynyscorrwg Rugby Glyncorrwg 1 pitch leased/ self managed

Tennis Courts September

Blaengwynfi Recreation Park 2 courts , Paper Cymmer Welfare 2 courts opic T

Tudor Park Croeserw 1 court

Bowling Leisure

Blaengwynfi Recreation Park 1 green Indoor Cymmer Welfare 1 green and Pontrhydyfen 1 green Space

Tudor Park Croeserw 1 green

Ynyscorrwg Park Glyncorrwg 1 green Open

Cricket no facilities within the spatial area

Athletics no facilities within the spatial area

Multi Use Games Areas

Pen Afan Primary Blaengwynfi

Facilities for older children

Glyncorrwg Astro turf pitch Tonmawr basketball court

Cymmer Afan Primary artificial turf pitch

Allotments

Blaengwynfi Glyncorrwg

Cynonville

Golf No facilities in the spatial area

83 E . List of Open Space Facilities by spatial area Open

Space

and

Indoor

Leisure

T opic

Paper ,

September

201 1

84 F . Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy

F Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy 1 201

F.0.1 The following is an extract from the Our Space Your Space Strategy and identifies a number of actions for different greenspace categories. September

Parks & Gardens , Paper Achieve green flag status opic T

Develop management plans for relevant sites, and pursue additional funding to develop

/ improve facilities Leisure

Indoor Natural Areas & Local Nature Reserves and

All significant natural areas within Council ownership will have regularly reviewed Space management plans,

They should be designed and developed to accommodate recreation but with minimal Open disturbance to wildlife or negative impact upon natural features and use the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) in conjunction with this strategy to set priorities for protection and management and manage conflicts of interest

Green Corridors, Cycle ways and Public Rights of Way

Implement the ROWIP

Investigate the development of a network of green corridors

Playgrounds

All applications for new playgrounds or upgrades of existing playgrounds will take into account the number and age of children living within its catchment area and demographic trends including new development proposals

Proximity of other greenspace sites providing opportunities for informal play will be considered

Provision of facilities for older young people will be investigated as part of consultation/ partnerships with communities

Ensure new/ refurbished facilities are suitable for disabled users and for access by 85 disabled carers F . Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy

Open Informal Open Space

Space Audit and map existing public open space

and Consult as necessary prior to the applying for planning permission to change the use

Indoor of open space

Leisure Sports fields

T opic Increase quality of facilities through a rolling programme of improvements to enhance

Paper the existing capacity of sports fields. This will need to concentrate on affordability, quality and access ,

September Service specific management plans or individual site maintenance programmes will be designed as required in order to meet the characteristics of each Sportsfield site and the standard of play

201

1 When considering new Sportsfield sites (in accordance with UDP policy R02) consideration will be given to site location with regard to public accessibility, land capability and not using land of significant biodiversity value

There will be a wider dialogue on the subject of potential community use of school pitches including changing facilities and social accommodation that local clubs can use.

Cemeteries

Investigate how the biodiversity value of sites can be maximised by considerate management, and minor adaptations to working practices that can balance both built and natural elements

Any new cemeteries will be located taking into account their potential as accessible greenspace

Allotments

An allotment management plan will be prepared to determine methods of assessing and stimulating demand. It will assess and implement activities such as working in partnership with allotment associations to enhance facilities and investigate the 86 feasibility of devolved management schemes or group usage

Key Actions for the next 5 years

Assessment of greenspace quality F . Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy

A system to measure greenspace quality will be adopted and applied to all greenspace 1 201 sites within the County Borough to feed into management and development plans

Improve the quality of facilities September

, Produce service specific or site management plans to assist in improving the quality Paper of our facilities as part of a Development Programme opic T

Green Flag Award Leisure

Achieve a green flag award for at least one of our parks Indoor

and Improve the Quality of play provision Space All existing playgrounds will be refurbished by 2010 Open Work with communities to develop facilities for older young people (aged 11-19)

Improve Green Corridors

Green corridors such as those used as sustainable transport links, will be a priority for improvements to quality and connectivity

Protection of Open Space/ Greenspace and provision of new amenities

The Planning system through development plans and development control provides for the protection of public open space/ greenspace and the provision of new amenities in association with new development. In order to inform the development of open space policy for the new LDP and to underpin the determination of planning applications and associated legal agreements, detailed audits of open space, public/ stakeholder consultations and assessments of provision, quality, value and need will be undertaken in conjunction with the planning department

Asset management planning

Facilities will be reviewed to ensure that their full potential is being utilised

Improve Greenspace Quality 87

Greenspace sites identified as most valuable to communities through community engagement will be prioritised for improvements in quality

Management and Development Policies to be developed and adopted F . Extract of actions from the Authority's Our Space Your Space Strategy

Open Outdoor sports

Space Allotments

and Outdoor play

Indoor Biodiversity

Leisure Countryside access

T opic Council owned trees

Paper ,

September Community Consultation

Regular community consultation will take place in order to involve the local community in the decision making process

201 1 Physical Activity

Develop links with partners to promote the contribution that green spaces can make to health and well being.

88