Landscapes Working for County Borough

Volume 3 - Action Programme

March 2008 ______

______LANDSCAPES WORKING FOR ACTION PROGRAMME 2008

1. Introduction

1.1 The Action Programme forms the fourth phase of the review of the Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough Action Plan Document. The phases comprise of:

Phase I – Compilation of Short List of sites Phase II – Prioritisation Phase III - WAG Sustainability Check Phase IV – Preparation of Action Programme.

Table 1 lists those sites short-listed for inclusion in the action plan. Their location is identified in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 Site Locations

2. Background

2.1 The document Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough was originally published in 1997 by Opus Environmental Design. However the Action Programme that formed Volume 3 of the study is now considered outdated and has required updating.

The list of priority projects has evolved from the original LW for B document with additional sites being included that have originated from meetings held between Groundwork, officers of Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Assembly Government during the year 2006. The prioritisation exercise formed phases 1 and 2 of the Landscapes Working for Bridgend project.

This report forms part of the WAG (DEIN) funded Bridgend Environment Programme.

3. Objectives

3.1 The Action Programme details the key proposals with priority and feasibility ratings, outline cost estimates and yearly expenditure profiles.

3.2 The Action Programme is to be used to inform the Local Authority’s Environmental Improvement Programme and has therefore been prepared with regard to the Local Authority’s existing policies and ongoing schemes.

3.3 The report has been developed with guidance provided by the Welsh Assembly’s ‘Creating Sustainable Places’ document, in order to promote sustainable development.

3.4 The Action Programme provides a comprehensive range of environmental improvement schemes that, when implemented, will have a considerable beneficial impact on the County Borough. In addition to increasing bio-diversity, the schemes will also contribute to providing a safe and pleasant environment that promotes cycling, walking and other recreational activities within the County Borough.

3.5 The Action Programme provides proposals that will address:

• The visual and material quality of improvement projects, accentuating a distinctive identity for the County Borough. The proposals reflect the importance of telling the story of the landscape, people, places, attractions, facilities within the landscape of the study area.

• Opportunities for public art are integral to the Action Programme as they provide a means by which local people can be engaged in the project and reflect the history and aspirations of the .

• The Action Programme provides opportunities for large scale habitat/species projects that benefit in the delivery of TREBAP and LBAP targets.

• Accessibility issues for all users of the highway including pedestrians, cyclists, disabled users and motor vehicles are addressed within the proposals. Opportunities for sustainable modes of transport are incorporated into the proposals.

• The Action Programme identifies opportunities for improving access to the landscape and in promoting healthy living for people living in the Borough.

2.0 ACTION PROGRAMME SUMMARY

General

The sites are listed in Table 1 with their locations shown on Figure 1. The Action Programme makes an assessment of each site which is summarised in Table 1. The sites are assessed under the following categories:

Priority The sites are prioritised in order of those that will have the most impact in upgrading the image of the borough combined with community value. A: first priority to C: low priority.

Ease of implementation Those sites that are least likely to encounter difficulty due to ownership, permissions, funding etc are graded 1 through to the most difficult, graded 3.

Type of scheme The following types are:

A Access e.g. Community route E Employment Site EI Environmental interpretation/tourism/recreation H Housing MR Major Roads O Open Spaces RE Reclamation RA Rail RI Rivers SR Secondary Roads

Implementation Partners: Bodies who may be involved in designing, implementing, owning or funding a scheme are included. These are:

BCB Bridgend County Borough Council CCW Countryside Council for FC Forestry Commission GW Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot EA Environment Agency PB Private Body WAG Welsh Assembly Government CD Cadw

Capital Cost: The capital cost shown is based on site area and on a unit area cost. It does not comprise a detailed estimate. Three years maintenance is included within the cost.

Maintenance Cost: Annual maintenance estimate after initial three year establishment period.

Table 1

LANDSCAPE ACTION PROGRAMME SITES 2008 - SUMMARY

Site No Ease of Priority Partners Location (£1,000's) Capital Cost Maintenance Cost (£1,000's) Implementation Implementation Type of SchemeType of 1 A473 Waterton Cross Roundabout B 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 100 12.1 2 A48 Western Approaches at A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 103 6.6 3 A473 Bryntirion Roadside B 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 42 6 4 Bryngarw Country Park A 1 A/EI BCB/PB 110 8 5 Garw Fechan A 2 O/EI BCB/FC 18O 10 6 Bwlch y Clawdd A 1 MR/EI BCB/FC 80 6 7 Centre B 2-3 MR/EI BCB/PB 120 10 8 Pant-yr-Awel B 1 MR/EI BCB/PB 65 7.5 9 Community Route Crossing A 1 A/EI BCB 45 4.5 10 Approaches A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 300 15 11 & Abergarw Industrial Estates A 1 E BCB/WAG 550 30 12 Penllwyngwent Industrial Estate, A 1 E BCB/WAG 400 25 13 Ffaldau Industrial Estate, Garw Valley B 1-2 E BCB/WAG 300 20 14 Locks Lane, Porthcawl A 2 A BCB 60 5 15 North A 2 A BCB/PR 160 8 16 Locks Common, Porthcawl A 1 A BCB/PB 300 15 17 A4061 Northern Approaches A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 200 7.5 18 A473 Eastern Approach, Bridgend A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 738.5 82 19 Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valley Road Corridors A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 250 15 20 Village Gateway Signage A 1 MR/EI/SR BCB 55 15 21 Llangynwydd Historic Village B 2 EI BCB/PB 45 10 22 Historic Village B 2 EI BCB/PB 45 10 23 Heritage Coast A 1 A/EI BCB/EA 150 10 24 Approaches A 1 MR/EI BCB/WAG 210 15 25 Historical/Ancient Monument Interpretation B 1 EI BCB/CD/PB 15 N/A 26 Heritage on the Celtic Trail B 1 A/EI BCB/CD/PB 20 N/A 27 The Hub C 2 EI/A GW 15 N/A 28 The Events Amphitheatre, Parc B 1 EI BCB/GW 20 N/A 29 Bridgend Walks & Bridleways A 1 A/EI BCB/GW 25 N/A 30 BCBC Community Route Strategy A 1 A/EI BCB 15 N/A 31 Ways & Wells B 2 A/EI BCB/PB 170 7.7 32 Celtic Trail Missing Links A 2-3 A/EI BCB 500 N/A 33 Footprints Project A 1 A/EI BCB/GW 760 N/A 34 Dyffryn, Lynfi and Porthcawl Railway A 1 A/EI N/A 2.5 N/A Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 1

Site location: A473 - Waterton Cross Roundabout to Railway Bridge

Environmental improvements to the Eastern Approaches of the A473

Grid reference: 914787 Capital cost: £100,000 Priority: B Maintenance cost: £12,180 Land ownership: BCBC Ease of achievement: 1

Site appraisal The A473 forms the eastern approach road to Bridgend town centre. The dual carriage way is flanked by close mown verges and a grassed central reservation. There is no visual separation of the carriageway from the surrounding landscape. The frontage of the Police Headquarters comprises of a visually poor boundary treatment with planting limited to shrubs and trees to the rear car park. Native tree and shrub planting to the frontage of the Superstore car park and petrol station reduces the visual impact of these buildings. A recent native planting scheme fronts the Adult Training Centre and Council Offices on the south side of the bypass.

Proposals Landscape improvements to the A473 road corridor need to be bold in their approach to integrate the road with the surrounding landscape. The hard landscape of the road corridor requires softening through tree and shrub planting that separates the east bound and west bound carriageway. This approach should include:

• Planting of native species hedgerow along the central reservation, incorporating bare-stemmed avenue trees to provide a visual barrier but allowing views through. • Block planting of native trees and shrubs to the larger grass verges, to soften and frame views and increase biodiversity. • Alter mowing regime to promote the growth of wild flowers thereby increasing biodiversity and reducing maintenance. • Landscape improvements scheme to Police Head Quarters to enhance roadside frontage and soften car park through native tree and shrub planting. • Retain existing areas of native planting in new planting proposals, incorporating these areas into a management regime.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 2

Site location: A48 Western Approaches, Pyle

Environmental Improvements to the lay by at Pyle

Environmental Improvements to the lay by at Pyle

Grid reference: 831817 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £103,500 Maintenance cost: £6,500

Site appraisal Two lay bys form the western gateway to Bridgend at the roundabout exit of the A48. Their poor appearance creates a negative impression for visitors to Bridgend. The first lay by is separated from the main carriageway by a long grass verge. The verge has suffered considerable damage from heavy vehicles, as has the surface of the lay by which is potholed and uneven. To the rear of the lay by lies a long unbroken line of visually poor galvanised palisade fencing, marking the boundary of the Village Farm Industrial Estate. The second lay by is flanked by a native hedgerow on both the verge and the boundary with the Industrial Estate to the north. There is no signage other than that warning against environmental crime.

Proposals Environmental Improvements are to include: • The redefining of the kerb line of the verge and rear of lay by, including resurfacing with materials suitable for heavy vehicles. • Install new parking signs. • Native planting to the verge between the first lay by and the carriageway with hedgerow and bare-stemmed trees. This will provide views through while screening and softening views of fencing and Industrial Estate from carriageway traffic. • Remaining grass area on verge to be seeded with wild flower mix to reduce mowing maintenance and provide wildlife corridor. • Stone walling to define entrances to the lay bys and create Gateway Entrance feature to Bridgend.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 3

Site location: A473 Western Approach, Bryntirion

Environmental Improvements to the A473 western approach to Bridgend.

Grid reference: 887799 Priority: B Land ownership: BCB Ease of achievement:1 Capital cost: £42,000 Maintenance cost: £6,000

Site appraisal The road corridor of the A473 forms the western approach to Bridgend town centre. Poor native hedging and close mown verges frame unattractive views of Social Club and housing to the north of carriageway. Existing bench adjacent to new bus stop and litter bin are in a poor condition. New cycle route on south side flanked by close mown verges and some mature native planting. These visual detractors create a poor image on the approach to Bridgend town centre.

Proposals Environmental Improvements are to include: • Block planting of native trees and shrubs to the entrance to Elm Crescent and Brynglas. • Replace existing benches on both sides of carriageway. • Introduce specimen trees to existing hedgerows on north side of carriageway and specimen avenue tree planting to the south side of the cycle track to give stronger sense of enclosure. • Reseed large verge adjacent to new cycle track as wildflower area for reduced maintenance and greater biodiversity. • Plant native specimen/avenue trees along carriageway to junction with Bryngolau to soften views. Block plant native shrubs to reduce impact of crash barriers at junction.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 4

Site location : Bryngarw Country Park

Environmental Improvements to the Entrance into Bryngarw Country Park.

Grid reference: 906855 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC Ease of achievement:1 Capital cost: £110,000 Maintenance cost: £8000

Site appraisal Bryngarw House and Country Park forms a major visitor attraction in Bridgend County Borough, providing facilities for both leisure and business functions. The signage from the A4065 and from Pleasant View into driveway does not reflect the quality of the House and its landscape and is visually poor. The approach to the main gates is unimpressive with evidence of Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed, suggesting poor maintenance. No pedestrian/cycle access route along winding narrow driveway presents health and safety issues. Limited signage from car park for car drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Existing signs in poor condition/hidden by vegetation. Much of the tree planting in the car park is showing signs of stress and needs attention. Old litter bins filled with concrete to create line of bollards are unsightly and unnecessary.

Proposals In order to create an entrance that befits the quality of the house and its gardens the following environmental improvements are recommended: • Introduce new signs on both entrance from A4065 and from Pleasant View into driveway. • Commission art piece for entrance to main driveway. • Increase maintenance of verges along driveway to eradicate invasive species. • Install cyclist/pedestrian route alongside drive from main gates to car park. • Create high quality main entrance through stone walling, pillars and ornamental gates.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 5

Site location: Garw Fechan, Pont-yr-hyl, Garw Valley

Environmental Improvements to encourage use of an alternative scenic route through Garw Fechan, and the promotion of the village of Pont-yr-hyl as a visitor attraction.

Grid reference: 905898 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £180,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal The settlement of Pont-yr-hyl is situated at the confluence of the Garw and Garw Fechan Rivers. The site provides the opportunity of a link from the Garw Valley Community Route to the wider upland forestry areas associated with Cwm Garw Fechan. The Braich-y-Cymmer Public House is located at the gateway into the Garw Fechan Valley adjacent to the Community Route and is an important facility along the route. Links from the Community Route to the Garw Fechan valley are currently restricted due to poor signage and the lack of suitably surfaced pathways.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Promote recreational route with signage from A4064 and the Garw Valley Community Route through to the Garw Fechan valley and upland forestry walks and bridle ways. • Create riverside footpath link to forestry car park through new surfacing and way marking. • Enhance Braich-y-Cymmer public house frontage and environs to improve seating, parking and cycle parking provision. Investigate opportunity to bury overhead cables to reduce visual clutter. • Commission art work signage at gateway site on Garw Valley Community Route gateway into the Garw Fechan valley and form a key feature on the Garw Valley Community Route.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 6

Site location: Bwlch y Clawdd, Ogmore Valley

Environmental improvements to Bwylch y Clawdd,an area featuring small waterfalls dramatic crags of Craig Ogwr and panoramic views across the County Borough to the Bristol Channel and into the Rhondda Valley.

Grid reference: 939945 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £100,000 Maintenance cost: £6,000

Site appraisal The A4061 forms a high level link between the Ogmore Valley and the Rhondda Valley, with dramatic panoramic views. The site also lies at the junction with the A4107 that links with the Llynfi Valley and Maesteg to the west.

Parking provision is provided on two levels above and immediately adjacent to the A4061. Parking areas are poorly defined with limited space, pot-holed surfacing, poor boundaries, vehicle barriers, vandalised walls and street furniture.

Proposals The environmental improvements are to include: • Promote site as gateway into the County Borough, through signage/art feature. • Enhance parking areas through new surfacing and boundary treatments using robust local materials. • Create new viewing area with seating and interpretation panels with improved pedestrian links to parking areas. • Emphasis on design palette being vandal resistant due to isolated location. • Partnership working with Rhondda Cynon Taff in order to develop the upper car park.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 7

Site location: Blackmill Village Centre, Ogmore Valley

Enhancements to village centre at key junction between the Ogmore Valley and the valleys to the east.

Grid reference: 934868 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2-3 Capital cost: £120,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal Site lies at the junction of the A4061 and the A4093 and acts as a gateway site to the Ogmore Valley. Some of the original character of the village is retained through its buildings, War Memorial and sheep market. However this character has been reduced through the visual dominance of highway signage and road markings, parking and the petrol station.

Proposals Environmental improvements to village centre are to include: • Landscaping to area around the War Memorial and public house to create village centre. • High quality paving defining pedestrian and cycle routes linking to the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk and Ogmore Valley Community Route. Cycle parking provision and way marking. • Rationalisation of car parking, highway signage, lighting and overhead cables to reduce visual clutter. • Tree and shrub planting to reduce visual impact of petrol station.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 8

Site location: Pant-yr-Awel, Ogmore Valley

Environmental improvements to Pant-yr-Awel at the gateway to Ogmore Valley from Garw Valley.

Grid reference: 933882 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £65,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal The settlement comprises concrete fabricated houses and community buildings constructed in the 1960’s. The grey pebble dash fabric of the houses combined with the sterile mown grass verges and car parking creates a visually poor image.

The settlement is highly visible from the A4061 and forms the entrance to the settlement of Ogmore Vale. The site also lies at the junction with the A4093 that forms an important access link with the Garw Valley.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Planting of verges with native hedgerows and trees, to screen parking areas and reduce visual impact of buildings. • Entrance points into Pant-yr-Awel to be highlighted through stone walling and community art/signage to create positive image.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 9

Site location: Community Route Crossing, Ogmore Vale - Ogmore Valley

Enhancement of crossing point of the Ogmore Valley Community Route and A4061 at Ogmore Vale.

Grid reference: 933896 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £45,000 Maintenance cost: £4,500

Site appraisal The Ogmore Valley Cycle Route crosses the A4061 at this junction. The cycle route at this location offers poor views of the backs of buildings, including the car garage and small holdings. The effect is uninspiring and monotonous for cyclists and pedestrians on their approach to Ogmore Vale creating a poor image to visitors. There is poor visibility at this crossing and there has been a need to create a physical barrier to stop cyclists at this location. There has also been a need to define the crossing point on the road to make drivers aware of cyclists. Existing cycle barriers are galvanised steel of poor visual quality and the painted road markings although necessary are visually intrusive.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Creation of art feature to provide a focal point on the cycle route in this location. Art work to reflect history and aspirations of the local community and create a point of interest for visitors to the area. The artwork should also create a sense of pride in the area for local people. • Tree and shrub planting adjacent to the cycle route on the approach to the crossing point should soften immediate views whilst highlighting views of the valley sides beyond. • Rumble strip of stone paving to visually and physically define cycle route across the road.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 10

Site location: A4106 Porthcawl Approaches

Environmental improvements to the A4106 approach road to Porthcawl from A48 Redhill Roundabout.

Grid reference: 835778 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £300,000 Maintenance cost: £15,000

Site appraisal The site forms the eastern approach road from Bridgend to Porthcawl, leading from the A48 roundabout at Redhill to the centre of Porthcawl. From the A48 the road corridor is initially rural in its aspect bounded by fields and hedgerows. Entrances to farms and estate boundaries are defined by locally distinctive limestone walling. In this location footpaths are narrow and poorly surfaced. Where the A4106 by-passes Newton the road is defined by sterile grass verges and the rear boundaries of adjacent housing developments creating a visually poor impression. The road passes through the older settlement of Newton where the houses front onto the road, though distanced from the road by large expanses of grass verge. On its approach to Porthcawl town centre the road becomes a dual carriage way with a central grass verge. Visually the road is dominated by the rear of adjacent properties and the stumps of redundant lighting columns. Street furniture adjacent to Porthcawl roundabout and the associated planting, present a poor image to visitors.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Footpath enhancements including resurfacing and widening. • Native hedgerow planting and tree planting to screen rears of residential properties. • Definition of boundaries at Newton with hedgerows/railings to create village greens facing onto the properties. • Highlighting roundabouts and entrances into adjacent settlements with limestone walling and signage. • Wildflower planting/maintenance regime to grass verges. • Removal of redundant lighting columns and enhancement of Porthcawl roundabout with high quality street furniture and art feature.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 11

Site location: Brynmenyn and Abergarw Industrial Estates

Environmental Improvements to Brynmenyn and Abergarw Industrial Estates

Grid reference: 910845 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £550,000 Maintenance cost: £30,000

Site appraisal Brynmenyn Industrial Estate and Abergarw Industrial Estate lie respectively to the west and east of the A4065, and to the north of the settlement of . The two estates comprise large steel clad units that have a major visual impact on the surrounding landscape.

Though hedgerow planting softens the immediate view of these estates it is the lack of mature tree planting within the estates that has resulted in their visual dominance within the landscape. Signage is also poor at the entrances and within the estates.

Proposals Public Realm environmental improvements are as recommended by the Bridgend Four Estates Strategy and include: • Tree planting within the estate boundaries to help screen estate buildings • The enhancement of the Estate’s main entrances and internal entrances through stone walling. New estate and business signage to improve business location. • The construction of a cycle/pedestrian bridge over the through the use of the existing stone abutments will create a link from the Celtic Trail to the proposed Bryncethin to Cycle route.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 12

Site location: Penllwyngwent Industrial Estate, Ogmore Valley

Environmental improvements to Penllwyngwent Industrial Estate.

Grid reference: 934911 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £400,000 Maintenance cost: £25,000

Site appraisal Penllwyngwent Industrial Estate lies to the north of the settlement of Ogmore Vale in the Ogmore Valley. The site is largely screened from the adjacent settlements by native tree planting. Screen planting around the industrial units has been less than successful in its establishment and signage is poor both within the estate and at its entrance.

The infrastructure of the estate is poor with no street lighting and low quality fencing and gates defining business boundaries.

The Ogmore Valley Community Route lies just to the west of the site and there is a bridge link into the Estate. However there are missing sections of dedicated footway and there is no street lighting. In addition there is no provision within the estate to promote cycling by employees, such as secure cycle parking.

Proposals Public Realm environmental improvements are as recommended by the Bridgend Four Estates Strategy and include: • The planting of native trees and hedgerows within the estate. • Enhancement of the estates main entrance and internal entrances through stone walling and improved signage, highlighting business entrances and improving their location. • The provision of secure cycle racks to promote the use of cycles by employees • Improved lighting and footpaths to link with adjacent community route and bus stops and encourage the use of public transport.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 13

Site location: Ffaldau Industrial Estate, Garw Valley

Landscape improvements to the Ffaldau Industrial Estate.

Grid reference: 905898 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1-2 Capital cost: £300,000 Maintenance cost: £20,000

Site appraisal The Ffaldau Industrial Estate lies at the northern end of the Garw Valley, to the north of . The estate has a negative visual impact on the adjacent area and in particular, the Garw Valley Community Route. Recent native planting schemes will soften views of the Estate from the community route but the Estate’s entrance onto Victoria Street creates a poor impression. The entrance is poorly defined with chain link fencing and parked cars acting as visual detractors.

Proposals Public Realm environmental improvements are as recommended by the Bridgend Four Estates Strategy and include: • Specimen tree planting within the estate. • Enhancement of the estate’s boundaries and entrances through high quality fencing. • Resurfacing of the car park and boundary definition with by stone walling and tree planting. • The provision of secure cycle racks to promote the use of cycles by employees and • Improved lighting and footpaths to link with adjacent bus stops and encourage the use of public transport.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 14

Site location: Locks Lane Cycle Route, Porthcawl

Enhancement of and Locks Common footpath link to community route status.

Grid reference: 815779 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £60,000 Maintenance cost: £5,000

Site appraisal Locks Lane provides a largely off road link between the settlement of Nottage and Locks Common. The route can be accessed from Porthcawl Comprehensive School, adjacent playing fields and housing estates; however these access points are inadequate.

The route is currently defined as a public right of way, with some sections less than 2m in width, no lighting, poor signage and at its western end, on-road with no pavement.

Proposals Enhancement of route to enable its upgrade to community route status and allow for use by cycles through: • Enhancement of access points onto the route through improved signage and lighting. • Where the path is less than 2m in width the path should be widened to a minimum of 2.5m. • Provision of off road cycle link to the residential area where the route meets Locks Common.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 15

Site location: Cycle Route, Pyle

The creation of a cycle route from Pyle Cross to Mawdlam including the new housing development of New Marlas Farm in order to create link with Burrows.

Grid reference: 815815 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement:2 Capital cost: £160,000 Maintenance cost: £8,000

Site appraisal The proposed route follows housing estate roads and a designated public right of way, linking Pyle Cross to Mawdlam and Kenfig Burrows. The proposed route also links with North Cornelly Primary School.

The existing route comprises of poorly defined narrow footpaths with poor surfacing.

Proposals Creation of cycle route including:

• Upgrading existing footpaths to cycle route specification through widening and new surfacing. • Designate cycle lane on estate roads through road markings and signage.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 16

Site location: Locks Common Cycle Route, Porthcawl

Provision of cycle route alongside public highway on Locks Common, linking West Drive and Rest Bay in order to create a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Grid reference: 807776 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £300,000 Maintenance cost: £15,000

Site appraisal There is currently no off road pedestrian/cyclist provision along Locks Common which presents serious health and safety issues. Access for pedestrians is via the Common itself over grassed desire lines. The road itself is narrow with restricted space for vehicles to pass cyclists.

Proposals Creation of off-road cycle route including: • Construction of 2.5m wide bitumen macadam path to highway authority cycle route specification . • Entrance point to be defined by limestone walling and signage.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 17

Site location: A4061 Northern Approaches, Bridgend

Landscape improvements to by-pass linking Litchard Roundabout to Bridgend Town Centre.

Grid reference: 910817 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £200,000 Maintenance cost: £7,500

Site appraisal The road corridor forms part of the primary route from Junction 36 of the M4 motorway to Bridgend town centre. The route comprises a dual carriage way with access links to the adjacent housing estates of and Litchard.

Timber acoustic fencing separates the adjacent housing estate from the road and close mown grass verges line the highway and form the central reservation.

Recent native hedgerow and tree planting will eventually soften views of Brackla and Litchard Industrial Estate.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Reduction of visual impact of fencing through native tree and hedgerow planting. • Grass verge is to be managed to promote wild flowers and enhance biodiversity. • Limestone walling and art/signage features on adjacent verges and roundabouts to highlight entrance points into Brackla and Litchard.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 18

Site location: A473 Eastern Approach, Bridgend

Landscape improvements to the A473 road corridor from M4 Motorway Junction 35 to Waterton Cross Roundabout, Bridgend.

Grid reference: 940796 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £738,500 Maintenance cost: £82,000

Site appraisal Despite its strategic status, the road corridor suffers from poor image and lack of identity. Building frontages are orientated away from the road corridor and the fabric of the boundary treatment within Western section is poor. The open nature of the fencing results in extensive views of the storage yards and car parking beyond. Advertising structures and unauthorised car parking on the highway verge further increases the negative visual impact of the road corridor.

Existing pedestrian/cyclist access is inadequate and the road corridor is seen as an obstacle in reaching Bridgend Town Centre from the adjacent outlying residential. The landscape treatment of the road corridor is monotonous in terms of amenity planting and biodiversity. There has been a general decline in biodiversity along the corridor.

Proposals Environmental improvements in accordance with A473 Eastern Approach Landscape Strategy to include: • Creation of strategic gateway feature sites to raise profile of road corridor and announce arrival at Bridgend. • Creation of village gateway enhancement sites adjacent to road corridor. • Enhancement of boundary treatments to reduce negative visual impact. • Feasibility study for the provision of a new pedestrian/cycle link between Pencoed and Bridgend Town Centre. • Feasibility study for the upgrading of existing street lighting provision. • Enhancement of key pedestrian crossing points. • Introduction of new landscape maintenance regime to enhance the biodiversity of the road corridor. Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 19

Site location: Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valley Road Corridors

Landscape improvements to the road corridors of the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valleys.

Grid reference: 925885 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £25000 Maintenance cost:

Site appraisal The Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valleys lie to the north of Bridgend. These valleys are important for providing leisure and tourism facilities for the area. The A4061 in the Ogmore Valley connects with the Rhondda Fawr to the north east and the A4063 in the Llynfi Valley connects with the Afan Valley to the north. The A4064 in the Garw Valley terminates at .

The settlements of these valleys are linear, following the contours of valley sides with many properties fronting directly onto the road corridor. The existing boundary treatments along the road corridors are in various states of repair and numerous eyesores exist, adding to the negative visual impression.

Proposals Environmental improvements are to include: • Detailed appraisal of existing condition of road corridors. • Boundary treatment enhancements through hedgerow planting and new fencing. • Enhancement of key gateway sites through sandstone walling, art/signage features and softworks.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 20

Site location: Village Gateway Signage – Pilot Scheme

Bespoke art/signage to highlight the gateways to communities in the Bridgend County Borough.

Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £55,000 Maintenance cost: £15,000

Site appraisal Existing settlements within the County Borough are currently defined by standard highway signage. This is often obscured by the visual clutter of further highway signage and street furniture blurring the boundary between the settlements it is supposed to define. Standard highway signage does not reflect the materials, history and aspirations specific to that community. This provides little interest to the visitor and is of little relevance to the community in which it lies.

Proposals The proposals are for: • Bespoke signage that will highlight a village gateway location as a pilot scheme. This signage will be designed by an artist in conjunction with the community and the highway authority. The design will reflect local materials and skills and incorporate the history and aspirations of the community. • The signage will form a focal point within the community.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 21

Site location: Historic Village

Landscape improvements to promote heritage interpretation and enhance walking, cycling and bridleway links to and within the historic village.

Grid reference: 858888 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £45,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal The historic village of Llangynwyd lies on a hill-top overlooking the Llynfi Valley. The village is dominated by the towered Llangynwyd Church which contains the graves of the lovers Anne Thomas and local bard William Hopkin, whose tragic affair was the basis for the legend ‘The Maid of Cefn Ydfa’. Also located in the village is the thatched public house – The Old House – reputed to be the oldest inn in . Access to the village is via narrow country lanes from Maesteg Roadand signed by standard highway signage only. There is no interpretive reference to the historical nature of the village.

Proposals Landscape improvements include: • The promotion of the history of the village to visitors through interpretation and signage/art features. • Improved links with wider hill top walks, cycle trails and bridle ways through improved access points, surfacing and way marking.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 22

Site location : Merthyr Mawr Historic Village

Landscape improvements to promote access and interpretation within the historic village of Merthyr Mawr.

Grid reference: 885775 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £45,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal The picturesque village of Merthyr Mawr has numerous thatched cottages located around a village green. The village and its church are surrounded by meadows and woodland with the River Ogmore to the east and a stepping stone link to the village of Ogmore near . The village lies on the main access road to Merthyr Mawr Warren, way marking is none existent and the location of the village is obscure to visitors.

Proposals Landscape improvements to: • Enhance way marking and interpretation to attract and inform visitors to the village of Merthyr Mawr and environs. • Improve footpaths linking the village to the adjacent footpaths and bridle ways. • Introduce bespoke art/signage features at gateway points.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 23

Site location: Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Environmental improvements to coastal access. Landscape enhancement of parking facilities and sea defence structures, with improved signage and visitor information.

Grid reference: 855777 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £150,000 Maintenance cost: £10,000

Site appraisal The Glamorgan Heritage Coast runs west from Aberthaw in the Vale of Glamorgan, for 14 miles to Porthcawl. The Heritage coast line within Bridgend County Borough forms part of the largest belt of sand dune systems in Europe. The dunes once ran from Ogmore –by-Sea in the east to Swansea Bay in the west. Though much of these sand dunes have been lost to development, Bridgend retains major tracks of sand dunes seen at Merthyr Mawr Warren and Newton Burrows which forms part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Proposals Landscape Improvements to: • Enhance access to the coastline through sensitive way marking and historical interpretation. • Enhance existing parking and sea defence structures so that they reflect the surrounding landscape in their materials and scale.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 24

Site location: Maesteg Approaches

Landscape improvements to key sites on the approach roads to Maesteg.

Grid reference: 860905 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £250,000 Maintenance cost: £20,000

Site appraisal Maesteg town centre is accessed from both the north and the south via the A4063 whilst the B4282 forms the access link from the north west. The roads are essentially urban in their nature with isolated grass verges. Boundary treatment is of varied style and condition.

Proposals Landscape improvements to: • Enhancement of grass verges and lay-bys with native planting. • Strategic road junctions to be enhanced through stone walling incorporating signage. • Boundary treatments to be enhanced with co-ordinated approach.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 25

Site location: County Historic/Ancient Monument Interpretation The interpretation of historic and ancient monuments in Bridgend County Borough.

Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £15,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal Bridgend County Borough is rich in historic and ancient monuments that reflect its turbulent past during Norman and medieval times and the major industrialisation of Bridgend during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The castles of Candleston, , Newcastle, Kenfig and Ogmore represent the Norman wars with the Welsh during the medieval period. The industrial revolution is reflected in the many historic buildings for example those found at Bedford Park and Tondu Iron Works.

Proposals A strategy to promote historic and ancient monuments in Bridgend County Borough. The study should look at the methods by which to promote the sites - through guided walks, first person interpretation, art works and theatrical promotions.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 26

Site location: Heritage on the Celtic Trail The development of a strategy for the interpretation of historic sites on the Celtic Trail.

Grid reference: 900845 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £20,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal The Celtic Trail runs east / west across South Wales and is a major route for walkers and cyclists and a potential source of tourism for the area. The following historic sites in Bridgend lie in close proximity to the Celtic Trail: • Parc Tondu, • Bedford Park • Bryngarw House and Country Park. • Former Dyffryn, Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway These sites currently do not take full advantage of the Celtic Trail due to their poor way marking or restricted links.

Proposals The proposal is to prepare a strategy for improved interpretation of the historic sites on the Celtic Trail. The study will look at way-marking and interpretation of these sites forming an historic trail through the use of holistic materials and branding. The study will also produce a costed action plan to inform delivery of the works.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 27

Site location : ‘The Hub’, Parc Tondu The creation of a cycle hire scheme for use by visitors to Bridgend’s cycle routes and the promotion of cycling within the County Borough.

Grid : 892842 Priority: C Land ownership: Groundwork BNPT Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £15,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal Bridgend County Borough has developed a network of cycle routes throughout the region. There are currently few opportunities for the hire of cycles in the borough.

Proposals The proposal is for a feasibility study to identify opportunities for the development of a cycle hire scheme in the County Borough. The study will look to identify the economic viability of the scheme and the opportunities to develop cycle hire centres within the local communities. The study should include opportunities for training schemes in cycle maintenance, re- cycling old bikes and the promotion of cycling in the Borough.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 28

Site location : The Events Amphitheatre, Parc Tondu A study for the creation of an events amphitheatre linked to the Celtic Trail.

Grid reference: 891843 Priority: B Land ownership: Groundwork BNPT Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £20,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal Parc Tondu lies adjacent to the Celtic Trail and close to Junction 36 of the M4 Motorway allowing for ease of access. The amphitheatre at Parc Tondu has, as its back drop, the dramatic walls and tower of the 19th century Iron Works.

Proposals It is proposed that a cultural study of Bridgend be prepared to look at promoting the arts in the County Borough. It is proposed that the amphitheatre at Tondu Iron Works could form the venue for events that celebrate Welsh culture and the arts. These events would serve community needs as well as provide for an additional visitor attraction for the Celtic Trail. The study will need to address infrastructure issues such as lighting, seating and over head canopies. These facilities would be mobile and be used for other potential venues such as Bryngarw Country Park.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 29

Site location : Bridgend Walks & Bridleways Strategy to develop an integrated network of community routes in Bridgend County Borough.

Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost:£25,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal Bridgend County Borough has numerous community routes within its boundaries under the brand of Bridgend Walks. These walks have been developed on an individual bases, both at a county level in the Bridgend Circular Walk and local level in the Community Council developed walks. At present these routes are not linked physically and the Bridgend Walks literature does not have an overall map of these walks. At present the walks stand alone as isolated walks within the Borough but linked to bus stops and railway stations. The National Cycle Route – The Celtic Trail - runs east / west through the region and has the potential to link with the valley community routes providing an integrated cycle network. This integration would be between County Borough routes and national routes. The Celtic Trail would link the valleys at their southern points but further links could be provided by routes at higher levels to the north of the valleys. Links are to be created between the Afan Valley with its successful mountain bike centres at Afan Argoed and Glyncorrwg and the Garw Valley at Blaengarw.

Proposals To prepare a strategy in order to develop an integrated cycle, walking and equestrian network in Bridgend County Borough. The strategy will look at ways of promoting and branding the network and linking to centres that can provide for facilities such as accommodation, food and drink, sites of historical interest and leisure pursuits.

The development of the network will include negotiations with landowners, the local authority and will identify legal constraints.

The strategy will identify routes and provide design guidelines and cost estimates for the implementation of the works.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 30

Site location : Bridgend Community Route Strategy Strategy to develop physical and intellectual access improvements on the Community Routes of Bridgend.

Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £15,000 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal Bridgend County Borough has numerous cycle and community routes within its boundary. These routes provide off road connections between communities and their places of work, leisure and education.

Poor surfacing, signage and links restrict the potential of the routes. This may be through physical obstructions so that the less mobile are deterred from using the routes, or through people’s ignorance of the routes through poor signage and publicity of the routes.

Proposals To prepare a strategy in order to assess and make proposals for universal access improvements to the community routes throughout the County Borough. The study will address issues of physical and intellectual access for people of all abilities and will look at existing routes in order to assess the suitability of surfacing, way-marking, barriers and interpretation panels.

The community routes of Bridgend will include: • The Celtic Trail • The Garw Valley Community Route - South • The Garw Valley Community Route - North • The Ogmore Valley Community Route • Upper Llynfi Community Route

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 31

Site location : Cefn Cribwr Ways and Wells Landscape improvements to create a circular walk linking Bedford Park and Cefn Cribwr

Grid reference: 855832 Priority: B Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2 Capital cost: £170,000 Maintenance cost: £7,700

Site appraisal Bedford Park is the site of the ruined 18th century Cefn Cribwr Iron Works and lies adjacent to the Celtic Trail. The site is easily accessible from this main pathway, however due to the poor quality of paths linking the site to the settlement of Cefn Cribwr, access from the village is restricted. The two parking areas within the site are in need of upgrading. Neither reflects the quality of the landscape or the architecture of Bedford Park and gives a poor impression to the visitor.

Proposals The proposals are to: • Improve footpath surfaces to form a circular walk linking Cefn Cribwr, Bedford Park and the springs and wells of the area. • Create high quality gateways on the Celtic Trail and on the main access road. • The enhancement of parking areas through stone walling, soft landscaping and new surfacing - to the lower car park. Define entrances to the site from the car park. • Restore springs and wells along the circular walk.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot

Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 32

Site location : Celtic Trail Missing Links The identification and construction of missing links onto the Celtic Cycle Trail.

Grid reference: 898842 Priority: A Land ownership: BCBC/Private Ease of achievement: 2-3 Feasibility Study: £10,000 Capital costs: Link 1 - £100,000 Link 2 - ££250,000 Link 3 - £150,000

Site appraisal The Celtic Trail runs east / west across South Wales. The valley community routes within the County Borough are allocated to the north of the Celtic Trail. However currently there are no direct links between the Celtic Trail and these valley community routes and therefore an integrated access network cannot be achieved.

Proposals The proposals are to: • Produce a feasibility study to investigate the missing links and the opportunities for new links to be created. The links from the Celtic Trail for implementation include: • Link 1. The Garw Valley Community Route and Bryngarw House and Country Park. • Link 2. Bridge over the River Ogmore at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate. Scheme has the potential to open up an east west route linking to Pencoed. In addition there is the possibility of forming a safe route for employees on the industrial estate as an alternative to using the car. • Link 3. to the Celtic Trail.

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 33

Site location : Footprints Project The creation of a programme of work for the Footprints Project employing and training local unemployed people.

Priority: A Land ownership: N/A Ease of achievement: B Project cost: £760,000 over 18 months Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal A training programme that is designed to fill the current skills gap in the land management sector for the Region. The Programme will help deliver the environmental and economic objectives set out in the Wales Spatial Plan with regards to supporting recreational and tourism related economic regeneration as well as building work readiness and up-skilling local people in a wide range of basic, readily transferable practical skills for land management and implementation.

Proposals To deliver a land management skills training and job creation programme that will develop the Regions future countryside wardens, rangers and green space management operatives and in the process help to build and portray a positive image of the valleys environment to visitors, businesses, investors and local inhabitants.

Project Aim(s) and objectives: • Enhance opportunities for individuals to acquire informal and formal training in the environmental sector • Prepare individuals for entry/re-entry into the Green Social Economy jobs market or further education in their chosen environmental sector • Support and provide learning opportunities for disadvantaged and special needs groups • Support Volunteers seeking further higher education in the Environmental sector • Provide basic skills training in Countryside Management and Rural Crafts • Promote volunteer activities as a means of outdoor activity and promoting health and well being • Work with organisations operating within the environmental sector to identify recruitment opportunities within their organisation and enable Groundwork to tailor training for beneficiaries to fulfil those needs • Establish a data base of the wide range of environmental employers ie the public sector, private and volunteer sectors, into which beneficiaries can progress • Work with Bridgend County Borough Council to help support the delivery of the Bio-diversity Action plans, Rights of Way Improvement Plans, Environmental and Tourism Strategies

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Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough

Site 34

Site location : Dyffryn, Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway The development of the Dyffryn, Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway Scheme in order to inform future implementation projects.

Grid reference: 858945, 820770 Priority: A Land ownership: N/A Ease of achievement: 1 Capital cost: £2,500 Maintenance cost: N/A

Site appraisal The Dyffryn, Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway was constructed originally as a tramway in 1825 and converted to a railway in 1861 before being shut in 1963. The railway brought coal from the mines in the Llynfi Valley to the docks in Porthcawl.

A strategy for the route has been prepared by Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot.

Proposals Revise and extend the existing strategy to provide information to support funding applications for a range of projects to improve physical and intellectual access to the heritage assets of Bridgend • Revise and extend Action Plan – prioritisation, feasibility and costs of implementation projects. • Produce Masterplan – showing location of assets / projects relevant to DLPR • Consultation with key stakeholders.

Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot