DOCSLIB.ORG

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE 11TH JANUARY 2011 ENVIRONMENT SERVICES REPORT OF THE HEAD OF PLANNING – G.WHITE INDEX OF REPORT ITEMS PART 1 – Doc.Code: PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW 1. APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FOR A SITE VISIT 1.1 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2009/1053 Section 36 Elec 5-111 Glyncorrwg Act PROPOSAL: CONSULTATION UNDER SECTION 36 OF THE ELECTRICITY ACT 1989 FOR CONSENT TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A MAXIMUM 299MW WIND FARM GENERATING STATION COMPRISING 84 WIND TURBINES TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 145M, SITE TRACKS, FOUNDATIONS, UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY CABLES, BORROW PITS, AN ON-SITE 33/132KV SUBSTATION AND OPERATIONS BUILDING WHICH WILL HOUSE SWITCHGEAR AND METERING BUILDIN/G, TWO TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION COMPOUNDS, A CONSTRUCTION AND STORAGE COMPOUND AND ASSOCIATED WORKS/INFRASTRUCTURE. (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED 12/8/10) LOCATION: PEN Y CYMOEDD, SOUTH OF THE HEADS OF THE VALLEYS ROAD (A465) BETWEEN NEATH AND ABERDARE TO THE NORTH OF MAERDY, TREORCHY AND GLYNCORRWG AND TO THE EAST OF TONMAWR, PORT TALBOT PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 1 of 204 2. PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL 2.1 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2010/811 Outline 112-126 Glyncorrwg PROPOSAL: 8 SEMI DETACHED DWELLINGHOUSES (OUTLINE) LOCATION: LAND ADJACENT TO, NURSERY ROAD, GLYNCORRWG, PORT TALBOT SA13 3DR 2.2 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2010/813 Change of Use 127-134 Taibach PROPOSAL: CHANGE OF USE FROM RETAIL (CLASS A1) TO HOT FOOD TAKE-AWAY (CLASS A3) PLUS NEW SHOP-FRONT. LOCATION: 39 COMMERCIAL ROAD, TAIBACH, PORT TALBOT SA13 1LN 2.3 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2010/865 Full Plans 135-139 Neath North PROPOSAL: NEW EXIT ONTO HAZELWOOD ROAD LOCATION: JOHN SMITHS GNOLL, GNOLL PARK ROAD, NEATH 2.4 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2010/1100 Full Plans 140-176 Port Talbot PROPOSAL: CONSTRUCTION OF THE PORT TALBOT PERIPHERAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD STAGE 2. THE APPLICATION IS AN AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION P2007/292 APPROVED 28TH AUGUST 2007. (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UNDER REGULATION 19) LOCATION: LAND BETWEEN THE PORT TALBOT DOCKS AREA, AND THE A48 NEAR JUNCTION 38, PORT TALBOT PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 2 of 204 3. PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR REFUSAL 3.1 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2010/1081 Full Plans 177-181 Dyffryn PROPOSAL: CONSTRUCTION OF ONE DETACHED DWELLING AND GARAGE. LOCATION: DARRAN COURT, ACCESS TO DARRAN COURT, NEATH ABBEY, NEATH SA10 6PS SECTION B – MATTERS FOR INFORMATION 4. PLANNING APPEALS Page Nos: Wards Affected: RECEIVED 182-185 Seven Sisters Cadoxton Neath East Margam Bryn & Cwmavon Tonna Trebanos 5. PLANNING APPEALS Page Nos: Wards Affected: DECIDED 186-193 Aberavon Rhos Coedffranc North Cadoxton Neath East Coedffranc West Bryncoch South Bryn & Cwmavon 6. DELEGATED APPLICATIONS Page Nos: Wards Affected: TH DETERMINED BETWEEN 7 194-204 All RD DECEMBER 2010 AND 3 JANUARY 2011 PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 3 of 204 Human Rights Act The Human Rights Act 1998 came into force on 2nd October 2000. It requires all public authorities to act in a way which is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Reports and recommendations to the Sub-Committee have been prepared in the light of the Council’s obligations under the Act and with regard to the need for decisions to be informed by the principles of fair balance and non-discrimination. Background Papers The relevant background papers for each of the planning applications listed in sections 1 to 6 above are contained in the specific planning applications files and documents listed in Background Information in each individual report. The contact officer for the above applications is Geoff White. PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 4 of 204 SECTION A – MATTERS FOR DECISION 1. APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FOR A SITE VISIT 1.1 APP NO: TYPE: Page Nos: Wards Affected: P/2009/1053 Section 36 Elec 2-44 Glyncorrwg Act PROPOSAL: CONSULTATION UNDER SECTION 36 OF THE ELECTRICITY ACT 1989 FOR CONSENT TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A MAXIMUM 299MW WIND FARM GENERATING STATION COMPRISING 84 WIND TURBINES TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 145M, SITE TRACKS, FOUNDATIONS, UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY CABLES, BORROW PITS, AN ON-SITE 33/132KV SUBSTATION AND OPERATIONS BUILDING WHICH WILL HOUSE SWITCHGEAR AND METERING BUILDIN/G, TWO TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION COMPOUNDS, A CONSTRUCTION AND STORAGE COMPOUND AND ASSOCIATED WORKS/INFRASTRUCTURE. (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED 12/8/10) LOCATION: PEN Y CYMOEDD, SOUTH OF THE HEADS OF THE VALLEYS ROAD (A465) BETWEEN NEATH AND ABERDARE TO THE NORTH OF MAERDY, TREORCHY AND GLYNCORRWG AND TO THE EAST OF TONMAWR, PORT TALBOT PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 5 of 204 BACKGROUND INFORMATION Planning History 93/9291 – Erection of wind turbine generators and ancillary development to include construction compound, transformers and access tracks – Gwaun Blaencorrwg - Refused 1/2/94 94/9660 – Turbines and associated infrastructure – Gwaun Blaencorrwg – Refused 3/11/94 02/1322 – Ffynon Oer wind Farm, Abercregan/Resolven – 16 Turbines Approved 27/5/03 07/607 – Mynydd Corrwg Fechan – Four turbines and associated infrastructure – Refused 11/12/07 Publicity and Responses (if applicable): Prior to the submission of the application, the applicants undertook a community consultation as part of the development of the project and which is fully detailed in the Report of Consultation presented as part of the planning application, in accordance with the requirements of the Authority’s Supplementary Planning Guidance for Wind Farms. The Applicant advises that the consultation process included the distribution of 3 newsletters to 37,303 local households and considers that the remaining householder objections need to be seen in this context. An independent survey, completed by BMG Research, was designed “to be as representative a sample of residents in the immediate area of impact of the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm as it is possible to draw “. It showed that, for residents, ‘the most important considerations in deciding on their position in relation to Pen y Cymoedd appear to be environmental and sustainability issues. The large majority also see great significance in the potential for sites to generate employment and the wider community benefits… The collective view of the sample (of local residents) is one which is, in substantial majority, supportive of the principle and practice of wind farm development.” The Applicant indicates they are grateful to the more than 1500 residents who gave their time to assist in the development of the project through the consultation. They attended drop-in sessions, provided written comments, took part in a door to door survey, and attended workshops for key stakeholders. Three quarters felt that Nuon had listened and responded to the matters they had raised. The proposal has been advertised by means of a press notice and the posting of 69 site notices. 107 individual letters and one petition of PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 6 of 204 objection (47 signatures) have been received objecting to the proposal on the following grounds: - A wind farm already exists in the area and they should be shared around the country; - The turbines should be built out of sight of the village and further away from houses; - The turbines are too high; - A wind farm comprising 16 turbines already exists in the area; - The proposed development would be detrimental to the amenities of the area because of its overwhelming visual impact; - Noise which has been shown to cause sleep deprivation, pulse irregularities and states of anxiety from the effects of infrasound (sound of frequencies below the normal audible limit); - They will be a danger to birds, wildlife and people; - All the turbines in the Afan Forest Park and Valley are in proximity to Glyncorrwg and enclose three sides of the village; - The apparent gap in the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm between Abercreggan and Glyncorrwg is actually the Ffynon Oer Windfarm, although not part of this proposal need consider the cumulative effect; - The proposal differs from Ffynon Oer Wind farm as the proposed turbines are 170 ft taller and will spread across every view of Glyncorrwg; - Availability of details of the application within Glyncorrwg which is the most affected village, Nuon could use the Nodfa Community Hall to put their case forward but the community are not allowed to put theirs; - Difficult to visualise a wind farm of 84 turbines in what is a beautiful countryside; - The proposal will impact on visitor numbers to the valley which has become more attractive in recent years due to the demise of coal mining; - Danger from landslides which will affect the safety of existing residents; - Danger to bikers, walkers and bird watchers; - Blades of turbines have broken off, fires have occurred, ice on the blades have been thrown off and landslides can follow because of the weight of the turbines; - Proposal is out of keeping with this rural landscape; - Devaluation of property; - Impact on tourism especially Glyncorrwg Ponds, Mountain Bike Centre, walking and bird watching together with the potential loss of jobs; PLANDEV-110111-REP-EN-GW Page 7 of 204 - Effect TV reception; - TAN 8 demands that communities should not be hemmed in by more than 180 degrees and Glyncorrwg would be hemmed in both physically and visually; - The turbines will dominate the Valley Road access to the village; - The height of the turbines will be 33ft (10 metres) taller than the full height of the Seven bridge from water level to the top of the towers; - Damage to the environment; - A line drawn between Turbine 3 and Turbines 61/62 completely encloses Glyncorrwg on three other sides. This makes the application invalid; - There is no precedent for such a massive wind farm; - Against human rights; - The submitted details indicate that Turbine 19 is within 1.4km of residences to the east, turbine number 61 appears to be 1.49km from the farm and just 1.67 km from Norton Terrace, Glyncorrwg.
Recommended publications
  • The Welsh Affairs Committee

    The Welsh Affairs Committee

    The Welsh Affairs Committee The Welsh Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales (including relations with the National Assembly for Wales.) Current membership Dr Hywel Francis MP (Chairman) (Labour, Aberavon) Mr Stephen Crabb MP (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire) David T. C. Davies MP (Conservative, Monmouth) Nia Griffith MP (Labour, Llanelli) Mrs Siân C. James MP (Labour, Swansea East) Mr David Jones MP (Conservative, Clwyd West) Mr Martyn Jones MP (Labour, Clwyd South) Mrs Madeleine Moon MP (Labour Bridgend) Jessica Morden MP (Labour, Newport East) Hywel Williams MP (Plaid Cymru, Caernarfon) Mark Williams MP (Liberal Democrat, Ceredigion) Betty Williams MP was a Member of the Committee during the inquiry. Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk. Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/welsh_affairs_committee.cfm. A list of Reports of the Committee in the present Parliament is at the back of this volume. Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are James Davies (Clerk), Dr Rebecca Davies (Committee Specialist), Jane Trew (Committee Assistant), Sarah Colebrook (Secretary) and Jim Lawford (Senior Office Clerk). Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Welsh Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA.
  • BD22 Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan

    BD22 Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan

    G White, Head of Planning, The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Neath, SA11 2GG. Foreword The Unitary Development Plan has been adopted following a lengthy and com- plex preparation. Its primary aims are delivering Sustainable Development and a better quality of life. Through its strategy and policies it will guide planning decisions across the County Borough area. Councillor David Lewis Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Unitary Development Plan. CONTENTS Page 1 PART 1 INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Supporting Information 2 Supplementary Planning Guidance 2 Format of the Plan 3 The Community Plan and related Plans and Strategies 3 Description of the County Borough Area 5 Sustainability 6 The Regional and National Planning Context 8 2 THE VISION The Vision for Neath Port Talbot 11 The Vision for Individual Localities and Communities within 12 Neath Port Talbot Cwmgors 12 Ystalyfera 13 Pontardawe 13 Dulais Valley 14 Neath Valley 14 Neath 15 Upper Afan Valley 15 Lower Afan Valley 16 Port Talbot 16 3 THE STRATEGY Introduction 18 Settlement Strategy 18 Transport Strategy 19 Coastal Strategy 21 Rural Development Strategy 21 Welsh Language Strategy 21 Environment Strategy 21 4 OBJECTIVES The Objectives in terms of the individual Topic Chapters 23 Environment 23 Housing 24 Employment 25 Community and Social Impacts 26 Town Centres, Retail and Leisure 27 Transport 28 Recreation and Open Space 29 Infrastructure and Energy 29 Minerals 30 Waste 30 Resources 31 5 PART 1 POLICIES NUMBERS 1-29 32 6 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Sustainability
  • Newsletter - No

    Newsletter - No

    Neath and Tennant Canals Trust Quarterly Newsletter - No. 125 September 2008 'Thomas Dadford' on a quiet September morning. NEATH & TENNANT CANALS TRUST LTD. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2007 - 2008. Again this year I can report that with the continuing close working relationship between the Trust and the Neath Canal Navigation Co. much has been achieved in continuing the progress ofrestoration ofthe Neath Canal. Current Activity. Following a meeting ofthe stakeholders seeking the Restoration ofAberdulais Aqueduct, of which the Trust is a member, a brief was developed by Opus International Consultants (UK) Ltd, for the Assessment of the Feasibility of Rehabilitation of Aberdulais Aqueduct. Funding to carry out lhe study is being sought by the Tennant Canal Co. along with CADW, and funding for the study should be in place during 2008 -2009. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council along with the City and County of Swansea and the Welsh Assembly have appointed Hyder and Bridge Economics to undertake a socio economic benefit analysis of restoring the eath and Tennant Canals to navigation. A draft report has already been submitted to the Local Authorities and Welsh Assembly and agreed in principle, the final report is now awaited. Groundwork Trust has secured funding to design and install features promoting the canal corridor between Tonna and Aberdulais. The N&TC Trust was approached to help with the content of scenes depicting local history to be carved on slate panels for inclusion into a new wall being built overlooking the canal at St Annes Terrace, Tonna. The new wall is the initial projectto improve and promote the canal in the Aberdulais area.
  • Wern Works Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot SA11 2JX Hrt.Uk.Com for SALE

    Wern Works Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot SA11 2JX Hrt.Uk.Com for SALE

    Commercial Wern Works Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot SA11 2JX hrt.uk.com FOR SALE Offers in excess of £300,000 Wern Works, Briton Ferry, Location Tenure Viewing strictly by appointment For Sat Nav users: Postcode SA11 2JX Freehold with vacant possession. through Herbert R Thomas Neath Port Talbot, SA11 2JX The property is located adjacent to the River Neath, close to the wharf at Briton Ferry, in Neath Port Talbot. VAT Offers in excess of £300,000 All figures are quoted exclusive of VAT. hrt.uk.com The property lies approximately 6 miles east of Swansea city centre and is accessed via the A48 to the Rateable Value M4 Motorway at junction 42. The property is also The property does not have a listed Rateable Value. conveniently located to junction 41 of the M4, via the Interested parties are advised to make their own A48 providing access to Cardiff and Bridgend situated enquiries with Neath Port Talbot County Council. Commercial 40 miles and 15 miles to the east respectively. EPC Briton Ferry Industrial Estate includes several light EPC Rating - F (Available on request) industrial occupiers as well as a recycling centre and is situated opposite Briton Ferry Marina. Port Talbot Steelworks is situated within a five-mile radius of the subject property. Description Wern Works comprises a complex of inter-linked dilapidated industrial units with a separate office unit. 11-12 Jellicoe Court, Atlantic Wharf, The property occupies a site area of approximately 6.43 Cardiff CF10 4AJ acres (2.61 hectares). 02920 671555 [email protected] Constructed in the 1920s.
  • Extended Relevant Representations. Neath Port Talbot Country Borough

    Extended Relevant Representations. Neath Port Talbot Country Borough

    Extended Relevant Representations. Neath Port Talbot Country Borough Council considers that the project has the potential to have significant effects both positively and negatively upon this complex and highly dynamic coastal environment, as well as the associated communities, biodiversity and economic interests associated with it. As such, the Authority would wish to see the following relevant issues appraised through the examination process: 1) Coastal Processes and Biodiversity: These are extremely complex issues, with the project having the potential to impact directly and indirectly upon both the terrestrial and marine environments, as well as commercial and tourism economies of the area. Concerns remain about the potential uncertainties within the applicant’s submitted assessments, proposed monitoring and potential mitigation measures. Adverse impacts due to coastal processes could affect the navigable status of the River Neath through the potential requirement for addition dredging, erosion of sands from Aberavon, Port Talbot and Margam beaches, as well as the potential impacts upon the protected habitat areas of Crymlyn Burrows (SSSI) and Kenfig (SSSI, SAC and NNR). 2) Sewerage Outfall: We are concerned about the potential associated risks with the developer’s apparent preferred option to retain the sewerage outfall within the confines of the lagoon. Any failure of the proposed system would adversely impact upon water quality, but could also irreparably damage the reputation of Swansea Bay as a tourism destination. In addition such potential events would jeopardise the lagoons chances of becoming a regional resource for water sports, tourism and leisure activities as well as the proposed use of the area for shellfish farming.
  • Evaluation of the Coastal and Sustainable Tourism Projects

    Evaluation of the Coastal and Sustainable Tourism Projects

    SOCIAL RESEARCH NUMBER: 1/2018 PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/2018 Evaluation of the Coastal and Sustainable Tourism Projects © Crown Copyright Digital ISBN 978-1-78903-321-2 Evaluation of the Coastal and Sustainable Tourism Projects Regeneris Consulting in partnership with The Tourism Company Full Research Report: Regeneris Consulting and the Tourism Company (2017). Evaluation of the Costal and Sustainable Tourism Projects. Cardiff: Welsh Government, GSR report number 1/2018. Available at: http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/evaluation-coastal- sustainable-tourism-projects/?lang=en Views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and not necessarily those of the Welsh Government For further information please contact: Jo Coates Social Research and Information Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Tel: 0300 025 5540 Email: [email protected] Table of contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 2 List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... 4 Glossary ............................................................................................................................. 5 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................. 6 2. Methodology .............................................................................................................
  • The Involvement of the Women of the South Wales Coalfield In

    The Involvement of the Women of the South Wales Coalfield In

    “Not Just Supporting But Leading”: The Involvement of the Women of the South Wales Coalfield in the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike By Rebecca Davies Enrolment: 00068411 Thesis submitted for Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Glamorgan February 2010. ABSTRACT The 1984-85 miners’ strike dramatically changed the face of the South Wales Valleys. This dissertation will show that the women’s groups that played such a crucial supportive role in it were not the homogenous entity that has often been portrayed. They shared some comparable features with similar groups in English pit villages but there were also qualitative differences between the South Wales groups and their English counterparts and between the different Welsh groups themselves. There is evidence of tensions between the Welsh groups and disputes with the communities they were trying to assist, as well as clashes with local miners’ lodges and the South Wales NUM. At the same time women’s support groups, various in structure and purpose but united in the aim of supporting the miners, challenged and shifted the balance of established gender roles The miners’ strike evokes warm memories of communities bonding together to fight for their survival. This thesis investigates in detail the women involved in support groups to discover what impact their involvement made on their lives afterwards. Their role is contextualised by the long-standing tradition of Welsh women’s involvement in popular politics and industrial disputes; however, not all women discovered a new confidence arising from their involvement. But others did and for them this self-belief survived the strike and, in some cases, permanently altered their own lives.
  • Unique Paths to Devolution Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

    Unique Paths to Devolution Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

    Unique Paths to Devolution Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland Arthur Aughey, Eberhard Bort, John Osmond The Institute of Welsh Affairs exists to promote quality research and informed debate affecting the cultural, social, political and economic well-being of Wales. The IWA is an independent organisation owing no allegiance to any political or economic interest group. Our only interest is in seeing Wales flourish as a country in which to work and live. We are funded by a range of organisations and individuals, including the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Waterloo Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers. For more information about the Institute, its publications, and how to join, either as an individual or corporate supporter, contact: IWA - Institute of Welsh Affairs 4 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF11 9LJ Tel 029 2066 0820 Fax 029 2023 3741 Email [email protected] Web www.iwa.org.uk www.clickonwales.org £7.50 ISBN 978 1 904773 56 6 February 2011 The authors Arthur Aughey is Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for British Politics at the University of Hull and Fellow of the Institute for British Irish Studies at University College Dublin. His recent publications include Nationalism Devolution and the Challenge to the United Kingdom State (London: Pluto Press 2001); Northern Ireland Politics: After the Belfast Agreement (London: Routledge 2005); and The Politics of Englishness (Manchester: Manchester University Press 2007). He is currently a Leverhulme Major Research Fellow and gratefully acknowledges its financial assistance in the writing of this essay.
  • Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi

    Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi

    Community Profile – Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi Version 6 – will be updated and reviewed next on 29.05.20 The villages of Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi are increasingly being regarded as one community, Gwynfi. They form the rural ward of Blaengwynfi. They lie approximately 11 miles from both the County towns of Port Talbot and Neath. The latest population figures are 1,338 inhabitants, this is an 11% drop since 2011 Census and Gwynfi have seen the biggest population drop of all villages in the Afan Valley. Gwynfi (like Glyncorrwg) has a younger population that average with high numbers of under 16 (21%). 10.2% of people have qualifications of Level 4 or above, as compared to NPT (20.8%) and Wales (29.7%). The twin villages lay in the North east of the Afan Valley, within forested hills, with Aerial view looking up the Bwlch Aerial view of Gwynfi looking down the some farmland. These former mining villages have limited facilities, and very poor from Gwynfi valley transport links. There are several small businesses, including a small factory that recycles waste products into industrial briquettes. Most villagers must look beyond the village for work, difficult without personal transport (only 40% have cars). There is a football team, a bowls team, and a very successful boxing club, which is one of a number of clubs and activities that run out of the local community run community centre. An unusual feature of the village is the former rail tunnel to the Rhondda Valley, the third longest in Wales, which is in the process of been restored as a cycle path.
  • Report on the Welsh Beaches in Need of A

    Report on the Welsh Beaches in Need of A

    Surfers Against Sewage Are Calling For A Review of the UK’s Bathing Water Sample Sites. Welsh Report Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) believe the weekly bathing water samples required by the EU Bathing Water Directive should be taken from the area of the bathing water that presents bathers and water users with the greatest source of pollution, if a significant amount of bathers and recreational water users can be expected to regularly use that area of beach. Surfers Against Sewage are concerned that 45 designated bathing water sample spots around the UK do not provide a true guide to the water quality that a bather or water user might experience at our bathing waters, including 11 in Wales. The implications are incredible concerning, as our widely promoted water quality results could be misleading the public about the potential health risk at a number of the UK’s bathing water. The Bathing Water Directive states (Art3.3) the monitoring point should be where most bathers are expected or the greatest risk of pollution is expected, according to the bathing water profile. In the UK Regulations (Schedule 4.1) Defra have transposed the obligation to locate the monitoring point where the most bathers are expected. This was part of the original transposition The European Commission’s Reference Document for the monitoring and assessment requirements of the revised Bathing Water Directive published August 2014 states: • A bathing water is not defined by its physical size. The length of its corresponding beach can vary between bathing waters and the distribution of bathers within a bathing water can be uneven.
  • Hywel Francis Lecture

    Hywel Francis Lecture

    1 THE FATE OF OUR COMMUNITY: TYNGED EIN CYMUNED IWERDDON 1916, RWSIA 1917, CYMRU?, [ABERYSTWYTH GRAFFITI, CIRCA 1978] * I am doubly honoured to give this lecture at the National Library of Wales which I first visited whilst at Gwersyll yr Urdd in Llangranog in 1958. Our guide was the late Owen Edwards who was then working at the Library. Circles really do intersect in Wales, in space and over time. Firstly I have long admired the admirable work of the Welsh Political Archive and recognise its remarkable holdings, not least those of the enigmatic Thomas Jones, variously described, somewhat jokingly by Baldwin, as a ‘bolshevik’, by senior Whitehall civil servants as ‘the little Welsh Socialist’, by Michael Foot as ‘an Establishment flunky’ and Aneurin Bevan rather bluntly as ‘that old bugger from Rhymney’. Thomas Jones’ 240 bound volumes and over 2000 pages of small volumes, well over a half a million words in length, are an incredible resource for contemporary historians. Secondly, I am honoured because I follow an impressive series of speakers, including my friends Dai Smith and Rhodri Morgan. Rhodri’s only advice to me was ‘dim copio!’. Dai said, ‘as always, be yourself’. I have taken their advice. So, here we go. It is Bonfire Night after all, so stand well back. * * * * On 6 th February 1979 I gave the funeral oration at an overflowing Abertridwr Chapel to Jack Roberts, known locally and throughout the South Wales Valleys as ‘Jack Russia’. Born in Penrhyndeudraeth, Merionethshire, appropriately as he said on May Day 1899, he described himself as a practising Christian and a practising Communist.
  • 025 Cognation Mountain Bike Trails

    025 Cognation Mountain Bike Trails

    Investment / Sponsorship Cognation Mountain Bike Trails Number 25 Opportunity Title Originator’s name Lisa Jenkins Validated 23 April 2013 Originator’s organisation Neath Port Talbot Date 23 April 2013 Email Id [email protected] Tel. No. 01639 686 044 1. WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY (e.g. Wildlife, plant life, site, attraction, facility or role etc. in the Valleys Regional Park)? Please also provide a jpeg quality photo if applicable / possible. Mountain biking has been a key tourism product in the Valleys for over 10 years and attracts thousands of visitors to the area year after year; bring vital benefits to the local economy. Trail centres Were developed in Afan Forest Park, Neath Port Talbot and Cwmcarn, Caerphilly and have provided visitors With World class mountain bike trials and all the facilities to go With them. FolloWing the success of the initial phase of investment Cognation mtb trails South Wales was established in January 2010 to take South Wales to the next level in the development of mountain biking. Cognation is a strategic project that is investing in mountain biking on a regional basis. The project is a partnership project betWeen Neath Port Talbot CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Caerphilly CBC, Natural Resources Wales and BikePark Wales and is currently funded through Convergence ERDF funding With match funding coming from the Welsh Government Strategic Regeneration Area fund. There are also a number of other organisations involved Within the Wider partnership including, Capital Region Tourism, South West Wales Tourism Partnership, to name a feW. The project aims to create the most accessible mountain bike trail netWork in the UK in South Wales by creating neW trails in Afan Forest Park and CWmcarn, creating a mountain bike specific events trail in Margam Park and also building a Commercial Bike Park in Gethin Woods, Merthyr Tydfil.