BRIDGEND Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol r gw COUNTY O r a t
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PEN-Y-BONT P BRIDGEND AR OGWR CYNGOR County Borough Council BWRDEISTREF SIROL
CYNLLUN DATBLYGU UNEDOL UNITARY UADOPTED PLANDPDEVELOPMENT CYNLLUN MABWYSIEDIG PLAN CONTENTS Foreword
We have great pleasure in commending this Unitary Development Plan to the public of Bridgend County Borough.
UNITARY It is a very significant part of the corporate policy of Bridgend County Borough Council, and sets out guidance for the future use of land DEVELOPMENT throughout the Authority’s area until 2016, providing certainty for the public and developers alike. PLAN
The Plan is also very important in deciding planning applications. By law, it is the principal factor to be considered. Decisions based upon the plan will affect everyone in the area.
The Plan has been subject to extensive public involvement and consultation through exhibitions, local seminars and public meetings in all parts of the County Borough. In addition, the Public Inquiry into the Plan heard nearly 2,000 representations. Substantive changes have been made to the 2001 deposit version to reflect the issues raised and those recommendations of the Inquiry Inspector accepted by the Council.
This Plan is the first for the County Borough to be set explicitly in the context of Local Agenda 21. Many of the policies reflect the imperatives of sustainable development. Wales is believed to be the first nation anywhere under a statutory duty to give regard to such issues in its decision making processes, and they have been fully considered during the preparation of this document, which has been the subject of a sustainability appraisal, or ‘green audit’.
We certify that this document is a true copy of the Bridgend Unitary Development Plan adopted by Bridgend County Borough Council on 12th May 2005.
Mr. Rhodri-Gwynn Jones Cllr. Patricia Hacking Mr. Martin Hooker Director Cabinet Member Assistant Director Environmental & Planning Services Environmental, Planning, Highways Planning Services & Technical CONTENTS
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONTENTS
PART 1 UNITARY 1.0 INTRODUCTION Chapter 1 Page DEVELOPMENT 1.1. What is a Unitary Development Plan? 1 PLAN 1.2. Format of the UDP 1 1.3. The Area covered by the UDP & Regional Planning Consent 1 ADOPTED PART 1 POLICIES (Nos. 1-22) 3 PLAN
PART 2
2.0 INTRODUCTION Chapter 2 Page 5.0 EMPLOYMENT Chapter 5 Page 2.1. Sustainable Development 5 5.1. Justification of Part 1 Policy 41 2.2. Aims & Objectives 5 5.2. Introduction 41 2.3. Land Use Strategy 7 5.3. Background 41 2.4. Sustainability Appraisal 8 5.4. Industrial Land Requirement 42 2.5. Related Strategies 8 5.5. General Employment Sites 42 5.6. Special Employment Sites 44 3.0 ENVIRONMENT Chapter 3 Page 5.7. Alternative Use of Industrial Land 44 3.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 9 5.8. Industrial & Commercial Development on Unallocated Sites 44 3.2. Introduction 9 5.9. Polluting Industries & Developments involving Hazardous Substances 46 3.3. Sustainable Development 9 3.4. Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan 10 6.0 TRANSPORTATION Chapter 6 Page 3.5. The Countryside & Landscape 10 6.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 47 3.6. Green Belts & Green Wedges 14 6.2. Introduction 47 3.7. Coastal Zone Planning & Management 16 6.3. Transportation and the Environment 48 3.8. Flood Risk & Water Pollution 17 6.4. The Transportation Network 50 3.9. Biodiversity & Nature Conservation 18 6.5. Parking 51 3.10. Environmental Quality, Land Reclamation, Derelict & Contaminated Land 22 6.6. Freight 51 3.11. Noise, Light Pollution & Air Quality Management 24 6.7. Public Rights of Way 52 3.12. The Built Heritage 25 6.8. Transport Corridors 52 3.13. Listed & Other Historic Buildings 26 6.9. The Highway Network 55 3.14 Conservation Areas 27 6.10. Public Transport Infrastructure Provision 57 3.15. Historic Parks, Gardens & Landscapes 29 6.11. Public Off-Street Car Parking Provision 58 3.16. Archaeology 30 6.12. Supplementary Planning Guidance - Transportation 59 3.17. Design & the Built Environment 31 3.18. Access by the Disabled & Others with Special Needs 33 7.0 RETAILING Chapter 7 Page 3.19 Control of Outdoor Advertisements 33 7.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 61 7.2. Introduction 61 4.0 HOUSING Chapter 4 Page 7.3. The Retail Hierarchy 61 4.1. Justification of Part 1 Policy 35 7.4. Non-Retailing Uses 62 4.2. Introduction 35 7.5. Key Retail Re-Development Sites 63 4.3. Housing Needs 35 7.6. New Out-of-Centre Retailing 64 4.4. Housing Sites 36 7.7 Established Retail Developments Outside of Established Commercial Centres 65 4.5. Residential Land Availability 37 7.8. Size Restrictions on Out-of-Centre Retail Units 65 4.6. Additional Housing Sites 37 7.9. Designer Outlet Village - Wales 65 4.7. Residential Conversions & Re-Use of Buildings or Land 38 4.8. Housing Density & Design 38 4.9. Affordable Housing Provision 39 4.10. Residential Caravans & Gypsy Sites 40 ?? CONTENTS
PART 2 (Continued) UNITARY DEVELOPMENT 8.0 TOURISM & LEISURE Chapter 8 Page 11.0 MINERALS Chapter 11 Page PLAN 8.1. Justification of Part 1 Policy 67 11.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 85 8.2. Introduction 67 11.2. Introduction 85 ADOPTED 8.3. The Value of Tourism & Leisure to Bridgend 67 11.3. Minerals in the County Borough 85 PLAN 8.4. The Tourism & Leisure Product 68 11.4. Non-Energy Minerals - Aggregates 85 8.5. Tourism & Leisure Policies 68 11.5. Non-Energy Minerals - Non Aggregates 86 8.6. General Policy 68 11.6. Energy Minerals - Coal 86 8.7. Tourism & Leisure Accommodation 69 11.7. Energy Minerals - Oil & Gas 86 8.8. Caravans, Chalets & Camping Sites 70 11.8. Mineral Exploration 87 8.9. Tourism & Leisure Attractions 70 11.9. Future Development - General 87 8.10. Porthcawl 70 11.10. Landbanks 87 8.11. Serviced Accommodation Area 71 11.11. Future Development - Safeguarded Areas 87 11.12. Future Development - Areas of Search 87 9.0 SPORT & RECREATION Chapter 9 Page 11.13. Sand & Gravel 88 9.1. Justification of Part 1 Policy 73 11.14. Borrow Pits 88 9.2. Introduction 73 11.15. Mineral Working Deposits 88 9.3. General Recreation 73 11.16. Alternative Materials 88 9.4. Open Space 74 11.17. Environmental Protection & Improvement 88 9.5. Outdoor Sport (Youth & Adult Use) 75 11.18. Mineral Protection Zones 89 9.6. Children's Playing Space 76 11.19. Retention of Land 89 9.7. Public Open Space 77 11.20. Restoration & Aftercare 90 9.8. Informal Recreation 77 11.21. Future Development 90 9.9. Public Rights of Way 78 9.10. Community Routes 78 12.0 WASTE Chapter 12 Page 9.11. Cycle Paths 78 12.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 91 9.12. National Cycle Network 79 12.2. Introduction 91 9.13. Allotment Gardens 79 12.3. Waste Disposal & Management in the County Borough 92 9.14. Indoor Recreation Facilities 79 12.4. Waste Transfer Station 92 12.5. Landfill Sites 92 10.0 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES Chapter 10 Page 12.6. Future Landfill 93 10.1. Justification of Part 1 Policy 81 12.7. Recycling Facilities 93 10.2. Introduction 81 12.8. Waste Facilities for Major Developments 93 10.3. General Provision 81 12.9. Construction & Demolition Waste 93 10.4. Social Services 82 12.10. Special Waste 93 10.5. Health Services 82 12.11. Civic Amenity Site Proposals 94 10.6. Education Services 82 12.12. Green Waste 94 10.7. Community Centres 83 12.13 Commercial & Industrial Waste 94 10.8. Library Services 83 10.9. Police Services 84 13.0 UNSTABLE LAND Chapter 13 Page 10.10. Post Office Services 84 13.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 95 10.11. Fire Services 84 13.2. Introduction 95 10.12. Burial Grounds 84 13.3. Unstable Land in the County Borough 95
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PART 2 (Continued) UNITARY 14.0 ENERGY & UTILITIES Chapter 14 Page DEVELOPMENT 14.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 97 PLAN 14.2. Introduction 97 14.3. The Sustainable Use of Resources 97 14.4. Energy Provision 98 14.5. Energy Conservation 98 14.6. Renewable Energy Sources 98 14.7. Gas Services, Electricity Supplies & Other Utilities 100 14.8. Water Supplies 101 14.9. Sewerage Facilities & Sewage Disposal 101 14.10. Telecommunications Services 102
15.0 REGENERATION Chapter 15 Page 15.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 103 15.2. Introduction 103 15.3. Regeneration Strategies in the County Borough 104 15.4. Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 104 15.5. Bridgend M4 Corridor Strategy 104 15.6. Porthcawl Resort Regeneration Strategy 104 15.7. Garw Valley Regeneration Strategy 104 15.8. Llynfi Valley Regeneration Strategy 105 15.9. Ogmore Valley Regeneration Strategy 105 15.10. Cynffig Community Economic Regeneration Strategy 105 15.11. Maesteg Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 105 15.12. Implementation 106
16.0 IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES & MONITORING Chapter 16 Page 16.1. Justification of Part 1 Policies 109 16.2. Introduction 109 16.3 Implementation & Resources 109 16.4. Type of Policy or Proposal 109 16.5. Resource Availability 110 16.6. Implementing Agencies 110 16.7. Monitoring and Review 111
SELECTED GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX - EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABILITY
PROPOSALS MAP
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UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
PARTPART 11 WrittenWritten StatementStatement CONTENTS
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
?? Chapter INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. WHAT IS A UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN? 1.1.6. When adopted, the UDP will replace the current development plan 1.3. THE AREA COVERED BY THE UDP 1.1.1. This is the first Unitary Development Plan to be prepared by for the area which comprises the Mid Glamorgan Replacement Structure AND REGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT Bridgend County Borough Council and is referred to throughout this Plan, the Mid Glamorgan Mineral Local Plan for Limestone Quarrying 1.3.1. The UDP covers the whole of the County Borough of Bridgend. UNITARY and the Ogwr Borough Local Plan. Taken together, these plans have an DEVELOPMENT document as the UDP. The County Borough is at the geographical heart of South Wales. It PLAN end date of 2006. The current development plan contains land allocations covers an area of approximately 25,500 hectares, and in 2001 had a 1.1.2. Government legislation requires that each Unitary Authority in which are under construction or have the benefit of planning consent population of 128,650. ADOPTED Wales should prepare a UDP which will replace any existing development and the UDP will have to acknowledge many of these commitments. PLAN plans covering their area, and furthermore that the UDP should be 1.3.2. The County Borough extends approximately 20km from east to prepared as soon as possible. 1.1.7. Section 70(2) of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 requires that any decision with respect to a proposed development shall have west, encompassing the Ogmore, Garw and Llynfi valleys to the north, PART 1 and bordering the Bristol Channel to the south. The largest settlements 1.1.3. The plan is called a Unitary Development Plan because it consists regard to the development plan, so far as it is material to the application, WRITTEN are the towns of Bridgend and Maesteg and the seaside resort of of both strategic and local planning policies for the area. Previously these and to any other material considerations. Where the development plan STATEMENT Porthcawl. Bridgend is the largest of these settlements and is the were covered separately in different plans, and prior to local government is material to the development proposal, and must therefore be taken administrative centre for the area. re-organisation in 1996, these were generally prepared by different into account, section 54A of the Act (inserted by section 26 of the Planning authorities. and Compensation Act 1991) requires the application to be determined in accordance with the plan, unless material considerations indicate 1.3.3. The County Borough has an excellent transportation infrastructure with the M4 motorway traversing the southern part of the County Borough 1.1.4. The Government has produced guidance for Unitary Authorities otherwise. in an east-west alignment, providing fast road access to Cardiff, Swansea, to assist with the production of their UDPs in the form of Planning Policy the rest of South Wales and beyond. Additionally, an inter-city high speed Wales (March 2002) and Planning Guidance (Wales) Unitary 1.1.8. In taking development control decisions, the Local Planning rail service linking the area with the whole of the national rail network, Development Plans. This guidance is supplemented by a series of Authority will ensure that any proposal is assessed against all the policies provides fast and efficient rail transport, whilst Cardiff-Wales Airport is Technical Advice Notes which provide detailed advice on specific topics that are relevant to it. only 19 kilometres away. to be addressed, and this UDP reflects this guidance. 1.3.4. Access to the motorway system is facilitated by 3 motorway 1.1.5. The UDP must contain policies and proposals for the development 1.2. FORMAT OF THE UDP junctions at Pencoed, Sarn and Pyle. The locational advantages largely and use of land in the County Borough, and in particular, should include 1.2.1. The UDP is comprised of a Written Statement and a Proposals attributed to the motorway has seen the ‘M4 Corridor’ attracting land use policies and proposals for:- Map. considerable inward investment, as well as being a focus for out-of- town retail developments. The area has also been the preferred location Housing; THE WRITTEN STATEMENT comprises two elements:- for most of the major volume house builders. Indeed, the M4 Corridor Part 1 has seen rapid expansion and major releases of land for development Conservation and improvement of the natural and built environment, Consists of a very brief statement of the strategic policies for the area. over the past 15 years, with the focus being on Bridgend and its environs. including through better design and use of Green Belts if appropriate; These policies provide a context and framework for the more detailed policies and proposals contained in Part 2. Part 2 Economy, including agriculture, forestry, industry, business, retail and Aerial view of Bridgend Town Centre other employment-generating and wealth-creating development; Consists of more detailed polices and proposals. Part 2 is divided into fifteen chapters and related appendices. These cover the main topic Land use/transportation strategy addressing accessibility and the areas of Environment, Housing, Employment, Transportation, Retailing, provision of strategic and integrated transport facilities including Tourism and Leisure, Sport and Recreation, Social and Community highways, railways and other infrastructure; Facilities, Minerals, Waste, Unstable Land, Energy and Utilities, Regeneration and Implementation and Resources; and Mineral working (including disposal of mineral waste) and the protection of mineral resources; THE PROPOSALS MAP which includes:- Inset Maps that show, on an Ordnance Survey base of the County Safeguarding of natural resources; Borough, the physical expression of the policies and proposals in the Written Statement. Waste management and disposal, land reclamation, re-use and hazards; 1.2.2. In writing its policies, the LPA has used will or will not be permitted wherever appropriate, sometimes subject to a proposal satisfying certain Tourism, leisure, sport and recreation; criteria. There are other instances where the full acceptability or otherwise of a development proposal is not clear-cut by reference to one policy Energy conservation and generation, including renewable energy. alone. In such cases, which require further assessment in respect of other policies of the Plan or material considerations, the LPA has used the words will be favoured or will not be favoured. This Plan covers the period up to 2016. 1 Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.3.5. Meanwhile, in contrast to the M4 Corridor, many of the valley 1.3.8. Planning Policy Wales (March 2002) encourages ongoing communities in the north of the County Borough are experiencing consultation and collaboration between local planning authorities on UNITARY problems of deprivation. These areas previously dependent upon the issues of common concern and those which cross boundaries. Bridgend DEVELOPMENT PLAN coal and iron industries have suffered the most in terms of the dramatic CBC is a member of the South East Wales Strategic Planning Group shift in the structure of the local economy over the past 30 years or so, (SEWSPG) which comprises 10 unitary authorities and one National ADOPTED and have been starved of new job opportunities and of investment in Park Authority. The South East regional planning group coincides with PLAN general. Increasingly, what were once cohesive and viable valley the National Assembly’s Regional Committee area. communities are becoming fragmented and excluded from the benefits of economic growth. The falling population and changes in retail patterns, 1.3.9. SEWSPG has produced two volumes of Regional Planning PART 1 particularly in the Ogmore and Garw valleys means that communities Guidance for South East Wales. It is intended that these will promote a WRITTEN are unable to sustain commercial ventures including essential shops, consistent policy approach across the region, including a common set STATEMENT and increasingly community facilities need to be heavily subsidised. of strategic planning objectives to provide an agreed context for the preparation of UDPs. Although as it has been formulated in parallel with 1.3.6. The changing fortunes of the communities of the County Borough the first round of UDPs, the Council takes the view that the regional are closely tied in with the changes which have taken place in the guidance is not prescriptive. Rather, it will help shape the policies of the economy. Many of the communities in the County Borough owe their UDP after due public consultation and the process of public inquiry. origins to the iron and coal industries which formed the lifeblood of the area for much of the past 100 years. However, since the 1940s these 1.3.10. The Council awaits further clarification from the Assembly in traditional heavy industries have gradually disappeared. New employment respect of the final status of the Regional Guidance. opportunities were created as modern manufacturing enterprises established primarily in the southern part of the County Borough, along 1.3.11. In addition, as the County Borough is the westernmost unitary the major road network. This area is now home to many important authority within the South East Wales Group, it has regular independent international manufacturing establishments. Manufacturing is an liaison meetings with Neath Port Talbot County Borough which forms important source of jobs in the local economy, however, most of the part of the South West Wales Strategic Planning Group. These meetings workforce in the County Borough are employed in the service sector. address issues of mutual concern and further promote cross-border co- ordination of planning policies. 1.3.7. Services, particularly Public Services such as the health service and public administration are now the principal source of jobs in the area. Many of the jobs that have been created in this sector have been taken by female workers and women currently account for 59% of the workforce in the County Borough, a significantly higher proportion than in the rest of Wales.
Junction 36, M4 Motorway
2 Chapter PART 1 POLICIES 1
ENVIRONMENT EMPLOYMENT RETAILING POLICY 1 POLICY 5 POLICY 9 UNITARY DEVELOPMENT THE ENVIRONMENT OF BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH IS A VARIED 252 HECTARES OF EMPLOYMENT LAND WILL BE ALLOCATED TO SATISFY OUT-OF-CENTRE RETAILING WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE IT IS PLAN AND FINITE RESOURCE. DEVELOPMENT WHICH ENHANCES, PROTECTS THE VARYING NEEDS OF EXISTING INDUSTRY, INWARD INVESTMENT LOCATED ON AN EXISTING OR ALLOCATED RETAIL SITE, AND/OR WHERE OR CONSERVES IT, WILL BE ENCOURAGED; WHEREAS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES. ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA APPLY:- ADOPTED WHICH DIMINISHES, ENDANGERS OR NEGLECTS IT, WILL NOT BE PLAN PERMITTED. 1 A NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN SATISFACTORILY TRANSPORTATION DEMONSTRATED; PART 1 ENVIRONMENT POLICY 6 2 IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER OF PREFERENCE, ALL TOWN CENTRE, EDGE- WRITTEN OF-CENTRE AND DISTRICT CENTRE SITES, HAVE BEEN STATEMENT POLICY 2 IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK WILL BE THOROUGHILY ASSESSED, AND NONE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE CARRIED OUT TO:- SUITABLE AND AVAILABLE; DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH SHOULD SAFEGUARD THE INTEGRITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. 1 ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY; 3 INDIVIDUALLY AND CUMULATIVELY, WITH OTHER EXISTING OR THROUGH CAREFUL SITING, PLANNING AND DESIGN, IT SHOULD COMMITTED RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS, THE POTENTIAL THREAT TO PROTECT, CONSERVE AND ENHANCE:- 2 DISCOURAGE INAPPROPRIATE CAR USE; VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF EXISTING CENTRES HAS BEEN ASSESSED AND WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE; 1 INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL BIODIVERSITY; 3 ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE MODES; THE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE PRIMARY ROAD NETWORK AND THE SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS; 4 2 EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS HAS BEEN ASSESSED AND WOULD BE 4 PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; ACCEPTABLE; AND 3 THE HISTORIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT; AND 5 PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ALL; AND THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE WELL SERVED IN TERMS OF PUBLIC THE COASTAL ZONE. 5 4 TRANSPORT. 6 BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT.
ENVIRONMENT TOURISM POLICY 3 TRANSPORTATION POLICY 10 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL BE FAVOURED WHERE THEY POLICY 7 EMBRACE OR ENCOURAGE:- PROPOSALS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT WILL BE FAVOURED DEVELOPMENT WHICH CAN BE DEMONSTRATED TO PROMOTE AND WHERE:- 1 CONSERVATION, REDUCTION, RE-USE AND RECYCLING OF WASTE, ENCOURAGE THE FOLLOWING WILL BE FAVOURED:- POLLUTION CONTROL, AND THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL 1 THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY IN RESOURCES; 1 EFFICIENT USE OF THE EXISTING HIGHWAY NETWORK; TERMS OF NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS CREATION; AND 2 REDUCTION OF TRAVEL BY PRIVATE CAR AND VEHICLE 2 INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT USAGE; MOVEMENTS, AND THE PROMOTION OF CYCLING, WALKING AND THE 2 THEY PROTECT AND CONSERVE AREAS OF THE LANDSCAPE, USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT; 3 REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER AND LENGTH OF CAR-BORNE BIODIVERSITY, THE COAST AND HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT WHICH JOURNEYS; ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST, AND ARE SO LOCATED AND DESIGNED 3 RECLAMATION OF DERELICT, DEGRADED OR CONTAMINATED LAND, THAT THEY CONSERVE OR ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE LOCAL AND ITS REMEDIATION TO BENEFICIAL USES; AND 4 WALKING AND CYCLING; AND; ENVIRONMENT; AND
4 REGENERATION OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT. 5 PROVISION OF RAIL FREIGHT FACILITIES. 3 THEY RESPECT THE NEEDS AND AMENITIES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
HOUSING RETAILING POLICY 4 POLICY 8
LAND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE FOR A NET ADDITION OF THE EXISTING RETAIL HIERARCHY WILL BE PROTECTED AND 9,950 DWELLINGS TO THE TOTAL HOUSING STOCK OF BRIDGEND MAINTAINED AND PARTICULAR ENCOURAGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO COUNTY BOROUGH IN THE PERIOD 1996-2016. PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF EXISTING TOWN AND DISTRICT CENTRES. 3 Chapter 1 PART 1 POLICIES
LEISURE MINERALS ENERGY AND UTILITIES UNITARY POLICY 11 POLICY 15 POLICY 20 DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSALS FOR LEISURE DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING FOOD AND MINERAL RESOURCES SHALL BE CONSERVED WHILE SECURING ALL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD SEEK TO MAXIMISE ENERGY ADOPTED DRINK USES OUTSIDE THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL CENTRES, WILL BE NECESSARY SUPPLIES BY PROMOTING THE EFFICIENT USE OF PRIMARY EFFICIENCY AND WATER CONSERVATION IN THEIR LAYOUT, DESIGN, PERMITTED WHERE:- AGGREGATES AND ENCOURAGING THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION. PLAN MATERIALS SUCH AS INDUSTRIAL BI-PRODUCTS AND RECYCLED 1 A NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN SATISFACTORILY MATERIALS. PART 1 DEMONSTRATED; PART 1 REGENERATION WRITTEN 2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT THREATEN THE VITALITY, MINERALS POLICY 21 STATEMENT VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF EXISTING TOWN AND DISTRICT CENTRES; POLICY 16 ANY DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS LIKELY TO PUT A REGENERATION STRATEGY AT RISK WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. 3 IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER OF PREFERENCE, ALL TOWN CENTRE, EDGE- MINERAL RESOURCES LIKELY TO BE REQUIRED FOR EXTRACTION WILL OF-CENTRE, DISTRICT CENTRE, EXISTING OUT-OF-CENTRE SITES, BE SAFEGUARDED FROM STERILISATION BY PERMANENT HAVE BEEN ASSESSED, AND NONE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE DEVELOPMENT. SUITABLE AND AVAILABLE; IMPLEMENTATION AND RESOURCES
4 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE WELL SERVED BY A POLICY 22 CHOICE OF TRANSPORT, AND CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED RELIANCE WASTE ON TRAVEL BY PRIVATE CAR; AND POLICY 17 APPLICATIONS FOR BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD INCLUDE MATERIAL PROPOSALS WHICH DEAL WITH THE FAIR AND REASONABLE DIRECT 5 THE AMENITIES OF NEARBY RESIDENTS WILL NOT BE HARMED BY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE AND INDIRECT INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE NOISE, SMELL, LITTER OR OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS. PROVISION OF A RANGE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL DEVELOPMENT, AND WHICH ALSO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NOT A FACILITIES WHICH:- CONSEQUENTIAL AND SIGNIFICANT PLANNING LOSS TO THE EXISTING COMMUNITY. WHERE APPROPRIATE, SUCH PROPOSALS WILL BE SECURED BY MEANS OF PLANNING AGREEMENTS/OBLIGATIONS. SPORT AND RECREATION 1 MEET THE OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL POLICY IN RESPECT OF THE PROXIMITY PRINCIPLE AND THE WASTE HIERARCHY; AND POLICY 12 2 MEET TARGETS TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE DISPOSED OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO, AND/OR PROTECT BY LANDFILL, AND INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE RECOVERED, SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES WILL BE COMPOSTED OR RECYCLED. ENCOURAGED.
UNSTABLE LAND SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 3 POLICY 18 POLICY 13 THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNSTABLE LAND OR POTENTIALLY UNSTABLE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO, AND/OR PROTECT, LAND, WHICH INVOLVES THE ERECTION OF BUILDINGS OR SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES WILL BE STRUCTURES, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS ADEQUATE MITIGATION ENCOURAGED. MEASURES ARE FIRST AGREED IN WRITING WITH THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY AND SUBSEQUENTLY CARRIED OUT.
MINERALS POLICY 14 ENERGY AND UTILITIES POLICY 19 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR MINERAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE FAVOURED WHERE THEY PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH’S SHARE OF REGIONAL PRODUCTION SUBJECT TO:- DEVELOPMENT FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITY SERVICES OR THE EXPLOITATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES WILL BE FAVOURED 1 ENSURING THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF EXTRACTION WHERE IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON ARE ACCEPTABLE; AND THE BEST AND MOST SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS (IN TERMS OF LANDSCAPE AND SCENIC, ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC, AND NATURE 2 SECURING APPROPRIATE, HIGH QUALITY AND PROMPT CONSERVATION VALUE) WOULD BE MINIMAL. RESTORATION AND AFTERCARE TO PROVIDE FOR A BENEFICIAL 4 AFTER-USE. CONTENTS
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
PARTPART 22 WrittenWritten StatementStatement CONTENTS
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Chapter INTRODUCTION 2
2.1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2.2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2.1.1. The concept of “Sustainable Development” has been endorsed at 2.2.1. ENVIRONMENT 2.2.3. EMPLOYMENT (Continued) the highest level by most of the world’s governments and this is now a UNITARY DEVELOPMENT major influence on the policies in this Unitary Development Plan. To continue to protect the countryside for the sake of its landscape, To ensure that an adequate supply of readily developable land is available PLAN Sustainable development is commonly defined as "development that natural resources, and to conserve and enhance its agricultural, by the maintenance of a land-bank; meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of ecological, geological, physiographic, historical, archaeological and ADOPTED future generations to meet their own needs". Put another way it is recreational value; To enrich the economy by safeguarding existing employment in terms PLAN about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future of sites and opportunities, and securing new investment; generations to come. To promote and conserve the biodiversity of the County Borough and to PART 2 encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of To develop the locational advantages of the M4 corridor by reserving 2.1.2. Sustainable development has wide ranging implications and is not major importance for wild flora and fauna, in co-ordination with the sites near the strategic highway network for special employment WRITTEN simply confined to environmental protection. To achieve it, four objectives Council's approved Local Biodiversity Action Plan; purposes. STATEMENT must be met simultaneously, namely:- To seek the enhancement of the rural economy taking into account the The need for social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; need to maintain a viable agricultural sector; 2.2.4. TRANSPORTATION
The necessity for effective environmental protection; To define, and provide a co-ordinated policy framework for the ongoing To adopt a corridor management approach in the development and planning and management of the coastal zone of the County Borough improvement of the total transport network; The requirement for a prudent use of natural resources; in its sub-regional context; To protect and improve the environment by the introduction of various The importance of economic growth and employment. To enhance the appearance of the built environment and to improve the transportation and traffic measures that reduce the use of cars, and quality of new development; encourage cycling and walking;
Although the concept of 'sustainable development' and how it has developed To define, protect, maintain and enhance the historic built environment, To restrict private non-residential parking in appropriate locations as as over-riding principle, is dealt with in greater detail in the Environment i.e. the ancient monuments, archaeological sites, listed buildings, part of the strategy to reduce the use of cars; Chapter (section 3.3 refers), each topic chapter in turn addresses the conservation areas, and historic parks, gardens and landscapes of the general aims of the concept. County Borough. To encourage the use of public transport as a major mode of travel, especially for the journey to work, by developing an inter-modal transport network; 2.1.3. Bridgend County Borough Council fully endorses the concept of 2.2.2. HOUSING Sustainable Development and it is a primary concern of this Unitary To make provision for the future housing needs of the County Borough To encourage development to locate in areas where all sections of the Development Plan to balance and integrate the above objectives when community have equitable access. new development is proposed. In this context the guiding principle of this by identifying sufficient land to provide for 9,950 dwellings in the period Unitary Development Plan is:- 1996-2016 consistent with the principle of sustainable development; To cater for an adequate range of housing by co-ordination with the 2.2.5. RETAILING findings of Housing Strategy and the 2002 Housing Needs Survey for TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE the County Borough which will identify specific local and social needs; To reduce the high level of leakage of expenditure on comparison goods RESIDENTS OF BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH to centres outside of the County Borough; IN WAYS WHICH ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE To promote urban renewal by encouraging the use of brownfield sites PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. and existing buildings for new housing uses. To protect the existing retail hierarchy; To protect and enhance the viability, attractiveness and vitality of the town and district centres in the County Borough; 2.2.3. EMPLOYMENT 2.1.4. This guiding principle was endorsed in the Land Use Strategy To promote alternative methods of travel for shopping trips; produced as background to the UDP. It was translated into a number of To promote equality of opportunity by providing all residents with the more specific objectives for each of the topic areas of the plan. These right of access to employment opportunities appropriate to their skills; To promote the role of smaller shopping centres and free-standing local objectives are:- shops in the County Borough; To promote the use and conversion of existing appropriate brownfield sites and redundant or under-utilised buildings for industrial and To promote and protect shopping opportunities which are in close commercial development; proximity to residential areas. To ensure that sufficient land is available to meet the job requirements of the population and varying needs of industry, wherever possible close to existing and proposed residential communities; 5 Chapter 2 INTRODUCTION
2.2.6. TOURISM AND LEISURE 2.2.9. MINERALS 2.2.13. REGENERATION UNITARY To balance and integrate the needs of tourism, host communities and To make adequate provision for aggregate production to meet the County To safeguard past investment particularly in urban areas, provide greater DEVELOPMENT the environment, including support for ecotourism, whilst protecting Borough’s current contribution to regional demand; certainty for future investment and support the regeneration sector of PLAN environmentally sensitive areas; the economy; ADOPTED To secure the efficient and appropriate use of aggregate minerals by To encourage the development of good quality accommodation for encouraging the use of secondary and recycled materials as an PLAN To improve the quality of the County Borough's infrastructure, including tourists and the business markets in suitable locations, including the alternative to primary aggregates; its buildings and public realm; upgrading and improvement of existing facilities; PART 2 To provide adequate land to ensure the continued supply of high purity To identify and provide land use framework for addressing and prioritising WRITTEN To encourage environmentally sustainable tourist and leisure limestone for the non-aggregate industrial market; social needs; STATEMENT developments in and around Bridgend and in the M4 corridor. This should be linked to improvements in tourism, leisure and cultural facilities and To examine whether there are sites which are acceptable environmentally To support community development, remove social exclusion and reduce activities in the town centres of the County Borough. This can be realised for opencast coal extraction and which would bring about benefits to crime; through the implementation of proposals contained in the various the local community. regeneration strategies, particularly the strategies for Bridgend, Maesteg To make better use of existing resources such as land and buildings, and Porthcawl town centres. reduce the need to travel, assist in removing urban decay, facilitate 2.2.10. WASTE DISPOSAL energy efficiency, enhance biodiversity and reduce pressure on the To support the further enhancement and development of Porthcawl as a countryside; major tourist resort, through the implementation of the Porthcawl Resort To make provision for a full range of waste management and disposal facilities in line with the objectives set out in Wise about Waste, the Regeneration Strategy. To stimulate greater participation in, and public ownership of planning National Waste Strategy for Wales published in June 2002. decisions and provide a focus for community activity;
To assist in the improvement of educational and employment skills. 2.2.7. SPORT AND RECREATION 2.2.11. UNSTABLE LAND To remedy the existing deficiencies in the provision of recreation facilities To make the general public, including developers, aware of the extent where these are compatible with the conservation of the urban and rural and nature of unstable land within the County Borough utilising the 2.2.14. IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES AND MONITORING environment; available data base; To maximise the use of available resources for plan implementation; To protect existing recreation facilities against inappropriate development To maximise the use of such land for development by satisfying the and encourage their wider public use; need to ensure that all physical constraints have been identified, To monitor and evaluate the UDP so as to inform the community, plan including the scope for remedial, preventative, or precautionary measures users and the planning authority about the effectiveness of the policies To provide the required range of recreation facilities in accessible where appropriate. and proposals, and to provide an input to review and subsequent locations throughout the County Borough, compatible with the alteration. conservation of the urban and rural environment and in accord with the Council's Countryside Strategy. 2.2.12. ENERGY AND UTILITIES
To increase energy efficiency through appropriate development design, 2.2.8. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES having regard for features such as the layout, orientation, mix of uses, density of development, use of materials and landscaping. To provide the required range in type and location of social and community facilities throughout the plan area, compatible with the To ensure that the County Borough’s reasonable needs for energy and conservation of the urban and rural environment. utilities are satisfied, and the area’s energy potential from local renewable sources and water usage is optimised, consistent with the need to conserve the environment.
6 Chapter INTRODUCTION 2
2.3. LAND USE STRATEGY 2.3.1. A central part of the Land Use Strategy which was produced as a static, however the older economically active population over the age of TABLE INT1 background to this UDP involved estimating the future dwelling requirement 45, is forecast to increase by a net figure of 3,702 persons. UNITARY POPULATION FORECAST DEVELOPMENT and consequently household change for the County Borough, which PLAN translates into a population forecast. Housing development is, and will 2.3.7. As the total population is forecast to increase over the plan period, EVENT 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 continue to be a principal consumer of land. It is therefore appropriate that so the average household size is predicted to decrease. The reduction in ADOPTED Building Programme1 2,600 2,450 2,450 2,450 detailed consideration be given to this matter. the average household size is a national trend and factors such as an PLAN increasing divorce rate, higher life expectancy and a propensity for young Total Dwellings 53,460 55,158 58,160 60,502 62,844 2.3.2. The population of the area now covered by Bridgend County Borough single people to set up home for themselves are major factors which explain Vacancy Rate 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% PART 2 has, in general, grown continuously over the past thirty years. Population this trend. The number of households in Bridgend County Borough is PART 2 growth in the area has not been uniform as the levels of growth recorded in projected to increase by 8,946 to 59,919 in 2016. This forecast is slightly Total Households 50,973 53,342 55,455 57,689 59,919 WRITTEN the 1960s exceeded any subsequent growth rates. Since the 1960s when higher than the Welsh Office’s 1994 Household Projection for Wales; Average Household Size 2.58 2.38 2.41 2.35 2.30 STATEMENT the population of the area increased by over 11% the rate of growth has however this set of projections adopts a different set of assumptions, and Total Population 130,232 128,650 135,631 137,877 140,375 been more modest. Nevertheless, the area’s population has continued to starts from a different base date, which mitigates against direct grow and overall the population grew approximately 19% between 1961- comparisons. The Welsh Office forecast the number of households in 1Source Bridgend County Borough Council's Anticipated Housing Completions. 2001. Bridgend County Borough to increase by 7,000 between 1996 and 2016.
2.3.3. At the heart of the land use strategy is the assumption that most of 2.3.8. Having arrived at an appropriate level of anticipated population and FIGURE INT1 the housing sites allocated in the previous development plan will be household growth, it is necessary to consider the mechanisms by which PROJECTED POPULATION CHANGE developed over its lifespan i.e. up until 2006. However it is recognised that this growth may be accommodated. As already stated, to a large extent some of the sites have infrastructural, topographical or even contamination the ability to radically alter land use patterns in the context of the UDP is 142,000 problems which may inhibit their development. As a consequence, the limited. Major areas of land have already been identified in the existing 140,000 County Borough Council has re-assessed the residential land bank and development plan, many of which have the benefit of extant planning 138,000 has excluded certain sites which are considered unlikely to be developed consents, and it would not be feasible to revoke these consents given the 136,000 in the period up until 2016. At the same time, in order to compensate for resources available to the Local Planning Authority. It is to be expected 134,000 the loss of these sites, new allocations have been included which are therefore, that most of the new development will take place on sites which considered to have more development potential. A fuller explanation of this were allocated in the previous development plan. The major issue is how 132,000 process together with a detailed list of these new sites is contained in the the additional housing requirements will be accommodated beyond 2006 130,000 Housing chapter in Part 2 of this plan. which is the end date of the Ogwr Borough Local Plan .This issue was 128,000 considered at some length in the Land Use Strategy produced as 126,000 2.3.4. The population forecast for the plan was produced using the Chelmer background to this Unitary Development Plan and it is felt that the most 124,000 Population and Housing Model. The core data is 1991 census based, sustainable option is that of limited dispersal of growth. although the model has been refined to include 1998 local correction factors 122,000 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 for births, deaths and net migration. In addition, 1998 based fertility and 2.3.9. In essence, this approach attempts to accommodate the requirement mortality rates have been incorporated. The population forecast was for additional dwellings on a number of sites distributed primarily within the produced by inputting the known and anticipated building programme from main settlements of the County Borough. This approach of developing on 1996 to 2016. The anticipated building programme is based on an average a greater number of relatively small housing sites will not be able to generate completion rate of 490 dwellings per annum. This average build rate reflects economies of scale to the same degree as developing on a few large sites. FIGURE INT2 that of the 19 year period from 1981 to 2000, and is therefore considered to The provision of new facilities and improvements to the highway network POPULATION CHANGE BY AGE BAND represent the most robust basis for predicting future building activity during could also be more limited and indeed it could be argued that additional the plan period. pressures will be put onto the existing facilities. However, nearly all the 35,000 new sites additional to those identified in the previous development plan 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2.3.5. By adopting these assumptions, the population of the County are either brownfield, substantially brownfield or under-used sites within 30,000 Borough is forecast to increase by 10,143 persons to a total of 140,375 by the main settlements, in accordance with the principles of sustainability. 25,000 2016. The main components of this projection are shown in Table INT1, and the level of population change is shown in Figure INT1. 2.3.10. It is accepted that this approach could put additional pressure on 20,000 the existing infrastructure. However, much would depend on the location 2.3.6. The age profile of the County Borough is expected to change quite and characteristics of the actual sites identified. By concentrating growth 15,000 dramatically over the plan period, and is illustrated in Figure INT2. The on the main urban areas the relatively small number of additional dwellings proportion of the population over the age of retirement is expected to rise if dispersed carefully could be absorbed on brownfield sites without radically 10,000 from 19.2% in 1996 to 22.9% in 2016, representing a net increase of 7,120 changing the character of the environment. If such sites were further 5,000 persons. The progressive ageing of the population is compounded by strategically located in close proximity to the existing facilities and the anticipated losses of population in the younger age groups. The population major road network then their impact on the wider environment could be 0 in the age group 0 - 14 is expected to fall by 4.0% over the plan period. The limited. 0-14 15-29 30-44 45-retire- retirement+ persons in the 30-44 economically active age band will remain almost ment 7 Chapter 2 INTRODUCTION
2.3.11. This would therefore point the way to the preferred Land Use Urban development - Maesteg A Sustainable Economic Regeneration Strategy for Bridgend County Strategy being that of:- UNITARY Borough; DEVELOPMENT PLAN LIMITED DISPERSAL OF NEW DEVELOPMENT IN Transportation Strategy; ADOPTED THE MAIN URBAN AREAS, WHEREVER POSSIBLE Countryside Strategy and Integrated Action Programme; PLAN ON REDUNDANT OR UNDER-UTILISED URBAN LAND AND OPTIMISING THE USE OF COMMITTED Built Heritage Strategy; PART 2 DEVELOPMENT SITES. Coastal Zone Management Plan; WRITTEN STATEMENT Local Biodiversity Action Plan; 2.3.12. The Council has also taken into account the advice contained in Planning Policy Wales (2002) (para 2.10) and PG(W)TAN20 - 'The Welsh Local Air Quality Reviews; Language - Unitary Development Plans and Planning Control'. It does not consider that there are communities within the County Borough where the Crime Reduction Strategy; use of the Welsh Language is currently part of their social fabric for the purpose of either strategic or detailed planning policy generation. Bridgend County Tourism Strategy; and
Housing Strategy. 2.4. SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL 2.5. RELATED STRATEGIES 2.4.1. In order to help ensure that the over-riding principles of Sustainable 2.5.1. Government legislation places a duty on all unitary authorities in Development are given due consideration, and are accorded their necessary Wales to prepare Community Strategies for promoting or improving the as well as specific regeneration strategies relating to:- priority, government advice recommends that local planning authorities economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their areas, and for assess the environmental impact of their policies. This is most effectively contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK. Porthcawl; achieved by a systematic sustainability appraisal of the plan. Such an exercise would also help to ensure that the objectives of a policy are 2.5.2. Guidance received from the National Assembly for Wales clarifies Garw Valley; clearly laid out and that trade-offs between options have been identified how the Council should build on the work it has already undertaken on and assessed. initiatives such as corporate and community planning, regeneration, social Bridgend Town Centre; inclusion and sustainable development in order to develop its Community 2.4.2. To be effective, the sustainability appraisal should be integrated Strategy. The latter should be viewed as providing the overarching strategic M4 Corridor; into each stage of the plan making process. The sustainability appraisal of framework for all other plans and strategies for the County Borough, so this plan reflects this, as all stages of plan production to date, which have that people can see the relevance of those plans and the contribution that Llynfi Valley; been previously outlined, have been subjected to a sustainability appraisal. they will make to its Community Strategy. The policies and spatial proposals of the UDP therefore constitute a crucial input to the Community Strategy Ogmore Valley; and which the Council is currently preparing. Similarly, as the latter takes shape, relevant proposals and targets which would have direct implications Cynffig Community. for future land use will inform the future review of the UDP.
2.5.3. In pursuing its own commitment to sustainable development, 2.5.3. Also, the government’s White Paper on 'The Future of Transport', Bridgend County Borough Council like all Local Authorities in the United and former Welsh Office publication 'Transporting Wales into the Future', Kingdom has produced a Local Agenda 21 Strategy which encompasses identify the formulation of local transport plans which will embody, among the principles of Sustainable Development. The Local Agenda 21 Strategy others, Green Commuter Plans and Safe Routes to Schools. is a broad non-land use based document and will be complementary to the land use policies in the UDP.
2.5.2. In addition, a number of other strategies have been produced by the County Borough Council which have some direct bearing on the UDP. These are the Authority’s:- 8 Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICIES UNITARY 3.1.1. The guiding principle and strategy of the UDP embraces the principle 3.1.4. The Government launched its new strategy “A Better Quality of consistent with the principle of sustainable development, the overall aim DEVELOPMENT of Sustainable Development. The aim is to produce a more sustainable Life” - National Sustainable Development Strategy in May 1999, following of which is a better quality of life for all. PLAN pattern of development which focuses on the better use of the existing an extensive period of consultation (under the heading - Opportunities for urban areas of the County Borough whilst encouraging economic growth, Change). The Strategy is, in the words of the Local Government Association 3.1.6. Policy 2 takes the ‘over-arching’ principle embodied in Policy 1 ADOPTED reducing dependence on the private car, and promoting the greater use of .....the most comprehensive statement yet by government that it sees and applies it specifically in the context of this Chapter to each component PLAN more sustainable, alternative modes of transport; thereby securing a higher sustainable development as quality of life in the broadest sense. It covers of the County Borough’s ‘environmental resource’. To protect, conserve quality of life, and respect for the environment. social and economic as well as environmental issues. Local Government’s and enhance the environment of the County Borough should be the main PART 2 contribution to sustainable development is covered in Chapter 7 of the aim of all agencies whether they are involved in management or PART 2 3.1.2. The County Borough Council has adopted and reviewed its Strategy which emphasises Local Agenda 21 and that a number of development. Similarly, all agencies should seek to monitor their own WRITTEN Environmental and Sustainable Development Policy (1998) to manage authorities with LA21 strategies have been selected as a national indicator and other’s actions, and to enhance the environment wherever possible, STATEMENT and improve its environmental performance as part of the authority’s of progress. The Strategy is intended to provide a national focus from or, at the very least, to maintain its quality, for the enjoyment of present approach to Local Agenda 21 (LA21). It has subsequently published it’s which local and regional action will follow, and highlights the need for and future generations. Local Agenda 21 Strategy: ‘Building a Better Bridgend County Borough’. partnerships to be forged between business, local authorities and voluntary groups who can build on the many initiatives where industry and local 3.1.7. Policy 3 strategically addresses the mechanisms and practices 3.1.3. The UDP will have clearly defined relationships not only with the authorities are already ‘making a difference’. of achieving sustainable development consistent with emerging national Authority’s LA21 Strategy, but also with its economic development (EDAP), policies and the Council’s own policies and strategies. These desirable transport and other policies, programmes and management strategies. 3.1.5. Policy 1 is therefore an ‘over-arching’ policy which sets the tone practices, and what they can locally achieve are considered in greater From an environmental perspective, it is particularly important that the for the remainder of the UDP. The Policy is in tune with current Government detail in the relevant Part 2 Policies. UDP is informed by the Authority’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) guidance in Wales. This advocates adopting the ‘precautionary principle’ and its Built Heritage, Countryside, and Coastal Zone Management in relation to the environment in general, and stresses that the planning Strategies, in order that the principle of sustainability is integrated into its system should provide homes, investment and jobs in a manner which is planning policies.
PART 2
3.2. INTRODUCTION 3.2.1. When the White Paper - This Common Inheritance was published 3.3.2. In 1992, the ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio de Janeiro discussed how to 1 Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; in 1990, it acknowledged increased general public awareness of, and achieve sustainable development, and a series of protocols were agreed. concern for our environment. After enjoying the benefits of economic growth, Agenda 21 recommended that all countries should produce national 2 Effective protection of the environment; we have become increasingly preoccupied with the quality of our daily sustainable development strategies. The UK Government subsequently lives as shown by our aspirations for healthier living, desire for cleaner air, produced four pertinent strategy documents:- 3 Prudent use of natural resources; and water and streets, and enthusiasm for protecting the best features of our urban and rural heritage; together with a commitment that we should pass 1 Sustainable Development: The UK Strategy (Cm 2426) 4 Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and it on undiminished to our children. employment. 2 Climate Change: The UK Programme (Cm 2427) 3.2.2. The present Government is similarly committed to a better quality (A better quality of life - A strategy for sustainable development for the of life for all. Briefly, it is acknowledged that all future development must be 3 Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan (Cm 2428) United Kingdom, DETR, June 1999). ‘sustainable’. It is no longer appropriate, nor desirable, for crises to be resolved by short-term solutions founded on expediency, at the expense 4 Sustainable Forestry: The UK Programme (Cm 2429) 3.3.5. The National Assembly is seen as playing a key role in achieving of the longer term aim of securing an equal, or better, environment for the above aims in Wales, as it has a clear duty through the Government of future generations. 3.3.3. It is the first of the above documents which has recently been Wales Act (1998) to:- reviewed by the Government, following extensive consultation on a suite of 3.3. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT documents entitled 'Opportunities for Change'. Supplementary consultation .....make a scheme setting out how it proposes, in the exercise of its 3.3.1. At the heart of the concept, therefore, is the simple idea of ensuring documents on particular aspects of sustainable development, and on a functions, to promote sustainable development. Although it will be for (it) a better ‘quality of life’ for everyone, now, and for generations to come. The set of ‘headline indicators’, were also produced prior to the formulation of to decide how to meet its sustainable development duty, it is likely to most commonly used international definition of sustainable development the new Strategy. This builds on what the 1994 Strategy has already affect all the Assembly’s functions, including those relating to planning. is:- achieved, and emphasises a new approach stressing the social dimension of sustainable development alongside economic issues, the environment, 'A Sustainable Wales - Learning to Live Differently' (2000) sets out the .....development which meets the needs of the present without and the use of resources. ways in which the National Assembly intends to implement that duty. compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Report of the 1987 World Commission on Environment and 3.3.4. The new Strategy recognises that to achieve sustainable 3.3.6. The planning system is acknowledged as having a key role in 9 Development (or Brundtland Report). development this means meeting four objectives simultaneously:- providing homes, investment and jobs in a manner consistent with the Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
principle of sustainable development, therefore the UDP must have aims 3.4. SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE PLAN 3.4.6. The Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan was an ongoing commitment. and policies consistent with that principle. 3.4.1. The goal of achieving sustainable development is of such over- All Policy or allocation changes will be reviewed throughout plan preparation UNITARY riding importance to future planning policy in the County Borough, it directs including those issues and policies which emerged at the Public Local DEVELOPMENT 3.3.7. In July 1996, Bridgend CBC made a resolution to fully embrace the Inquiry and subsequent modifications to the Plan, up to its formal adoption. PLAN the guiding principle of the UDP. It is a matter of primary concern to the concept of sustainable development, and to support the integration of its Council that the Plan’s policies achieve the optimum balance between the The Council’s objective is that the SPG document should provide ‘a ADOPTED aims into its policies and activities. It also approved the setting up of an benefits of development, and their impact on the environment. The action transparent trail of changes’ which provides stage by stage signposts to PLAN LA21 Working Party etc. to formulate corporate environmental aims, to taken by the Council in preparing its UDP in parallel with its LA 21 the environmental audit of the Plan’s policies and proposals, hence clearly produce an Environmental Policy, and to set targets for improved Framework and Environmental and Sustainable Development Policy, using measuring their impact on the existing and future environment of the County environmental performance based on the principles of the Eco-Management techniques like EMAS, and the performance indicators contained in the Borough. PART 2 and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Council’s Best Value Strategy, will go a long way towards securing that WRITTEN aim. STATEMENT 3.3.8. At the second 'Earth Summit' in New York in June 1997, the British 3.5. THE COUNTRYSIDE AND LANDSCAPE Government agreed that all local authorities in the UK would produce LA21 3.4.2. In addition to the above measures, however, environmental plans by 2000. This was followed up in January 1998 by Welsh Office considerations must also form a part of policy appraisal. A systematic 3.5.1. DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE guidance - ‘Sustainable communities in Wales for the 21st Century, why Sustainability Appraisal is the most effective way for the Council to show and how to prepare an effective local agenda strategy’. In February 1999, how it has taken this concept into account throughout plan preparation, POLICY EV1 the Council approved its ‘Framework for Action: 21 Steps towards thereby also working towards the Government’s goal of ensuring DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE STRICTLY CONTROLLED. Development of Local Agenda 21 for Bridgend County Borough 1998-2000’. development and growth are sustainable. Similarly, the Sustainability EXCEPTIONS TO THIS MAY BE THAT WHICH IS NECESSARY IN THE It is intended that the Framework will be used as a basis for a consultative Appraisal should be practical, explicit, and presented in a form which is INTERESTS OF AGRICULTURE, FARM DIVERSIFICATION, FORESTRY, THE process both within the Authority and with other bodies, agencies and readily understood. WINNING AND WORKING OF MINERALS, APPROPRIATE COUNTRYSIDE interest groups with a view to the Council building partnerships, developing, TOURISM, LEISURE AND RECREATION, LAND RECLAMATION, and refining initiatives leading to the preparation of the LA21 Strategy by 3.4.3. The Council has therefore embraced the advice contained in the TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE, UTILITY SERVICE PROVISION, AND the year 2000. Step 6 of the Framework makes the following Government’s published ‘Good Practice Guide’ for the environmental THE SUITABLE CONVERSION, EXTENSION OR REHABILITATION OF EXISTING recommendation:- appraisal of Development Plans. In February 1998 it appointed a firm of RURAL BUILDINGS. planning consultants - Messrs. John Baker Associates - to advise and To consider the integration of sustainable development and local agenda assist in undertaking an independent Sustainability Appraisal of the policies 3.5.2. It is national planning policy that the countryside should be protected 21 issues within all existing and emerging plans and programmes and proposals being prepared for the Plan. The process of appraisal would for its own sake i.e. for its beauty, landscape quality, natural resources, within the County Borough, in particular waste management, recycling be objectively addressed throughout, whilst ensuring that a rigorous and its agricultural, ecological, geological, physiographic, historical, and air quality management plans, development control, social methodology of policy examination would take place to ensure that archaeological and recreational value. Development in the countryside exclusion, local democracy, anti-poverty and best value. objectivity would be maintained at every stage within the timescale of plan should benefit the rural economy, and maintain or enhance the environment, preparation. A fuller explanation of this process is contained in the but new building in the open countryside away from existing settlements 3.3.9. The UDP has fully taken into account the County Borough Council’s accompanying document: Sustainability Appraisal of the Bridgend Unitary or areas allocated for development in the UDP should be strictly controlled. Local Agenda 21 Strategy: 'Building a Better Bridgend County Borough' Development Plan. Briefly, the methodology of the Council’s consultants which was published in December 2000. This, in turn, has been informed has involved an in-depth appraisal of the Issues Reports, Land Use Strategy, 3.5.3. The Council recognises the value which people place on the by the National Assembly for Wales' sustainable development scheme 'A Draft Part I Policies and Written Justification, up to, and including this countryside of the County Borough; and because of the increasing Sustainable Wales - Learning to Live Differently' (2000). The LA21 Strategy Adopted Plan. The Appraisal process, and its resultant recommendations, development pressures which are being placed upon it, a robust planning will be delivered through a vision statement, an action plan and have duly informed the plan preparation process throughout. policy framework is essential to reconcile rural development with the need implementation mechanisms. It will also encourage the need for community to protect the countryside. It is therefore necessary, in the first instance, involvement and partnerships with the Council in seeking to achieve its 3.4.4. The consultants have confirmed that it is a Sustainability Appraisal for the Council to clearly define what it considers to be ‘the countryside’ for goals for sustainable development, and all actions will be monitored against that has been undertaken at every stage of plan preparation, i.e...... the the purpose of its planning policies. The UDP therefore defines ‘the its performance indicators. The previous First Review of the Council's appraisal is concerned with environmental, social and economic issues. countryside’ of the County Borough as:- Environmental and Sustainable Development Policy (1998) has already Overall, (it) is seeking to answer the question:- confirmed that the Council's actions to date in publishing Issues Papers, That area of land lying beyond designated settlement Draft Land Use Strategy, Draft Part 1 UDP Policies, and the Pre-Deposit ? How far does the Plan go in achieving the contribution towards boundaries (the latter are defined in Policies EV12, H3 and H4 UDP, all of which have been the subject of Sustainable Appraisal, have sustainable development that ought to be possible from a land and their justifying texts) and sites allocated for development paralleled and been informed by its LA21 commitments. use plan? in the UDP.
3.3.10. From the outset, therefore, the UDP has addressed the issues 3.4.5. The Sustainability Appraisal addresses the above question by initially The settlement strategy, which the UDP has adopted, progresses in a which have a direct impact on the ‘whole environmental resource’ of the listing a set of concerns that describe the aim of promoting greater consistent manner the relevant policies which restrict rural development County Borough which must be sensitively managed if it is not to be denied sustainability - as a benchmark for the appraisal, together with a checklist in, or the expansion of urban development into the countryside. The to future generations. of the ways in which a land use plan can influence those concerns and boundaries of 'main settlements' include and 'limited rounding-off site' whose help bring about desirable change. The Appraisal is Supplementary Planning development would extend an existing built-up area in a modest fashion in Guidance (SPG) to the Plan in its own right, and was therefore also subject such a way as to effectively take the develeopment of that urban area up to to statutory consultation and public comment. a clear and defensible boundary, in a manner which rationalises surrounding land uses and the adjacent countryside. 'Main and smaller settlements', 10 as defined in the UDP, have 'designated settlement boundaries', which are shown on the Proposals Map. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.5.4. The Council will rigorously apply the national and regional policies national resource. Its development may therefore only take place against unnecessary development in ‘the countryside’ within the County Vernacular barn development near Pencoed exceptionally, where there is an overriding need for the development, Borough. For example, new housing development (including the replacement including the need for agricultural investment, or available lower grade land UNITARY of existing dwellings), away from the ‘main’ or ‘smaller settlements’ as has an environmental value which is recognised by a statutory landscape, DEVELOPMENT PLAN designated in the UDP, will be strictly controlled. The Authority accepts, wildlife, historic or archaeological designation outweighs the agricultural however, that certain developments may be pursued in the countryside considerations. Welsh Planning Guidance indicates that the loss of Grade ADOPTED provided that:- 3b and/or land of lower grades would not normally be opposed on land PLAN quality grounds, although its retention may be of key importance to retaining They will encourage rural enterprise, i.e. with directly demonstrable the viability of certain holdings e.g. upland farms. However, development of benefits to the local rural economy of the County Borough, in such land should be approached with care to minimise its impact on local PART 2 accordance with Policy E11; and agriculture, e.g. its location in relation to farms, farm size and structure, WRITTEN farm buildings and other fixed equipment, land drainage and irrigation, STATEMENT They will bring wider community benefits to the County Borough or whilst securing the habitats of protected species especially where these region, for example through mineral extraction or improvements to do not have the added protection of being within designated sites for nature transportation or utility service infrastructure, and are developments conservation. which could not be located in neighbouring, designated settlements.
While initial consideration should be given to adapting existing farm 3.5.12. DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURE buildings, the provision of a sensitively designed new building associated OR FORESTRY with a farm diversification scheme on a working farm within existing farm 3.5.8. Policy EV2 recognises the fact that residential conversions of POLICY EV4 complexes may be appropriate where a conversion opportunity does not disused rural buildings have a minimal benefit to the rural economy; that exist, providing it is in accordance with Policy EV7. they may be detrimental to the fabric and character of historic buildings; NEW DWELLINGS FOR THE PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY and that buildings converted to residential use rarely revert to more beneficial WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE BOTH A FUNCTIONAL AND 3.5.5. Policy EV1 therefore represents the fundamental starting point for economic uses. Also, increased numbers of residential conversions in FINANCIAL NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY the assessment of all future development proposals for development in rural areas could lead to intensified use of private cars, which would be DEMONSTRATED. ‘the countryside’ of the County Borough, and will not be set aside lightly. contrary to the aims of sustainable development. Policies contained elsewhere in the Plan are intended to strengthen, rather than to diminish the restriction of development in ‘the countryside’. 3.5.9. All conversions of buildings in rural areas should additionally satisfy 3.5.13. It is acknowledged that new housebuilding and other new the detailed requirements of Policy EV6 and the Council's published development in the countryside must be strictly controlled, but certain Supplementary Planning Guidance on this matter, including those for future development may be justified under special circumstances; for example, 3.5.6. THE RE-USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS residential purposes where new-build development is envisaged, this must where it is essential to enable farm or forestry workers to live close to their IN THE COUNTRYSIDE also satisfy the detailed requirements of Policy EV7. Any cumulative impact work. However the need for such development must be fully and clearly POLICY EV2 from new-build development, or conversion and re-use of buildings in the justified. In determining planning applications for the development of new countryside will be closely monitored by the Council in order that its ongoing dwellings for agriculture and forestry, the Council will therefore assess DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WHICH ARE IN scale and location remains in conformity with its rural surroundings, the those proposals against the criteria set down in Welsh Planning Guidance, ACCORD WITH POLICY EV1, SHOULD, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, UTILISE economic and social needs of the area, and that it will not cause which advocates:- EXISTING BUILDINGS. WHERE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY DOES NOT demonstrable environmental harm, nor prejudice the safety and amenity EXIST DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE IN ACCORD WITH POLICY EV7. of the rural transport network of the County Borough. A functional test to establish whether, for the proper functioning of the enterprise, one or more workers needs to be readily available at most times, in terms of both its current and likely future requirements; and, 3.5.7. In order to limit the amount of new development in the countryside, 3.5.10. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING THE BEST AND and to maximise the use of existing under-utilised or vacant buildings, MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND where development is permitted under Policy EV1 every effort should be A financial test which not only shows that the farming enterprise is made to reuse existing buildings. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2002) POLICY EV3 economically viable, but also provides evidence of the size of the advises that the re-use and adaptation of such buildings can play an dwelling which the unit can sustain. important role in meeting the needs of the rural area, in the first instance DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WHICH INVOLVES THE LOSS OF for the agricultural, forestry and mineral industries, then for incoming GRADE 1, 2, OR 3a AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED, EXCEPT WHERE IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE IS AN 3.5.14. If it is considered that a new dwelling may be essential to support commercial and industrial users and for tourism, sport and recreation, and OVERRIDING NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT. WHERE THE LOSS OF SUCH lastly for suitable conversion to residential uses, after applicants have LAND IS ESSENTIAL, DEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE LOWEST a new farming activity but the case is not completely proven through the demonstrated that every reasonable attempt has been made to secure a POSSIBLE GRADES OF SUITABLE LAND, IN A MANNER CONSISTENT above assessments, the Council will require that it should initially be catered suitable re-use of the premises for business purposes. Similarly, PPW(2002) WITH EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER CONSERVATION for by means of a caravan, wooden structure or some other form of temporary advises local planning authorities to adopt a positive approach to INTERESTS, AND AVOIDING PREJUDICE TO THE VIABILITY OF EXISTING accommodation, which can then be readily removed after 3 years, when development associated with "farm diversification" (as referred to in OR PROPOSED FARM UNITS OR HOLDINGS. the need for a permanent dwelling is reassessed. Moreover, the Council paragraph 3.5.4. above) irrespective of whether farms are served by public will not normally permit the siting of a temporary dwelling at a location transport. 3.5.11. Land which is graded 1, 2 and 3a in the Ministry of Agriculture, where it would otherwise refuse a permanent one on environmental, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) Agricultural Land Classification is the best landscape, and other planning grounds. The above Guidance will also be 11 and most versatile of agricultural land, and is therefore protected as a applied by the Council to assess the need for any proposals for permanent Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
forestry dwellings. In either event, if a need is proven for those dwellings, 3.5.17. CONVERSION/EXTENSION/REHABILITATION under the benefits of ‘permitted development rights’ with an early intention they should be kept available to serve the agricultural or forestry needs of OF RURAL BUILDINGS of conversion to another use, it will investigate the history of such a building UNITARY the locality. Therefore:- to establish whether it has ever been used for the purpose for which it was DEVELOPMENT POLICY EV6 claimed to be built, and whether it can serve a future agricultural function. PLAN Proposals for the conversion, extension or rehabilitation of existing buildings 3.5.15. AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTRY OCCUPANCY PROPOSALS FOR THE CONVERSION, EXTENSION OR REHABILITATION in the countryside, should not lie within an area at risk from flooding. ADOPTED OF BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE PLAN POLICY EV5 ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET:- 3.5.20. In addition, any planning application for the change of use of ALL PLANNING PERMISSIONS GRANTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1 THE EXISTING BUILDING IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, OR CAPABLE redundant farm buildings will be expected to take full account of the detailed PART 2 POLICY EV4 WILL BE SUBJECT TO A CONDITION LIMITING THE OF BEING MADE SO, WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT EXTERNAL ALTERATION, provisions for such development contained in the Council’s Supplementary WRITTEN OCCUPANCY OF THE DWELLING TO A PERSON SOLELY, OR MAINLY RECONSTRUCTION, OR EXTENSION; Planning Guidance - Farm Building Conversions. EMPLOYED, OR LAST EMPLOYED IN THE LOCALITY IN AGRICULTURE, STATEMENT 2 THE PROPOSED USE IS SYMPATHETIC TO THE RURAL CHARACTER AS DEFINED IN SECTION 336(1) OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY OF ITS SURROUNDINGS, WHILST INCORPORATING SATISFACTORY PLANNING ACT 1990 (AS AMENDED), OR IN FORESTRY, OR TO A WIDOW PROVISION FOR SERVICES, ACCESS AND PARKING, AND AMENITY 3.5.21. NATURE, SITING, SCALE AND DESIGN OF OR WIDOWER OF SUCH A PERSON AND TO ANY RESIDENT DEPENDANTS. SPACE; RURAL DEVELOPMENT 3 THE FORM, BULK, AND DESIGN OF THE CONVERTED OR POLICY EV7 3.5.16. When granting permission for a new permanent agricultural or REHABILITATED BUILDING, AS WELL AS THE MATERIALS USED, ARE forestry dwelling, the Council may impose occupancy conditions whose IN KEEPING WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS; WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE IN THE scope are such that they will not only apply to the dwelling itself, but also 4 THE CHARACTER AND DESIGN OF THE EXISTING, AND ANY COUNTRYSIDE, IT MUST HAVE A SCALE, SITING, LAYOUT, DESIGN extend to any existing dwellings on the agricultural unit which are under ADJACENT, BUILDINGS ARE RESPECTED PARTICULARLY WHERE AND EXTERNAL APPEARANCE WHICH WILL:- the control of the applicant, do not have occupancy conditions, and need THEY HAVE ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORIC OR GROUP VALUE; 1 BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE LANDSCAPE, AND ANY EXISTING RELATED at the time of application to be used in connection with the farm or forestry STRUCTURE; enterprise. This should help to protect the countryside of the County Borough 5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERESTS ARE PROPERLY SAFEGUARDED; against the risk of pressure for new houses. The Courts have confirmed 6 HABITATS AND SPECIES OF IMPORTANCE TO BIODIVERSITY ARE 2 MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE, THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT; AND the scope for imposing such a condition. In appropriate circumstances, SAFEGUARDED; 3 SUSTAIN THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE. the Council may also use planning obligations/agreements to tie, for 7 THE HISTORY OF THE USE OF THE BUILDING SHOULD example, a farmhouse to adjacent buildings or to the agricultural land of DEMONSTRATE THAT IT WAS NOT CONSTRUCTED WITH THE the unit, to prevent them from being sold separately without further INTENTION OF AN EARLY CONVERSION TO ANOTHER USE; AND 3.5.22. Where planning permission is granted for development in the application to the local planning authority. Applications for the removal of 8 THE BUILDING(S) IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA AT RISK FROM FLOODING. countryside, Policy EV7 ensures that every effort will be made to guarantee occupancy conditions will be considered on the basis of realistic that the development respects, and wherever possible enhances the local assessments of the existing need for them, bearing in mind that it is the environment in terms of its location, scale, layout, and design. The coastline, need for a dwelling for someone solely, mainly or last working in agriculture 3.5.18. The re-use and adaptation (including extension) of existing buildings valley sides, hilltops, ridgelines, and the rural highway network of the County or forestry (or to a widow or widower of such a person and to any resident in the countryside can play an important role in supporting the local rural Borough are important features of the landscape for decision making. dependants) in an area as a whole and not just on the particular holding economy by providing for suitable new commercial and industrial Development will also be expected to take full account of the Council’s that is relevant. (PG(W)-TAN(W) 6 paragraphs 53-56 refer). enterprises, tourism and recreational facilities. Planning Policy (Wales) Supplementary Planning Guidance - Dwellings and Domestic Scale (PPW) paras. 7.6.10 and 7.6.11 provide that UDP's may include policies Buildings. New structures should be sited with due regard to their effects which only allow residential re-use of existing buildings in the countryside on the landscape, and it may be necessary for certain buildings to form an in very limited circumstances. Much will depend on the nature of the existing integral part of an existing complex of rural buildings. Materials should be building, its suitability for conversion to the proposed uses, and the impact chosen which are sympathetic to local and traditional building styles, and of development works upon it and its locality. Particular care needs to be which sit comfortably within their countryside settings preserving, wherever taken where residential conversions are concerned, as these may involve possible, existing local biodiversity of species and habitats. major alterations or extensions and the creation of residential curtilages which could be out of character with existing buildings and their surroundings.
3.5.19. Many rural buildings, however, are suitable for re-use without an adverse impact on their localities and may thereby contribute to the diversification of the local rural economy. In other instances, however, environmental or traffic grounds, for example, may outweigh the advantages of re-use. Whilst there is no statutory requirement for applicants to provide ‘Farm Plans’ which outline the context and justification for their proposals, they are often of assistance to the Council in determining planning applications within the wider farming picture, and they can provide clearer indications of those proposals’ wider environmental consequences. Conversely, where the Council has reasonable cause to believe that an Rural development and setting near Llangynwyd 12 applicant has attempted to abuse the system by constructing farm buildings Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
identified in the former Local Plan. Although the designation of the Heritage 3.5.28. The landscape associated with the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is 3.5.23. REPLACEMENT DWELLINGS IN THE Coast does not directly affect that area’s status in planning terms, the important within the national context and covers one of the finest stretches COUNTRYSIDE features which contributed to its designation have importance and are of undeveloped coast in England and Wales. As such it occupies the UNITARY POLICY EV8 therefore reflected in the policies of this Plan. (See Policy EV9 below, also highest tier of landscapes of importance in the County Borough. Therefore, DEVELOPMENT PLAN refer to Section 3.7 of the Plan which deals with ‘Coastal Zone Planning it merits a very high degree of protection in planning policy. Hence, THE DIRECT REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING DWELLING IN THE and Management’). development which is likely to have a detrimental impact on the landscape COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE ALL OF THE ADOPTED of the area, will only be permissible under the most exceptional of planning PLAN FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:- 3.5.26. Local planning authorities are advised that they should also circumstances, and then only if it is of such importance to the national 1 THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION OF THE DWELLING DEMANDS maintain or extend ‘local countryside designations’ in their UDPs over interest that the preservation of the undeveloped natural beauty of these PART 2 DEMOLITION, OR THE BUILDING MUST BE REPLACED AS A those areas where they have good reason to believe that ‘normal planning areas is outweighed, and there is indisputable evidence that there are no PART 2 CONSEQUENCE OF MAJOR NECESSARY DEVELOPMENT WORKS; policies’ would be insufficient to provide for their necessary protection. The alternative sites elsewhere which can otherwise accommodate the proposal. WRITTEN UDP should clearly indicate why those areas are important, and what STATEMENT 2 IT CAN BE PROVED THAT THE RESIDENTIAL USE OF THE DWELLING features require the additional protection of further planning policies. 3.5.29. DEVELOPMENT IN 'SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS' HAS NOT BEEN ABANDONED; Therefore:- POLICY EV10 3 THE EXISTING DWELLING HAS NO ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC MERIT; 3.5.27. DEVELOPMENT IN NATIONALLY DEVELOPMENT WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE FOLLOWING ‘SPECIAL IMPORTANT LANDSCAPES 4 THE SITING, SCALE, FORM, MATERIALS AND DETAILS, OF THE LANDSCAPE AREAS’ OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH:- PROPOSED DWELLING WOULD PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THE POLICY EV9 1 THE STRATEGIC COALFIELD PLATEAU AND ITS ASSOCIATED VALLEY LANDSCAPE SETTING; SIDES; AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT, OR WOULD BE 5 THE PROPOSAL IS SYMPATHETIC TO THE RURAL CHARACTER OF VISUALLY INTRUSIVE UPON, THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE GLAMORGAN 2 LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREAS; ITS SURROUNDINGS WHILST INCORPORATING SATISFACTORY HERITAGE COAST WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. PROVISION FOR SERVICES, ACCESS AND PARKING, AND AMENITY WILL NOT BE FAVOURED. SPACE;
6 ANY FEATURES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST IN THE IMMEDIATE TABLE ENV 1 LOCALITY ARE PROPERLY SAFEGUARDED; AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREAS IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH HABITATS AND SPECIES OF IMPORTANCE TO BIODIVERSITY ARE 7 LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREA COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE LANDSCAPE SIZE (ha) SAFEGUARDED. ABER WOODS OGMORE VALLEY STEEP WOODED VALLEY & STREAM 25
3.5.24. Policy EV8 is designed to strictly control replacement dwellings BLACKMILL WOODLANDS* OGMORE VALLEY ANCIENT OAK WOODLAND 187 in the countryside by ensuring that existing dwellings are not demolished BRYNGARW GARW VALLEY WOODED, GENTLY SLOPING AGRICULTURAL & PARK LANDSCAPE 170 and rebuilt unless certain criteria merit it. For example, sometimes the CEFN CRIBWR/CWM FFOS** CEFN CRIBWR ENCLOSED MEADOWS & INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST 262 replacement of existing dwellings in the countryside is necessary for new road or railway construction, or to facilitate urban or rural regeneration. In COED-Y-MWSTWR COITY HIGHER WOODLAND & ROLLING LOWLAND 180 other instances, the fabric of the existing dwelling may have decayed COURT COLMAN LALESTON AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE WITH WOOD & COUNTRY HOUSE 337 beyond the point where it can be economically rehabilitated, but the dwelling has nevertheless not been abandoned. The Policy is also necessary to CWM OGWR FACH COYCHURCH HIGHER ROLLING UPLAND HEATH & NARROW VALLEY 381 prevent what are clearly ‘ruinous’ or ‘abandoned’ and derelict former EWENNY MOOR EWENNY LOW LYING RIVER FLOOD PLAIN, HISTORIC LANDFORM 55 dwellings or buildings from being classed as existing structures worthy of GLANRHYD RIVER SIDE NEWCASTLE HIGHER WELL-WOODED RIVER VALLEY 52 rehabilitation. However, replacement of suitable existing dwellings by buildings which incorporate materials which are not sympathetic with local MERTHYR MAWR MERTHYR MAWR ROLLING LOWLAND & RIVER BORDER 344 and traditional building styles, and/or whose bulk and design are NOTTAGE COURT PORTHCAWL INTIMATE, VARIED, HISTORIC 30 incompatible with that of former dwellings will not be permitted by the Council. Proposed developments will, also, be expected to take full account PANT-YR-IARDS PORTHCAWL ESCARPMENT, VARIED LANDFORM & COVER 30 of the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance - Dwellings and PANT-Y-FOEL GARW VALLEY EXPOSED UPLAND MOORLAND 174 Domestic Scale Buildings. REST BAY PORTHCAWL/CYNFFIG EXPOSED COASTAL FRINGE 113 3.5.25. The County Borough does not contain any countryside which is TYTHEGSTON MERTHYR MAWR UNDULATING LIMESTONE AGRICULTURAL LAND 114 statutorily designated as being within a 'National Park' or an Area of UPPER DIMBATH OGMORE VALLEY STEEP SECLUDED WOODLAND VALLEY 123 Outstanding Natural Beauty. Similarly, it has no designated ‘Environmentally Sensitive Areas’, but it does include the western part of the designated UPPER LLANGYNWYD LLANGYNWYD MIDDLE VARIES FROM HIGH MOORLAND TO STEEP WOODED VALLEY 240 ‘Glamorgan Heritage Coast’, a sizeable part of the ‘Strategic Coalfield ZIG ZAG LANE** PORTHCAWL MEDIAEVAL FIELD PATTERN 182 Plateau and its associated valley sides’ (which has been recognised as being a landscape of sub-regional importance to South East Wales), and COED IESTYN** PENCOED ESCARPMENT, VARIED LANDFORM & COVER 138 13 several locally important ‘Landscape Conservation Areas’ which were Source: Ogwr Borough Local Plan (* Denotes amended area, ** Denotes new Landscape Conservation Area) Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.5.30. ‘Special Landscape Areas’ are those which are important to the 3.6. GREEN BELTS AND GREEN WEDGES 3.6.5. DEVELOPMENT IN 'GREEN WEDGES' sub-regional and local character of South East Wales, or locally within the 3.6.1. There are currently no ‘Green Belts’ designated in Wales, however, UNITARY County Borough. Development within these areas will not be favoured unless in 1997 the Government requested all Welsh Unitary Authorities to ‘give POLICY EV11 DEVELOPMENT adequate measures can be taken to reduce any adverse effects (which PLAN serious consideration’ to them, particularly in South East Wales; where it includes any relevant cumulative impact of the proposals) and/or visual was considered that they could be an effective means of preventing urban LAND BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING SETTLEMENTS HAS BEEN ADOPTED intrusion posed by the proposals to minimum acceptable levels in planning sprawl, keep land permanently open, and prevent the coalescence of Cardiff DESIGNATED AS GREEN WEDGES TO PREVENT THE COALESCENCE PLAN terms. The extent of the ‘Strategic Coalfield Plateau and its associated and Newport. Green Belts have been in existence since the 1950’s in OF SETTLEMENTS, AND PROTECT THE OPENNESS OF THE LAND. valley sides’ in the County Borough is based on the findings of The South England and have been particularly successful in limiting urban sprawl in DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS INAPPROPRIATE TO THE PURPOSES OF Wales Renewable Energy Study Landscape Assessment and Design areas of major growth by applying a permanency of planning policy which THE DESIGNATION WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WITHIN THESE GREEN PART 2 Guidelines - Final Report (May 1994). has even restricted the infilling of settlements in those areas. In Wales, WEDGES:- WRITTEN Planning Policy (PPW) (2002) section 2.6 clearly indicates that Green EV11(1) CWMFELIN AND PONT RHYD-Y-CYFF; STATEMENT 3.5.31. The ‘Landscape Conservation Areas’ are largely as designated in Belts should be established through Unitary Development Plans, which the former Local Plan, all of which were based on the findings of a systematic must justify the need for them, and demonstrate why normal planning and EV11(2) COYTRAHEN AND TONDU; landscape survey which took into account each area’s intrinsic landscape development control policies would not provide the necessary protection EV11(3) LEWISTOWN AND OGMORE VALE; character, i.e. the characteristics and features that make one landscape to those areas. They may not necessarily need to extend in a continuous EV11(4) KENFIG HILL AND CEFN CRIBWR; different from another, rather than those features which may elevate the band around an urban area. Where their designation is likely to affect EV11(5) PENYFAI AND ABERKENFIG; assessment of one area over another. The UDP has re-assessed those more than one local authority, consultation will be necessary with all previously adopted Landscape Conservation Areas, re-examined the previous authorities likely to be affected. EV11(6) BRIDGEND AND PENYFAI; assessments of the countryside of the County Borough upon which they EV11(7) ABERKENFIG AND SARN; were based, and has taken into account more recent landscape 3.6.2. The most important attributes of Green Belts are their permanence EV11(8) TONDU AND BRYNMENYN; assessments and surveys undertaken since those designations were and their openness. Therefore, in repect of their performance, they should EV11(9) BRIDGEND AND SARN; formerly adopted i.e. The Landscapes Working for Bridgend County be altered only in exceptional circumstances and be protected for a longer Borough Strategy, together with assessments undertaken for its period than the current UDP period; in order to maintain their openness, EV11(10) BRIDGEND AND LALESTON; Countryside Strategy (approved 1998) and Integrated Action Programme the strict control over development in the countryside is augmented by a EV11(11) BRIDGEND AND COITY; (under review 1999), and forthcoming Local Biodiversity Action Plan. general presumption against development which is ....inappropriate in EV11(12) COYCHURCH AND PENCOED; relation to the purposes of the designation. (PPW2002 paras. 2.6.5, 2.6.14 EV11(13) NORTH AND SOUTH CORNELLY; 3.5.32. Table ENV1 (previous page) lists the ‘Landscape Conservation and 2.6.18 refer). Areas’ which are designated in the UDP. The distinctive characteristics of EV11(14) PORTHCAWL AND WIG FACH; AND the Areas stem from their geology, drainage, soils and vegetation which 3.6.3. The unitary authorities in South East Wales therefore decided at an EV11(15) BRIDGEND AND EWENNY. have been altered by man’s activities over the centuries. Care must be early stage that the issue of prospective ‘Green Belts’ was an appropriate taken, however, if the general quality of the County Borough’s landscape matter to be considered through the South East Wales Strategic Planning is not to be prejudiced by intrusive developments. Of particular concern is Group, and an agreed way forward has been proposed in Volume 1 of the 3.6.6. Protection of the integrity of individual settlements is a well- the extension of existing built-up areas of settlements into sensitive tracts Strategic Planning Guidance for South East Wales (January 2000). It has established principle of planning policy which the Council will continue to of countryside, the location of sporadic development, or visually damaging been agreed by the constituent authorities that:- rigorously apply. Policy EV11 and the Proposals Map reinforces this by alterations to existing buildings in areas of high landscape quality. It is allocating certain areas of the County Borough as ‘Green Wedges’. also important that the scale and character of the highway, rail, bridleway .....the regional importance of Cardiff requires the strategic protection of a and footpath networks is protected where it contributes to local biodiversity Green Belt but that other designations are more appropriate elsewhere in The designation of each 'Green Wedge' is based upon the following five and the general landscape of the countryside, e.g. rural lanes with their South East Wales. A package approach to anti-coalescence and landscape objectives, which are consistent with the advice contained in PPW (2002) adjacent dry stone walling, older hedgerows and stiles. Other activities protection policies is therefore put forward. Areas of local importance are (section 2.6 refers):- which need to be strictly controlled include afforestation schemes, power designated as ‘Green Wedges’ or ‘Special Landscape Areas’ and areas of generation and its distribution network, transmission equipment (including strategic importance (to South East Wales) are designated as ‘Green To prevent the coalesence of settlements; telecommunications masts) and the activities of service providers of utilities. Belt’. Designations are reinforced by ‘settlement limit’ and other policies Policy EV10 will identify and assist in maintaining the diversity of landscape as appropriate. To go beyond this would require a regional development To manage urban form through controlled expansion of urban areas; which is characteristic of the County Borough. The definition of 'Landscape strategy. (Para. 7.10 of Vol.1 of the Strategic Guidance refers). Conservation Areas' in the County Borough can be expected to be amended To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; at the review of the UDP as a result of applying the LANDMAP method of 3.6.4. There are therefore no ‘Green Belts’ designated in this UDP within To protect the setting of an urban area(s): and landscape assessment (see also para. 3.9.17.). Bridgend County Borough, however they are not ruled out in the longer term. The following anti-coalescence planning policies are therefore intended To assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict to complement the proposed strategic Green Belt around Cardiff, and to and other urban land. protect locally sensitive areas of countryside in the County Borough, and its neighbours, from inappropriate and visually intrusive developments. The reasons for the designation of each particular 'Green Wedge' in the County Borough, as listed under Policy EV11, is additionally detailed in 14 Table ENV2 opposite. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
TABLE ENV 2 3.6.10. DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE SETTLEMENT BOUNDARIES PURPOSE OF GREEN WEDGE DESIGNATIONS IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH UNITARY POLICY EV12 DEVELOPMENT PREVENT MANAGE URBAN ASSIST IN PROTECT ASSIST IN URBAN PLAN GREEN WEDGE THE FORM THROUGH SAFEGUARDING THE REGENERATION BY COALESCENCE CONTROLLED THE COUNTRYSIDE SETTING ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE THE SETTLEMENT BOUNDARIES OF THE OF EXPANSION OF FROM OF AN RECYCLING OF DERELICT FOLLOWING DESIGNATED SETTLEMENTS OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH ADOPTED SETTLEMENTS URBAN AREAS ENCROACHMENT URBAN AREA AND OTHER URBAN LAND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED:- PLAN EV11(1) CWMFELIN & PONT RHYD-Y-CYFF THE 'MAIN SETTLEMENTS' OF EV11(2) COYTRAHEN & TONDU PART 2 ABERKENFIG BLAENGARW BRIDGEND PART 2 WRITTEN EV11(3) LEWISTOWN & OGMORE VALE BRYNCETHIN BRYNMENYN CAERAU STATEMENT KENFIG HILL MAESTEG NANTYMOEL EV11(4) KENFIG HILL & CEFN CRIBWR NANTYFFYLLON NORTH CORNELLY OGMORE VALE EV11(5) PENYFAI & ABERKENFIG PENCOED PONTYCYMMER PORTHCAWL PRICETOWN PYLE SARN EV11(6) BRIDGEND & PENYFAI TONDU EV11(7) ABERKENFIG & SARN THE 'SMALLER SETTLEMENTS' OF EV11(8) TONDU & BRYNMENYN BETTWS BLACKMILL CEFN CRIBWR EV11(9) BRIDGEND & SARN COITY COYCHURCH COYTRAHEN EVANSTOWN GLYNOGWR HEOL-Y-CYW EV11(10) BRIDGEND & LALESTON KENFIG LALESTON LEWISTOWN EV11(11) BRIDGEND & COITY LLANGEINOR LLANGYNWYD MAWDLAM PANTYRAWEL PENYFAI PONTRHYDYCYFF EV11(12) COYCHURCH & PENCOED PONTYRHYL/LLUEST SOUTH CORNELLY EV11(13) NORTH & SOUTH CORNELLY
EV11(14) PORTHCAWL & WIG FACH 3.6.11. As a corollary to Policy EV11, and to provide further guidance to Policies H3 and H4 in relation to development within designated settlements, EV11(15) BRIDGEND & EWENNY Policy EV12 and the Proposals Map define settlement boundaries around all of the designated settlements in the County Borough. Such boundaries 3.6.7. 'Green Wedges' have an important function to prevent the coalesence 3.6.8. There may be further instances where the re-use of buildings in a were included around 'smaller settlements' only in the former Local Plan of settlements by maintaining an open area of countryside between them, designated 'Green Wedge' could be considered to be appropriate after it was subject to independent scrutiny at its Local Plan Inquiry, and and thereby will afford a higher degree of protection for that land which lies development provided that the proposed use(s) will not in the opinion of the as many of these have subsequently stood the test of Section 78 Appeals, beyond the designated settlement boundaries. The areas identified under local planning authority have a materially greater impact on the openness the Council considers them to remain soundly based on environmental Policy EV11 are known to have been subject to past pressures for of the 'Green Wedge', nor conflict with the purposes of its designation. and planning grounds. Notwithstanding this, all settlement boundaries have inappropriate development, which would have seriously prejudiced the However, it is emphasised that strict control will be maintained by the been reviewed during UDP preparation, and some amendments have been Council's objectives (above), and which would have seriously eroded the local planning authority over any future extension and/or alteration of such made to certain 'smaller settlement' boundaries in this Plan. Following essential openness of the land areas concerned. Therefore, a development proposals which it permits, or any use of land associated with the reused further independent scrutiny at the UDP Inquiry, settlement boundaries proposal within a designated 'Green Wedge' will be considered to be building(s). are now defined around all designated settlements in the UDP, i.e. both inappropriate in relation to the purpose of its designation unless it is for the 'main' and 'smaller settlements'. Development of the 'main' and 'smaller following purposes:- 3.6.9. Any other forms of development will be considered to be settlements' of the County Borough will generally be restricted to those 'inappropriate development' unless it maintains the openness of the 'Green sites which lie within the relevant settlement boundaries unless justified under Policy EV1 and other relevant Policies of the Plan. Justified by agricultural or forestry needs; Wedge' and will not conflict with the purposes of its designation. 'Inappropriate development' may only rarely be granted planning permission Provides essential facilities for outdoor sport and recreation, cemeteries, in the most exceptional of circumstances, i.e. where other material 3.6.12. RIBBON OR SPORADIC DEVELOPMENT and other uses which maintain the openness of the 'Green Wedge' considerations substantially outweigh the harm which that development and do not thereby conflict with the purposes of including land within would be expected to have on the designated 'Green Wedge'. POLICY EV13 its designation; Provides for the strictly limited extension, alteration or replacement of THE EXTENSION OF RIBBON AND/OR SPORADIC DEVELOPMENT OR existing dwellings in accordance with Policies EV1, EV6, EV7 and ITS INTENSIFICATION WITHIN, OR SURROUNDING, ISOLATED POCKETS EV8 of the UDP; or OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. Contributes to small-scale diversification within existing farm complexes 15 where this is run as part of the farm business. Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.6.13. Policies EV12, H3, and H4 define those settlements of the County 3.7.5. The inland boundary of the ‘Coastal Zone’ has been defined to 3.7.3. DEVELOPMENT IN THE COASTAL ZONE Borough which the Council considers can accommodate 'infill', 'windfall' or include the whole undeveloped coastline of the County Borough, and its UNITARY 'limited rounding-off' development at a scale appropriate to the designated POLICY EV15 setting; together with the developed areas of Porthcawl which are visually DEVELOPMENT settlement’s individual size, character, and availability of community and physically continuous with the coast, and which portray strong maritime PLAN facilities or utility services. The Council considers that the character of all DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE COASTAL ZONE WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY characteristics and associations, e.g. the existing holiday caravan parks IF:- ADOPTED other hamlets or isolated pockets of development in the countryside should and the sea-front areas of the resort. PLAN be protected by strict control over development. Accordingly, the extension 1 A COASTAL LOCATION IS NECESSARY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT; of sporadic development, or its intensification there, is considered to be 3.7.6. Proposals within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast must, in the first 2 WHERE LOCATED IN THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST IT SATISFIES particularly undesirable, and unsustainable; it will cause harm to the instance, satisfy the requirements of Policy EV9 otherwise they will not THE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY EV9; PART 2 character of the built environment and countryside, and will therefore be be permitted. However, proposals must also satisfy the provisions of Policy WRITTEN firmly resisted by the Council under Policy EV13. 3 WHERE LOCATED IN AN HISTORIC LANDSCAPE, PARK AND GARDEN, EV42 where they impinge on the nationally important historic landscapes, STATEMENT IT SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY EV42; AND:- parks and gardens within the County Borough. Similarly, the need for a coastal location of a proposal in the Coastal Zone should be clearly 4 THE PROPOSAL SATISFIES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:- 3.7. COASTAL ZONE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT demonstrated, especially where that development is proposed in an 3.7.1. The coastline of Wales, and its off-shore marine environment, is a) ITS LOCATION IS SYMPATHETIC TO THE COASTAL AND/OR RURAL undevelped part of the Coastal Zone. This reflects Government policy that acknowledged to be a valuable resource which must be cherished for future CHARACTER OF ITS SURROUNDINGS WHILST INCORPORATING UDPs should aim to protect and enhance the character and landscape of generations, therefore, its planning and management must be co-ordinated SATISFACTORY PROVISION FOR SERVICES, ACCESS AND such areas and that coastal locations should only be proposed for PARKING, AND AMENITY SPACE; to be effective. To this end, the former Welsh Office set up a Welsh Coastal developments which need to be located on the coast. New coastal Forum in 1997 with a wide remit. The County Borough Council is represented b) IT WILL NOT BE VISUALLY OR PHYSICALLY INTRUSIVE IN A developments will not be permitted where they entail the construction of on that Forum along with representatives of other local authorities, statutory 'LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREA’ OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH; large scale engineering works to protect them on land subject to sea- agencies (e.g. the Environment Agency-Wales and Countryside Council c) ITS SITING, SCALE, FORM, MATERIALS AND DETAIL ARE IN erosion or to defend land which might otherwise be susceptible to for Wales), other Coastal Forums, off- and on-shore industries, ports KEEPING WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS; inundation, as this may introduce undesirable and alien features into the authorities and landowners, Sea Fisheries Committees, and other interests. much-valued coastal scene, and could transfer the risks of inundation to The Forum meets three times a year, and its activities are supported by d) THE MARITIME OR VERNACULAR CHARACTER AND DESIGN OF other areas. the co-ordinated views of the Coastal Liaison Group ‘Arfordir’ which has a ANY EXISTING, OR ADJOINING BUILDINGS ARE RESPECTED WHERE THEY HAVE ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORIC OR GROUP VALUE; similar remit to keep under review all aspects of coastal zone management. 3.7.7. In the case of new coastal defence works, the Council will take into Officers of the Council also participate in the activities of that Group. e) ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERESTS (ESPECIALLY THOSE OF MARITIME account all potential on- and off-shore environmental effects of proposed AND/OR INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORIC works which are subject to planning consent. The latter interests together 3.7.2. Over recent years the Welsh Assembly Government has produced IMPORTANCE) ARE PROPERLY SAFEGUARDED AND, WHERE with those factors such as the potential visual and physical impact of new APPROPRIATE, CONSERVED; a series of initiatives which have sought to promote the co-ordinated and development will be particularly important where proposals are considered sensitive management of the coastal zone in Wales. The latest guidance f) IT WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF NOISE, by the Council within the developed area of the ‘Coastal Zone’, i.e. Porthcawl, in Wales is published in Planning Ploicy (Wales) (2002) sections 5.6 - 5.8 NOR CREATE AIR, LAND OR WATER POLLUTION, OR INVOLVE where opportunities for restructuring and regenerating the urban area have HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS; refers), and PG(W)TAN(W) 14 - Coastal Planning (March 1998). Each of already been identified in the Resort’s Regeneration Strategy. If new these documents stresses the need for individual local authorities to define g) IT IS NOT AT RISK FROM, NOR WILL IT EXACERBATE FLOODING development requires a coastal location it will generally be better sited what it considers to be the most appropriate ‘coastal zone’ within its area. OR EROSION RISK; within the developed coastal area where such opportunities exist, provided From the Government’s perspective, however, such a zone should include h) HABITATS AND SPECIES OF IMPORTANCE TO BIODIVERSITY due regard is paid to the additional risks of erosion, flooding or land instability areas where conservation of the natural and historic environment requires ARE SAFEGUARDED AND THE PROPOSAL’S ENVIRONMENTAL which may be exacerbated by the action of the sea. development to be limited, and where visual intrusion is a matter which IMPACT ON TERRESTRIAL, SHORELINE AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS needs particular consideration. Therefore:- IS MINIMISED; AND 3.7.8. It is stressed, however, that within the ‘Coastal Zone’ the process of i) ANY COASTAL, AND RELATED INLAND, FEATURES OF GEOLOGICAL coastal planning and coastal management are not synonymous. It is the River Ogmore/Afon Ogwr estuary OR GEOMORPHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE ARE PRESERVED. function of the policies of this UDP to guide the operation of the statutory planning system in the ‘Coastal Zone’ of the County Borough, which is a clearly defined role; whereas coastal management also involves matters 3.7.4. The ‘coastal zone’ of Bridgend County Borough is defined on the which are not necessarily concerned with land use, that arise through Proposals Map. It stretches some 13kms. from the estuary of the River other functions of the Council and/or its neighbouring local authorities, or Kenfig (Afon Cynffig) in the Northwest, to the estuary of the River Ogmore through the powers and activities of other bodies which have a coastal (Afon Ogwr) in the Southeast. For land-use planning purposes, however, remit e.g. the National Assembly or other Central Government Departments. the seaward limit of the ‘coastal zone’ must be the mean low water mark. Policy EV15 is criteria-led, and is designed to be all-embracing with respect Although proposals located between mean high and low water marks are to control of development in the ‘Coastal Zone’ of the County Borough. The outside the Council’s responsibility as the local planning authority, its Council will therefore take on board the interests of adjacent, and other planning policies, nevertheless, should be taken into account by the range coastal management bodies in its implementation. of sectoral, including government, regulators which exact control over the coastal and marine activities and development within that area. Similarly, 3.7.9. In December 1998 the Council resolved to begin preparation of a the Council has an increasing interest in any off-shore developments whose Management Plan, the aim of which will be to co-ordinate all efforts for the 16 visual and physical characteristics may have an indirect on-shore day to day management of the 'Coastal Zone' of the County Borough. dimension, or impacts on the area over which it exercises its direct planning control. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.8. FLOOD RISK AND WATER POLLUTION 3.8.5. Many of the planning policies contained in the former development 3.8.8. It is essential that any surface water which is proposed to be 3.8.1. The Council recognises the need to co-ordinate its own environmental plan complied with the aims set out in para 3.8.3. However, the Council discharged into existing watercourses should not give rise to flooding planning activities with those of the Environment Agency Wales in order to has reviewed all of those policies during the preparation of the UDP because those watercourses lack the spare capacity to accommodate it. UNITARY especially in the light of the EA Wales’ Section 105 Flood Risk Maps and, In some instances, where new development is proposed, it will be DEVELOPMENT prevent the risk of flooding, and to avoid pollution of the water environment PLAN and water resources in the County Borough. wherever necessary, former policies have been amended or, in some necessary for developers to undertake temporary remedial works for the instances deleted, to reflect:- provision of on-site storage of water or run-off, until a permanent solution ADOPTED 3.8.2. Whilst protection of the water environment is a primary function of can be achieved in the area in question. In other cases, where the discharge PLAN the Environment Agency Wales, this can only be achieved by a close co- Increased public awareness of climate change and the longer term of additional surface water is likely to create flooding, or exacerbate operation with the Council. Relevant Guidance draws the attention of those potential flood risk to urban development; existing problems of unsatisfactory drainage, new development may only local authorities with a coastline to the need to manage their coastal zone, The resultant need to maintain those floodplains which remain free be permitted by the Council where appropriate alleviation measures are PART 2 to consider the nature of coastal geology and landforms, and to establish from existing development; taken in advance of development to satisfactorily overcome that problem. WRITTEN where there are risks from flooding, erosion by the sea, and landslips. The cumulative past impact of urban development on flood catchment In instances involving the latter, applicants will be expected to include all STATEMENT Whereas it is the function of the EA Wales to protect people and property areas and the resultant loss of flood storage capacities; necessary land in their development proposals in order that satisfactory from flooding by either rivers or inundation by the sea, the Council (as local solutions to those problems can be achieved through the imposition of The need to manage and conserve the water environment, together planning authority) should avoid putting further development at risk by the appropriate planning conditions. with its associated biodiversity, and water resources more efficiently; including appropriate policies in its UDP, as well as acting where appropriate and as the flood defence authority. The Ewenny, Ogmore, Llynfi and Kenfig are 3.8.9. Where the relevant alleviation measures, as referred to above, all statutory 'main rivers' within the County Borough and the former three The need to take into account the 'precautionary principle' when cannot be satisfactorily secured and undertaken for proposed development, rivers each have flood warning stretches supplemented in the case of the assessing development and risk from flooding. the Council (acting on the advice of the EA - Wales) will refuse planning Ogmore and Ewenny rivers by Agency flood defences. There is also Agency consent for such proposals. flood defence measures against coastal inundation between Newton and 3.8.6. The Council and the EA Wales will therefore resist inappropriate Merthyr Mawr Warren. In recent years the Council has also undertaken development within floodplains where such development would itself be at 3.8.10. Strategic water supplies to the County Borough are generally substantial coastal defence improvements at Porthcawl and lesser works risk from flooding or may cause flooding elsewhere. Risk to life is of provided by means of trunk water mains from sources outside the County at Rest Bay. paramount concern in relation to any development in areas at risk from Borough (as set out in the Energy and Utilities Chapter later), however, flooding, but especially for residential development in tidal (including there are also local water sources which must be protected from pollution. 3.8.3. The flood defence policies of the EA Wales for river and coastal estuarine) and coastal locations. Development proposals should avoid Similarly, there are several reaches of streams and rivers in the County flood plains were published in March 1997 and are shared by the Council, committing future generations to inappropriate options for flood defence Borough which remain polluted to varying degrees from past industrial, as they establish clear objectives to ensure development:- as this would be in direct conflict with the aim of sustainable development. domestic or agricultural practices and activities, but these are being It should always be remembered that flood defence works are an progressively improved over time to provide for increased biodiversity in Does not take place in areas where there is an unacceptable risk of intervention measure in natural processes, therefore a balance has to be terms of species and habitats for wildlife. The EA Wales’ Local Environment flooding, leading to danger to life, damage to property, and wasteful struck between maintaining and supporting natural floodplains with their Agency Plan (LEAP) for the Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend Area expenditure on remedial works; invariably rich natural biodiversity, and reducing flood risks. advocates an integrated environmental approach to local planning for Will not create or exacerbate flooding elsewhere; sustainable development especially with regard to water resources, 3.8.7. Therefore, all new development sites proposed in the UDP have Will not prejudice possible works to reduce existing flood risk; flooding, pollution, waste, conservation and recreation. Therefore:- been assessed by the Council using data supplied by the EA Wales, but Does not cause unacceptable detriment to the environment; and that assessment should only be regarded as the starting point for more 3.8.11. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING WATER QUALITY Retains, or where practicable, restores natural flood plain areas in detailed scrutiny of future proposals by the Council and the EA Wales, AND SOURCES order that they can fulfil their natural functions. i.e. when planning applications are submitted for development. POLICY EV17
3.8.4. DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS OF FLOOD RISK River Ogmore/Afon Ogwr at Blackmill DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH ARE PREJUDICIAL TO, OR WHICH WILL MATERIALLY AFFECT THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF, WATER POLICY EV16 SOURCES OR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK, AND WHICH WOULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN SEA WATER QUALITY IN THE COUNTY NEW DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS IDENTIFIED AS BEING LIABLE TO BOROUGH’S ESTUARIES AND ALONG ITS COASTLINE, WILL NOT BE FLOODING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED, UNLESS IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED PERMITTED. THAT:- 1 THEY CAN BE PROPERLY PROTECTED BY APPROVED ENGINEERING WORKS AND/OR BY OTHER FLOOD PROTECTION MEASURES; 3.8.12. The LEAP for the Bridgend area records four licensed groundwater abstractions for industrial purposes in the Kenfig and Ewenny river 2 SUCH REMEDIAL MEASURES WILL NOT PUT OTHER AREAS AT RISK catchments; five licensed abstractions of surface water for industry in the FROM FLOODING; AND Kenfig, Llynfi and Ewenny catchments; a single licensed abstraction of 3 THE DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING ANY REMEDIAL MEASURES, CAN surface water for public consumption in the Ogmore valley near Gilfach BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO THE ENVIRONMENT IN Goch; and a further licensed abstraction of groundwater for public TERMS OF ITS SITING, SCALE, DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING, WITHOUT consumption at Schwyll to the south west of Bridgend. The number of ANY DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON ACKNOWLEDGED SITES OF abstractions for public consumption has been progressively reduced in ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST, AND HABITATS AND recent years by Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water and the Schwyll source is now SPECIES OF IMPORTANCE TO BIODIVERSITY CAN BE SAFEGUARDED. 17 reserved for emergency use only. Notwithstanding the latter, it is essential Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
that the groundwater resource at Schwyll is protected, and as it is rapidly 3.9.3. As Welsh Planning Guidance advises, the Government has signed 3.9.6. The incorporation of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) into British recharged from surface waters in the lower part of the catchment it is and ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity and is therefore law and the resultant Conservation (Natural Habitats & etc.) Regulations UNITARY susceptible to any major local pollution event within that catchment. There committed to conserving, and where possible, enhancing biodiversity. It 1994 now afford much greater protection to designated sites of nature DEVELOPMENT is also increasing public concern over the degree of pollution which may is therefore national planning policy to protect the nature conservation conservation importance. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2002) Sections PLAN arise through the run-off from treated farmland in the County Borough into interest of statutorily designated sites, and to sustain or enhance the 5.1 – 5.5 and TAN(W) 5 ‘Nature Conservation and Planning’ (November ADOPTED adjacent watercourses which ultimately discharge into ‘main rivers’. biodiversity of the wider countryside. 1996) also offer clear guidance for UDP preparation. Namely, that sites PLAN statutorily designated for their nature conservation importance, i.e. Sites 3.8.13. Conversely, those development proposals which it can be 3.9.4. Prior to, and since the production of Biodiversity: The UK Action of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs), demonstrated will lead to material improvements to the quality of water in Plan, the Government’s nature conservation policies have largely been Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), PART 2 drains, streams, rivers and other surface water features within the County implemented through The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Act Ramsar sites and potential SPAs and SACs and any listed but WRITTEN Borough, will make a positive improvement to both the local and off-shore provides for the protection of endangered species of animals and plants undesignated Ramsar sites should be identified in UDPs. There are no STATEMENT coastal environment, and should lead to increased biodiversity and quality and for the protection and management of important habitats. The latter existing or proposed SPAs or Ramsar sites in Bridgend CB. of life, and will be favoured by the Council. are generally classed along with other sites of national geophysical, geomorphological, and geological interest, as Sites of Special Scientific 3.9.7. Policies EV18(A) and EV18(B) of the Plan seek to protect statutorily Interest (SSSIs). This is acknowledged in the UDP by Policy EV18:- designated sites of international or national importance. These policies of 3.9. BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE CONSERVATION the Plan, and future development control decisions should therefore reflect 3.9.1. Over the passage of time, truly natural environments are becoming the relative significance of the site for nature conservation, placing particular increasingly rare as mankind has adapted the landscape to supply its emphasis on the protection of internationally important sites. In this 3.9.5. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL needs, and nature has adapted to our management of the land; but much respect, the Kenfig NNR and the Merthyr Mawr proposed NNR, both of AND NATIONAL SITES OF IMPORTANCE FOR of the nation’s biodiversity is dependent on the continuation of traditional which are also SSSIs, generally constitute the Kenfig (candidate) cSAC. NATURE CONSERVATION & SCIENTIFIC INTEREST techniques of land management, which has collaborated with natural It should be emphasised that a cSAC having been identified as a site of processes to produce the rich mosaic of fauna, flora, geological and POLICY EV18 European importance by the Government and the European Union attracts topographical features which exists today. When species and habitats the same legal protection as if it had already been designated as such. are lost, the ability of our own and future generations to experience and A DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT Two further cSACs in the County Borough have also been put forward by AN EXISTING, CANDIDATE, OR PROPOSED SITE OF EUROPEAN enjoy nature is devalued, and the genetic pool of resources available for CCW to the European Commission i.e. the Blackmill Woodlands cSAC SIGNIFICANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION, GEOLOGICAL, OR natural evolution is diminished. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL INTERESTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED EXCEPT:- and the Cefn Cribwr Grasslands/Glaswelltiroedd Cefn Cribwr cSAC. These designations are shown on the Proposals Map, and represent the ‘highest 3.9.2. The protection of the physical environment and ‘biodiversity’ are 1) WHERE THEY ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH, OR NECESSARY tier’ of sites of importance for nature conservation in the County Borough. therefore central concerns of planning policy, and represent high priorities FOR, THE BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE(S); AND/OR; for consideration along with landscape conservation (see earlier) in the 2) WHERE THE SITE ALSO HOSTS A PRIORITY NATURAL HABITAT 3.9.8. Development proposals affecting those sites will be rigorously UDP. The promotion and conservation of ‘biodiversity’ i.e. ‘the variety and OR A PRIORITY SPECIES, THERE ARE OVERRIDING HUMAN examined under Policy EV18(A) and must meet its strict criteria, otherwise richness of life forms’, is therefore an essential element in delivering the HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OR BENEFITS they will not be permitted. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Council’s Local Agenda 21 Strategy, and is specifically addressed in its OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE TO THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH will usually be required by the local planning authority to determine whether approved Local Biodiversity Action Plan, each of which will continue to JUSTIFY THE DEVELOPMENT, AND THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE a proposal is likely to have an adverse effect on internationally important inform the policies of the UDP and its future Reviews. SOLUTION(S); AND/OR sites, and the comments of the CCW as the statutory advisor on nature 3) FOR SITES WHICH DO NOT HOST A PRIORITY NATURAL HABITAT conservation matters will be material to its consideration. Legislation OR A PRIORITY SPECIES, THERE ARE IMPERATIVE REASONS provides that where it appears that development would have an adverse OF OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE PROPOSAL; effect upon those sites, the Council is not able to grant planning consent for such a proposal, but must either refer it to the National Assembly for NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THE Wales, or refuse it. USE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS OR PLANNING OBLIGATIONS/ AGREEMENTS TO SECURE ANY COMPENSATORY MEASURES NECESSARY FOR PROTECTING THE FEATURES OF THE SITE WHICH HAVE CAUSED IT 3.9.9. The Natura 2000 network is the cornerstone of the EU’s nature TO BE DESIGNATED PART OF THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK. conservation policy. The Habitats Directive provides for the creation of a network of protected areas across the EU to provide for an effective system B DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT A to prevent the capture, killing, injuring, or damaging and disturbance of NATIONALLY DESIGNATED SITE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION, certain endangered species. The designation of SACs aims to maintain GEOLOGICAL, OR GEOMORPHOLOGICAL INTERESTS WILL BE or restore the extent and quality of rare habitat types, and to ensure that PERMITTED ONLY WHERE:- rare species can survive and maintain their populations and natural range 1) IT HAS BEEN CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE IS A on a long term basis. This holistic approach is also necessary to secure NATIONAL NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT WHICH OUTWEIGHS biodiversity, and to understand natural systems from a wider and more THE VALUE OF THE SITE ITSELF FOR NATURE CONSERVATION; sustainable viewpoint, thereby taking into account other scientific, AND economic, social, cultural and regional requirements. Therefore, even where 2) THE PROPOSAL SAFEGUARDS THE NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE it has been clearly demonstrated that a proposal will not adversely affect OF THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF SUCH SITES. Wetland wildlife at Pwll-y-Waun, Porthcawl a site of international significance for nature conservation, it will remain 18 the policy of the Council to secure through planning conditions and/or the Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3 appropriate planning obligations/agreements any compensatory measures 3.9.15. Where development is considered to outweigh protection of these 3.9.12. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING LOCAL OR necessary to retain the overall coherence of the nature conservation sites regionally and locally important sites, developers must demonstrate that REGIONAL SITES FOR NATURE CONSERVATION, known as Natura 2000. every attempt has been made to minimise impact on the site and/or to UNITARY OR REGIONALLY IMPORTANT GEOLOGICAL OR provide compensatory or mitigation measures for any loss of the site, its DEVELOPMENT GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SITES (RIGS) PLAN 3.9.10. The sites identified as being of national importance for nature biodiversity or its scientific interest. Proposals must also include measures conservation in Bridgend County Borough are:- POLICY EV19 for the longer term maintenance of the site (including any habitats) to ADOPTED ensure that they remain sustainable. In respect of biodiversity, the contents PLAN The Kenfig NNR and the proposed Merthyr Mawr NNR and their DEVELOPMENT IN A DESIGNATED LOCAL NATURE RESERVE (LNR), SITE of the future RBAP or LBAP will represent major considerations in constituent SSSIs; OF IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION (SINC), OR REGIONALLY determining the propriety of impact mitigation or replacement of any site IMPORTANT GEOLOGICAL/GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SITE (RIGS) SHOULD IN subject of Policy EV19. PART 2 The 10 other designated SSSIs elsewhere in the County Borough; ITS SCALE, SITING, AND DESIGN, BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE NATURE WRITTEN and CONSERVATION OR SCIENTIFIC INTEREST OF THE AREA. 3.9.16. A common approach to landscape evaluation is also important to STATEMENT A single amended, and 3 newly designated SSSIs near Cefn Cribwr. DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD BE DAMAGING TO THE NATURE the conservation of biodiversity and scientific sites. Policy EV9 sets out CONSERVATION OR SCIENTIFIC INTEREST OF THE AREA WILL NOT strict measures to control development which would adversely affect, or BE PERMITTED UNLESS THE BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH THE which would be visually intrusive upon, the natural beauty of the nationally (N.B. Some of these sites (or parts of them) are themselves now also of PROPOSAL WOULD OUTWEIGH THE HARM, AND/OR THE HARM CAN BE REDUCED OR REMOVED BY MITIGATION MEASURES. important landscape of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Policy EV10 international (European) importance for nature conservation – see above.) similarly sets out the measures to control development which may All of the sites referred to above are also shown on the Proposals Map. adversely affect, the designated ‘Special Landscape Areas’ of the County Any further sites designated by the CCW as SSSIs during the currency 3.9.13. In order that an holistic approach is taken to nature conservation Borough. The latter were designated through the former Local Plan but of the UDP will be subject to the same scrutiny under Policy EV18(B) of and/or areas of scientific interest in the County Borough a second tier of have been reassessed in the UDP. However, the South East Wales the Plan. protection is necessary to protect those sites defined in the UDP as Strategic Planning Group has agreed that it is desirable in the longer being of regional or local importance. PPW (2002) advises local planning term to move towards the adoption of a common approach to landscape 3.9.11. Development which affects a site of national importance for nature authorities to have regard to the relative significance of international, national evaluation in the sub-region.This approach will take into account the conservation, i.e. an SSSI, will be subject to special scrutiny to establish and local designations in considering the weight to be attached to nature findings of all future RBAPs and LBAPs thereby assisting in defining the any potential or indirect effects upon those sites. Where potential impacts conservation interests, but it does not recognise any regional level of nature of the landscape (including the social, economic and cultural remain unknown, a ‘precautionary approach’ will be followed by the Council importance of sites. The Strategic Guidance agreed by the SE Wales traditions which have remodelled it), its physical and visual attributes, weighted in favour of the preservation of those sites. Full regard will be Strategic Planning Group fills this potential vacuum by clearly indicating and its intrinsic importance to biodiversity and scientific interest. given to Government advice and policies relevant to a site’s status, its that whilst the weight of protection which should be given to sites of regional intrinsic value, and its value to the national network of such sites. Where or local significance should be less than that for the ‘top tier’ sites, the 3.9.17. Such a consistent definition of landscapes and sites is not possible an overriding need for a proposed development is claimed, the onus is need to maintain them as protected features must be clearly outweighed throughout SE Wales at present ‘due to the current stage of evolution of firmly placed on any potential developer and/or owner to clearly demonstrate by other material considerations to overturn the presumption in favour of plans and the lack of detailed knowledge of distributions’. In December the case for the site’s development, and why development should not be their protection, but this must be assessed on the merits of each proposal 1998, the Council agreed to participate in a consortium of local authorities located elsewhere on a site of less significance to nature conservation. and the relative importance of each site. comprising Bridgend, Caerphilly, and Rhondda-Cynon-Taff CBCs to Sensitive design in conjunction with appropriate planning conditions and/ progress such a project in their geographical areas using the LANDMAP or planning obligations/agreements will be pursued by the local planning 3.9.14. These regionally and locally important sites, which include all methodology for landscape assessment, as recommended by the authority with a view to overcoming potential adverse impacts on the designated Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Sites of Importance for Nature Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). Such a multi-purpose assessment environmental resource, and to ensure protection and enhancement of a Conservation (SINCs), and identified Regionally Important Geological or which will include the many facets of the landscape will provide a clearer site’s nature conservation interest. Where the site concerned is a NNR or Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are vital to biodiversity and the conservation a site identified under the Nature Conservation Review (NCR) or Geological of scientific interest in those areas in SE Wales, since the statutory Conservation Review (GCR), particular regard will be paid to its national designations are too few to conserve the wider biodiversity and scientific importance. In assessing such proposals the Council will show that:- resource. There are, for example, a large number of such ‘second tier’ sites which, although meeting SSSI standards, will for a variety of reasons It has fulfilled its role as a Relevant and Competent Authority as defined never be notified as such. All of these sites are addressed in the Council’s by the Conservation (Habitats & etc.) Regulations 1994; and adopted Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), which offers Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to assist in the planning and management of That the CCW has fulfilled its role in advising upon development within, those sites. Those SINCs already included in the Council’s LBAP have or affecting, internationally and nationally important wildlife sites. been validated on a scientific basis prior to their inclusion in that document, and any additional sites to be promoted will go through the same process of validation before inclusion in any future review of the LBAP. All existing and proposed LNRs and RIGS are shown on the Proposals Map of the UDP; however, in the interests of clarity, and in view of their number and variety in terms of scale, SINCs are excluded from the Proposals Map. Full details of the latter are already included in the Council’s LBAP as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the UDP. Broad-leaved woodland setting at Merthyr Mawr 19 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
future context for the preparation of UDPs, assessment of the biodiversity adjacent nature conservation resource(s). Every opportunity should also Obligations. Such features of importance will vary from site to site, and and scientific interest of the landscape, and the preparation of the Council’s be taken to record important biodiversity features within a site prior to from one part of the County Borough to another, however, the following are UNITARY future Coastal Zone Management Plan and intended Landscape Strategy, their displacement and ongoing management, or in the worst case recognised as being of general significance as potential wildlife corridors:- DEVELOPMENT together with the review of its existing Countryside Strategy and Integrated scenarios, before such features may be permanently lost. The latter PLAN Action Programme. situation will, however, be avoided wherever possible by the Council requiring hedgerows, ditches and banks, stone dykes/walls, linear tree belts/ ADOPTED any appropriate mitigation and compensatory measures in order to secure shelter belts, larger semi-natural or ancient woodlands, plantations, PLAN 3.9.18. In the meantime, it is also necessary for the UDP to consider the the future biodiversity of those sites. These will be secured, wherever estates and parklands, heathlands and moorlands, green lanes/drovers biodiversity of the County Borough which makes such a vital contribution appropriate, by means of planning conditions and/or planning obligations/ tracks, river corridors (and banks), lakes, reservoirs and ponds, and to its landscape from an aspatial viewpoint. Species are dependent on agreements with developers. In all respects, the main aim should be to other locally important habitat mosaics. PART 2 their local or migratory habitats, and as local planning authorities should reverse any previous fragmentation and to prevent any further isolation of WRITTEN not refuse planning permission if development can be subject to conditions key species and habitats, thereby maintaining and enhancing ecological STATEMENT that will prevent damaging impacts on wildlife habitats or important physical networks in the County Borough. Further clarification of this aim is contained 3.9.23. Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and features, or if material considerations are sufficient to override nature in Paragraph 37 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c) Regulations Part III of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations (1994) give conservation considerations, other Policies are needed in this Plan not 1994. special protection to a wide range of animals and plants and introduces only to discriminate between development proposals which protect habitats penalties for disturbing their habitats. The protection of these species is from those which destroy them, but also to encourage wildlife corridors 3.9.21. All authorities in SE Wales are pursuing the development of not confined to designated areas, but rather, must be taken into account and networks, and to protect protected species. Therefore:- LBAPs, sometimes within co-ordinated frameworks within the sub-region. wherever a planning application may affect those species and their habitats. Work on those Plans has already demonstrated the importance of wildlife The species protected by the above legislation are listed in CCW’S Species corridors (especially river banks) and networks of a very large number of Conservation Handbook GEN1 (Apps 3 and 4) and GEN4. 3.9.19. THE GENERAL PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY features which are essential to the success of fauna and flora, but as POLICY EV20 noted in the Strategic Planning Guidance for SE Wales, these cannot be 3.9.24. The protection afforded by the relevant statutory species protection designated as protected sites for some time. However, in the meantime, provisions referred to above not only applies to proposals for new PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT WILL BE it has been agreed that local authorities should work towards this approach. development, but will also apply to conversions of existing buildings in REQUIRED TO:- towns, the countryside, and those on the edge of settlements. Therefore, 1 RETAIN WHEREVER POSSIBLE AND/OR TRANSLOCATE OR REPLACE 3.9.22. The protection and enhancement of wildlife corridors and networks all applicants for planning permission must conform with those provisions, WHERE APPROPRIATE EXISTING WOODLAND, TREES, HEDGEROWS, is considered to be essential to secure the longer term protection of and consultation with the CCW will ensure that proper consideration is WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES, PONDS, GREEN LANES, GEOLOGICAL biodiversity in the County Borough. Development proposals must therefore given to them. Similarly, all transportation and utility service developments FEATURES AND OTHER NATURAL FEATURES OR HABITATS OF take into account, and should not adversely affect, the integrity or continuity e.g. the construction of underpasses, or the removal of old bridges and NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST, AND SAFEGUARD THEM DURING of existing landscape features, landforms and habitats of importance to small culverts/drains, which may provide valuable nesting sites to small ANY DEVELOPMENT WORKS; local fauna and flora. The Council will therefore expect potential developers mammals (including bats), birdlife, and wild plants, must also consider 2 CONSERVE THOSE HABITATS LISTED IN (1) ABOVE OR, WHERE to provide for the necessary ongoing conservation/management of wildlife these matters. The provision of nesting boxes for barn owls or roosts for NECESSARY, PROVIDE FOR MITIGATION OR COMPENSATORY corridors in their development proposals, and, as a last resort, provide for bats, for example, in barn conversions can conserve these species at MEASURES IN ORDER TO SECURE BIODIVERSITY, IN ACCORDANCE the local replacement of those features which support and provide corridors their existing habitats with a minimal additional cost upon the design of WITH ANY APPROPRIATE PLANNING CONDITIONS/OBLIGATIONS for wildlife. It would prefer to secure any appropriate conservation/ such developments. REGARDING THEIR FUTURE MANAGEMENT; management measures through negotiation, however, where necessary, 3 INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE NATIVE VEGETATION IN ANY they will be assured through the imposition of appropriate conditions on 3.9.25. Woodland, individual and small groups of trees, and hedgerows LANDSCAPING OR PLANTING SCHEME, EXCEPT WHERE SPECIAL planning consents, or by the conclusion of suitable Planning Agreements/ are an integral facet of biodiversity, and as such, make a particularly REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OF THEIR PURPOSE OR LOCATION DICTATE beneficial contribution to the natural and built environment. Areas of OTHERWISE; woodland can similarly be a significant feature in the landscape, provide 4 MAXIMISE THE POSSIBLE AREA OF PERMEABLE GROUND SURFACE Coniferous and deciduous woodland - The Ogmore Valley opportunities for local nature conservation, and may lessen the impact of TO ASSIST PROPER SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE, WHILST air pollution and thereby assist in redressing the process of global warming SUPPORTING THE PLANTING OR REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING and climate change. It is important, therefore, that development or other HABITATS; AND activities which may be detrimental to trees and nature conservation should be minimised, and for planned management of the County Borough’s 5 AVOID OR OVERCOME HARM TO ANY ADJACENT NATURE CONSERVATION RESOURCE, AND/OR SPECIES OF WILDLIFE WHICH woodland and forestry resources to be encouraged. It is also important MAY BE EITHER RESIDENT IN-SITU OR WHICH CAN BE that the general public are able to enjoy the amenity and educational DEMONSTRATED TO HAVE FREQUENTED HABITATS WITHIN THE SITE opportunities which trees and hedgerows can provide in the context of the ON A MIGRATORY BASIS. urban and rural environment, but in a manner which will not adversely affect either the resource, or its surroundings. To this end, controlled access to, and the implementation of, countryside management projects 3.9.20. It is essential that a balance is achieved between the need for are often necessary or expedient in order to protect the environment. development and the need to protect existing habitats and species which Therefore:- contribute to the general biodiversity of the County Borough. It is the aim of Policy EV20 to achieve that balance between the location, design, and 20 layout of development or redevelopment, and the need to conserve that site’s biodiversity, whilst also taking into account the interests of any Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.9.33. The Council supports such a strategic approach by the above 3.9.26. THE PROTECTION/MAINTENANCE OF Land reclamation scheme - Garw Valley bodies, as it lends itself to be integrated in holistic terms with its own BROAD-LEAVED TREES ETC. proposed Landscape Strategy. UNITARY POLICY EV21 DEVELOPMENT PLAN 3.9.34. There may also be instances where although trees may be present DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH INCORPORATE MEASURES FOR which merit protection on amenity grounds, it may not be expedient to ADOPTED THE PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE BROAD-LEAVED protect them by TPOs, for example, where such trees are under good PLAN TREES, WOODLANDS, HEDGEROWS, AND/OR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE arboricultural management, or where there is little risk of them being felled SPECIES WILL BE FAVOURED, EXCEPT WHERE THESE WOULD RESULT or lopped etc. IN UNACCEPTABLE CONFLICT WITH THE INTERESTS OF NATURE PART 2 CONSERVATION. WRITTEN 3.9.35. AFFORESTATION PROPOSALS STATEMENT 3.9.27. Native broad-leaved woodland and hedgerows are significant POLICY EV22 elements of the landscape of the County Borough, and provide valuable habitats and routeways to wildlife. Ancient, semi-natural woodlands, as DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH INCORPORATE NEW, OR defined in the Glamorgan Inventory of Ancient Woodland - produced by REPLACEMENT AFFORESTATION, AND WHICH MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE the former Nature Conservancy Council (now CCW) in 1986, are of THE ENVIRONMENT BY:- particular importance to biodiversity. It is also important that trees which 1 PROTECTING HIGH QUALITY AGRICULTURAL LAND, IMPORTANT make an important contribution to the landscape (whether these are trees, without the consent of the local planning authority. The terms tree LANDSCAPE FEATURES, SITES OF IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY, individual specimens, groups or areas, or more substantial woodland) or woodland are not defined in the Act, nor does it limit the application of AND FEATURES OF THE BUILT AND HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT; continue to be protected by tree preservation orders for their amenity TPOs to trees of a minimum size, but for the purposes of the Act the High 2 ENCOURAGING LOCAL RECREATIONAL USES, AMENITY AND RIGHTS value in urban and rural areas, and that important trees on development Court has held that a tree is anything which ordinarily one would call a OF WAY; AND sites and within existing amenity areas are protected. tree. A TPO cannot therefore be made on bushes, shrubs or hedges, although it may be made to protect trees in hedges or an old hedge which 3 IMPROVING WATER QUALITY, AND REDUCING THE SURFACE WATER 3.9.28. It is therefore important that broad-leaved native trees or hedgerows has become a line of trees. The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 which protect RUN-OFF OF ACID RAINFALL, FOR EXAMPLE, BY THE REPLACEMENT are replaced when lost, to preserve their contribution to amenity and specifically hedges came into force in June 1997. OF CONIFER PLANTATIONS WITH BROAD-LEAVED WOODLAND; biodiversity, especially where those species are interdependent on their WILL BE FAVOURED. habitats. The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994, and 3.9.31. A local planning authority may make a TPO where it considers Hedgerow Regulations 1997 support this approach, and particularly that it is expedient to do so in the interests of amenity. Welsh Planning recognise the value of small woods and traditional field boundaries such Guidance on the scope of TPOs and how they should be applied is as hedges, for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild contained in TAN 10 - Tree Preservation Orders (October 1997). The 3.9.36. Afforestation can offer a number of benefits such as recreational species. The National Assembly for Wales has produced a strategy Council will also have regard from time to time to advice on trees issued opportunities, reduction of timber imports, job creation, site (including document entitled Woodland Strategy for Wales which seeks to ensure by the Arboricultural Association. Further advice on the effect which slope) stabilisation, landscape improvements and improve the water that the future for Welsh woodland is sustainable. Policy EV21, and the development proposals may have on trees and hedgerows, and with respect environment. In addition, increased tree planting has been recognised as ensuing Policy EV22 will each contribute towards achieving the overall to tree planting on development sites, is published by the Council in its having a potentially beneficial impact for the reduction of greenhouse gases aims of the NAfW’s woodlands strategy. Supplementary Planning Guidance - Trees and Development which should (especially Carbon Dioxide). Whereas management practices have be fully taken into account by developers when submitting planning improved since the 1980’s, unrestricted commercial forestry has the 3.9.29. Policies EV20 and EV21 are intended to provide a general context applications. Trees in Conservation Areas are subject to similar controls potential to change the character of the landscape, and can have an for the retention of trees and hedgerows in developments. However, ‘ancient as trees to which a TPO applies, and guidance on this will similarly be adverse impact on agriculture and biodiversity. semi-natural woodland’, which has existed since before 1600, is an found in TAN 10 (para 13 refers). irreplaceable asset to local biodiversity in the County Borough, as it 3.9.37. Forest owners and managers, e.g. Forestry Commission - Wales, contains unique habitats and species which take centuries to become 3.9.32. There are extensive tracts of land (including forestry) within the are encouraged to take a longer term, more strategic view of the fully established. The planting of a greater number of trees may, under County Borough which are within the control of the Duchy of Lancaster management of woodlands. The Council, as a statutory consultee on the certain circumstances, be an adequate replacement in mitigation for the (i.e. constitute Crown Land) and/or where the Forestry Commission Wales Commisions’s Forest Designs Plans, fully endorses that policy. Forestry loss of some trees and hedgerows due to development. The1990 Act has an interest. A TPO may be applied to protect trees on Crown Land is essentially a long term industry, and as such, strategic policies are places a duty on local planning authorities to make adequate provision only with the consent of the appropriate authority - in this case the Duchy, required in order that afforestation proposals can be assessed in terms of where appropriate for the preservation/planting of trees when granting however, there is a provision in the Act to make an Order in anticipation of whether they maintain and/or enhance other important countryside planning permission by imposing conditions and/or making Tree such land being transferred to a private interest. Similarly, there are features. In this respect, the guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission Preservation Orders (TPOs). It is not reasonable, however, to use limitations to the making of TPOs on land in which the Forestry Commission provide an important means of examining the extent to which those conditions to secure long term protection when TPOs can be used. A Wales ‘has an interest’. If the Commission has made a grant in respect proposals can be integrated with their surroundings, or conversely, where TPO can also be used to protect and secure the replacement of trees of the land, it must give its consent before a TPO can be made. However, large scale felling may be controlled with a view to mitigating landscape which are to be planted to fulfil conditions. both the Duchy and the Commission have strategies for sustainable devaluation, soil erosion and/or the loss of habitats important to biodiversity development, and therefore promote long term commitments for the in the County Borough. 3.9.30. The principal effect of a TPO is to prohibit the cutting down, creation, development and management of forests as a renewable uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of a tree or resource. 21 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.9.38. It is similarly desirable that Plans for existing or former conifer 3.10.5. The Council’s approved Countryside Strategy and Integrated Action 3.10.8. Land reclamation is recognised as a key step in the regeneration plantations and new afforestation proposals incorporate an increase in Programme offers further Supplementary Planning Guidance on such process of an area. Welsh Planning Policy Guidance advises that derelict UNITARY broad-leaved tree species, as opposed to shorter term timber crops, as projects, co-ordinates proposed management actions for statutory and and waste land should be restored and, where possible, brought back DEVELOPMENT well as managed recreation schemes in forest areas. There are also non-statutory sites of importance to nature conservation, and supports into beneficial use. In this respect, preference will be given to the PLAN opportunities to provide for biomass cultivation as a source of renewable local area-based schemes e.g. woodland projects, agri-environmental development of derelict and waste land, as opposed to the development ADOPTED energy, and for the planting and management of coppices which schemes and other recreational-based initiatives. Integrated management of greenfield sites. PLAN encourages biodiversity, and maintains a local cultural and historic tradition. initiatives should extend into towns and villages thereby connecting the All of the above practices and the need for co-ordinated management of urban dweller with the countryside, and mitigating the impact of settlements 3.10.9. LAND RECLAMATION AND Wales’ forestry resource are also addressed in the NAW’s strategy on their adjacent countryside. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PART 2 document - Woodland Strategy for Wales. WRITTEN 3.10.6. Public awareness and interest in their environment has grown POLICY EV24 STATEMENT considerably in recent years. Whilst a great deal has been done by the 3.10. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, LAND public and private sectors to achieve environmental improvements, for PROPOSALS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND AND RECLAMATION, DERELICT AND CONTAMINATED LAND example, the reclamation of former colliery sites, tips and workings, some ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS WHICH PREVENT FURTHER, OR REVERSION TO, DERELICTION WILL BE FAVOURED. 3.10.1. It has often been stated that a key challenge to sustainability is areas of dereliction remain. Smaller areas of underused and unsightly Environmental Quality which implies a degree of ‘eco-innovation’. For land also exist in the County Borough, and the Council remains fully towns and villages of the County Borough, this implies the benefits which committed to its remediation (including, where necessary decontamination) could be gained by promoting mixed-use neighbourhoods which have several to provide redevelopment opportunities or the creation of new amenities. 3.10.10. The WDA funds private and public sector land reclamation social and environmental advantages, especially: closer linkages between Similarly, the design and form of new development, or redevelopment, schemes. Private schemes are assessed on their individual merits. Local jobs and homes, more use of public transport, walking and cycling, lower schemes must be carefully considered through design or development Authorities submit a list of schemes to the WDA for approved funding levels of car ownership and use, and more support for local retailers as briefs for major sites (see later). about every 2 years. The Agency prepares a rolling programme for opposed to out-of-town centres. Essentially, the promotion of sustainable sponsored land reclamation schemes which will now be subject to the scrutiny of the National Assembly. Their programmes take account of the neighbourhoods within towns and villages is about local empowerment Reclamation of derelict land - Ogmore Valley i.e. local people achieving local solutions to local problems and thereby resources expected to be available, and of the funds already committed improving the quality of their local environment and attaining a better quality over the programme periods. Initial bids to the WDA include a description of life. of the land concerned, the reasons for reclamation, proposals for land acquisition, preliminary cost estimates and proposed after-uses for the 3.10.2. In the countryside of the County Borough, similar benefits can be schemes as well as the authority’s views regarding their priority. gained through sensitive measures for countryside management, farm education, environmental improvements, the removal of fly-tipping and 3.10.11. The WDA sets out its general policies for landscape issues and other results of vandalism and pollution, whilst realising the recreational for the implementation of area landscape strategies and improvement opportunities through walking, riding and cycling and the enjoyment of schemes in its document: Landscapes Working for Wales. Its more local the natural environment. strategy for environmental improvements is detailed in Landscapes Working for Bridgend County Borough which was commissioned in partnership with the former Ogwr BC. The strategy advocates an Action 3.10.3. COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT AND Programme of 53 prioritised landscape schemes which can be implemented URBAN ENHANCEMENT primarily by the Council, but also by other agencies. POLICY EV23 3.10.12. It is the WDA’s objective to complete the ‘environmental DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDE COUNTRYSIDE renaissance’ of the South Wales Valleys through initiatives such as MANAGEMENT AND URBAN ENHANCEMENT, AND ENCOURAGE RURAL Greening the Valleys, and to stimulate economic development in the OR URBAN RECREATION INITIATIVES, WILL BE FAVOURED. 3.10.7. The quality of the environment is considered to be an essential Coastal Development Area of South Wales, as ‘Priority Investment Areas’; element in enhancing the attractiveness of the County Borough and to whereas the area astride the M4 and Inter City Rail Corridor through the provide for increased quality of life for its residents. Environmental centre of the County Borough forms part of a ‘Principal Gateway and 3.10.4. Although the Council does not itself have significant resources to enhancement or improvement schemes, which will often involve some Corridor’ into Wales, which qualifies it as being a ‘Secondary Investment undertake a large number of projects of the nature described above, it degree of clearance, landscaping, paving, seating tree planting etc. Area’. seeks to encourage landowners, and other statutory and voluntary agencies improves the appearance of sites and raises the visual amenity of in the formulation and implementation of appropriate proposals within the neighbourhoods. For example, the Council supports the Greening the County Borough. The involvement of the wider community in the Valleys partnership with the Welsh Development Agency, Countryside development and management of such projects, especially in those urban Council for Wales, Environment Agency - Wales and others, which aims and rural areas which display characteristics of social deprivation, can to improve the landscape of the valleys. As far as resources permit, the forcibly reverse decline, reduce social exclusion, and lead to improvements Council also undertakes schemes on land within its ownership and, where in the environmental quality of life thereby contributing to sustainable appropriate, on other land. Wherever possible, it will continue to explore development. the available avenues for resources to fund such projects especially in 22 conjunction with the private sector. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.10.13. RECLAMATION OF DERELICT AND OTHER LAND social or economic impacts of the proposed development on the 3.10.22. It is a function of the planning system to guide development in community, to be agreed with the local planning authority. The land use order to lessen the risks from natural or man-made hazards - which includes POLICY EV25 issues to be addressed should always include the effective design of the risks from contaminated land. The aim is not to prevent the development UNITARY land-form, landscape, and location of facilities. of such land, though this may be the only appropriate course to take in DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSALS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF AREAS OF LAND WHICH ARE some instances, but rather to ensure that the development is suitable, OF MAJOR, OR STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE BY VIRTUE OF THEIR 3.10.18. Contaminated Land is defined as:- and that the physical constraints on the land are taken fully into account SIZE, LOCATION, AND VARIETY OF LAND USES, AND/OR FOR THEIR ADOPTED at every stage of the planning process. In this respect, proposals for the IMPACT FOR REGENERATION ON THE SURROUNDING AREA, WHICH PLAN ADDRESS THROUGH DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS AND/OR APPROPRIATE .....land appearing to a local planning authority to be in such a condition prospective development of contaminated land do not differ from those PLANNING OBLIGATIONS/AGREEMENTS THE FAIR AND REASONABLE by reason of substances in, on or under land, that harm is or is likely to which are known to be affected by ‘unstable land’. In either case the DIRECT AND INDIRECT INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE SITE be caused to living things, or to property. responsibility for determining the extent and effects of risk remains with PART 2 AS WELL AS MITIGATING ANY ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL OR the developer. It is for the developer to ensure that the land is suitable for WRITTEN ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON THE COMMUNITY, WILL BE FAVOURED. 3.10.19. In November 1994, the Government published its White Paper - the development proposed as the local planning authority does not have a STATEMENT Framework for Contaminated Land, the outcome of its Policy Review and duty of care to landowners. 3.10.14. The Council supports the WDA in its initiative to ‘add value’ to Conclusions from the Consultation Paper Paying for Our Past. This refers its successful land reclamation programme through further environmental to its commitment to sustainable development, and to the principle that 3.10.23. The nature of the development must also be an important investment. Notwithstanding this, it also recognises that many ‘derelict the polluter pays, and the suitable for use approach to the control and consideration in determining the proposal, as even after remedial measures, sites’ - notably coal shale tips and mine working areas - have become treatment of existing contamination. It supports sustainable development the land in question may only be suitable for ‘soft’ uses such as suitable naturally revegetated over time and are often attractive landscape features both by reducing the damage from past activities, and by permitting afforestation, amenity and recreation uses, and for the support of in their own right, and may host significant biodiversity. Similarly, some contaminated land to be kept in, or returned to, beneficial use wherever biodiversity. former reclamation schemes may no longer measure up to current possible, thereby minimising pressures for development to take place on landscape expectations and will require a review to ensure certain habitats greenfield sites. The approach requires remedial action only where:- 3.10.24. Contaminated, or potentially contaminated land may be present and visual amenity. There is now a need to integrate reclamation activities on derelict land needing reclamation or on land to be developed elsewhere. with other environmental concerns including the conservation of industrial The contamination poses unacceptable actual or potential risks to However where it co-exists with identified derelict land, grants for its archaeology and sites of interest for their biodiversity. The latter should health or the environment; and treatment may be available. In such a case, it can also be expected to be achieved through the submission and approval of Site Development There are appropriate and cost-effective means available to do so, receive priority for reclamation on grounds of safety in accord with Briefs, and the conclusion of any appropriate Planning Obligations/ taking into account the actual or intended use of the site. Government guidance. However, where the land is not designated as being Agreements to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. ‘derelict’, the present situation relies on the fact that the Council knows, 3.10.20. This applies equally to the treatment of development sites through or suspects, it to be contaminated, or the potential developer discloses 3.10.15. Each Site Development Brief shall include detailed land use the planning control system and to the regulatory activities of the that the land is so affected. On land which is currently, or which has policies for the land reclamation site and will be treated as Supplementary Environment Agency - Wales (EAW) and its predecessors, and to unitary recently become contaminated, the assessment of risk and its remediation Planning Guidance (SPG) to Policy EV25 of the Plan after it has been authorities in Wales. Past contamination is therefore a material may be relatively straightforward, however in the converse situation, where approved by the Council. consideration for local planning authorities throughout the planning process, there is potentially older sources of contamination, the risks may be more and it may also affect the physical integrity of buildings and services in difficult to establish, and consequently the solutions which may be required 3.10.16. The aftercare requirements of schemes can often pose major the exercise of their duties under the Building Regulations 1991. The role may entail more extensive study and expertise for the site’s remediation. problems. This is partly due to the increasing number of schemes where of the local planning authority with respect to contaminated land is therefore The advice of the Environment Agency - Wales should always be sought a high proportion of the reclaimed land is proposed for amenity or to complement, rather than to duplicate, the statutory roles of other on the type of treatment required for the land because of its particular agricultural and forestry after-use. Once treatment has been completed, authorities e.g. the EAW, or the Council’s other non-planning functions. responsibilities for protection of groundwater and its other responsibilities it is customary for local authorities to dispose of the land as soon as for pollution control. possible. However, certain land must be retained in public ownership as a 3.10.21. DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAMINATED LAND result of its designated after-use; for example, public open space. Also, 3.10.25. The Council realises that contaminated land can be a valuable where agricultural or forestry uses are proposed, before disposal can occur, POLICY EV26 resource, but also that its presence could devalue surrounding property the local planning authority must be satisfied that the prospective landowner and land. Its appropriate restoration can therefore help to improve the has the capability and resources to maintain the site to an adequate PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE environmental conditions and quality of an area, attract new investment, standard. ‘CONTAMINATED’ WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE THE DEVELOPER:- and can often provide a viable alternative (after its due remediation) to the development of greenfield sites. 1 CARRIES OUT, AND SUBMITS A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE 3.10.17. Therefore, concerning land which will have to remain in public CONDITION OF THE SITE IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS SURROUNDING ownership, there is a need for the Council to monitor conditions and to LAND TO INCLUDE, AND FULLY IDENTIFY, THE NATURE AND EXTENT take appropriate action to ensure that reversion to dereliction does not OF THE CONTAMINATION PRESENT, AND WHERE IT CAN BE occur. The most effective means to achieve this is through after-care ASCERTAINED, THE PERIOD OVER WHICH CONTAMINATION OCCURRED; management proposals, which should preferably be included from the 2 PROPOSES A PROGRAMME OF WORKS TO TREAT AND/OR REMOVE outset in the Site Development Brief. Appropriate planning conditions will THE CONTAMINATION PRESENT IN A MANNER WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE therefore be attached to consents for development in accordance with the TO THE RELEVANT REGULATORY BODIES; AND provisions of the pre-approved Site Development Briefs and, where necessary, any additional requisite Planning Obligations/Agreements 3 ENSURES THAT THE AFTER-USES, PHYSIQUE AND SETTING OF THE which will address the fair and reasonable direct and indirect infrastructure REMEDIATED SITE WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH ITS LOCAL ENVIRONMENT. 23 requirements of the site as well as mitigating any adverse environmental, Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.11. NOISE, LIGHT POLLUTION, AND AIR The layout and design of the proposal; for artificial lighting of certain facilities in the countryside, especially during QUALITY MANAGEMENT The situation and nature of proposed noise barriers; evening hours, for example for existing recreational facilities and other UNITARY 3.11.1. It is increasingly recognised that noise is a form of environmental rural leisure pursuits. DEVELOPMENT Noise insulation of proposed buildings; PLAN pollution and, as such, can affect health, and have a direct impact on local amenity. Noise is a statutory nuisance under the Noise and Statutory Noise suppression measures from plant or machinery; and 3.11.8. Planning policies must seek to balance the different demands for ADOPTED Nuisance Act 1993, and Environmental Protection Act 1990, and measures Operational requirements (e.g. hours of operation). illumination after dark, with the need to preserve an evening or nightime PLAN for its control are also contained in the Control of Pollution Act 1974, viewing environment which is important to scientific and educational Noise at Work Regulations 1989, Building Regulations, and most recently interests, but also to reconcile these demands with the energy efficiency 3.11.5. Sites of statutory importance to nature conservation, the Glamorgan in the Noise Act 1996. Most of these measures are concerned with noise aims of sustainable development and the wider public interest. Therefore:- PART 2 Heritage Coast, and their settings, which are particularly susceptible to PART 2 being emitted from existing sources, however the planning system aims noise, will receive special consideration; whereas the effect of noise on WRITTEN to deal with noise generation from the outset by minimising its impact 3.11.9. EXTERNAL LIGHTING OF NEW DEVELOPMENT the enjoyment of other areas of the landscape, its biodiversity and historic STATEMENT through the design and location of development. features, will also be given appropriate consideration in planning POLICY EV29 applications. 3.11.2. REDUCTION OF NOISE EXTERNAL LIGHTING OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY 3.11.6. Another matter which is of increasing environmental concern, WHERE THE DEVELOPER HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT:- POLICY EV27 especially from scientific and educational bodies e.g. the British 1 IT IS AN ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT; Astronomical Association (BAA), schools and colleges, is the problem of DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO GENERATE Light Pollution. Artificial light can pollute the night sky in two ways. 2 THE PROPOSED SCHEME OF LIGHTING IS THE MINIMUM NEEDED TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF NOISE, OR WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE SERVE ITS APPROVED PURPOSE; EXPOSURE OF A NOISE-SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT TO AN EXISTING Most of the problem, is caused by wasteful upward light being emitted SOURCE OF NOISE, SHALL:- from sodium lamps etc. which could be far more efficiently directed 3 LIGHT SPILLAGE WILL BE MINIMISED THROUGH THE USE OF LIGHTING downward and horizontally through shielding, whereas the remainder is OF APPROPRIATE DESIGN AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS ; 1 BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE AND INDEPENDENT NOISE caused by the reflection of that light from roads, pavements and buildings. IMPACT ASSESSMENTS UPON EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSED 4 IT WILL NOT COMPROMISE PEDESTRIAN/HIGHWAY SAFETY THROUGH DEVELOPMENT; AND DAZZLING EFFECTS OR DISTRACTION TO PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS 3.11.7. Such a waste of energy, particularly by out-of-date or poorly OR DRIVERS USING FOOTPATHS, CYCLEPATHS OR ROADS; 2 INDICATE THE MEASURES WHICH ARE PROPOSED TO MITIGATE THE designed street lighting, is not sustainable. The problem of light pollution IMPACT OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED NOISE GENERATION. is also exacerbated by glare and overlighting (which can militate against, 5 THE LOCATION, DIRECTION, AND HOURS OF ILLUMINATION WILL BE APPROPRIATELY CONTROLLED IF THE PROPOSAL IS TO BE SITED rather than in favour of, pedestrian and highway safety), by all-night shop WITHIN, OR NEAR TO, EXISTING OR PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL advertising and display lighting, building illumination, upward floodlighting PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPMENT; 3.11.3. UNACCEPTABLE NOISE and by personal domestic and industrial security lights. Clearly, there are other important issues to be considered which are particularly important 6 THERE WILL BE NO UNACCEPTABLE EFFECTS ON THE VISUAL POLICY EV28 within urban areas, such as lighting to reduce crime and assure public CHARACTER OF EITHER THE URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH - THIS WILL BE OF PARTICULAR safety, floodlighting of sports stadia, historic and other public buildings for SIGNIFICANCE TO THE ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSALS IN THOSE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH EVEN AFTER MITIGATION reasons of civic pride or as tourist attractions, the popular trend towards MEASURES ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, WOULD STILL HAVE AN AREAS WHICH CURRENTLY ENJOY ‘DARK SKIES’, WHICH WILL all-night shopping and ‘night-life’, and the legitimate rights and preferences BE CONSERVED WHEREVER POSSIBLE; UNACCEPTABLY NOISY IMPACT, OR WHICH WOULD, THEMSELVES, of individuals and commercial considerations e.g. all-night signage of SUFFER FROM UNACCEPTABLE EXPOSURE TO NOISE, WILL NOT BE THERE WILL BE NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON SITES OR SPECIES OF facilities - such as petrol filling stations. There can also be expectations 7 PERMITTED. ACKNOWLEDGED IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION; AND
8 IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, AND AT THE EDGE OF SETTLEMENTS, Night Scene in Bridgend Town Centre SUITABLE LANDSCAPING MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO SCREEN 3.11.4. Noise can be a material consideration in the determination of a LIGHTING FROM NEIGHBOURING AREAS, DWELLINGS AND planning application for development; for example, proposals may be AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS. submitted at a location near to an existing source of noise, alternatively, new development proposals may generate noise. In either event, the Council will carefully scrutinise such proposals, and it will expect those applications 3.11.10. The Council acknowledges that external lighting can often provide to be accompanied by sufficiently detailed independent Noise Impact benefits to residents of the County Borough e.g. for improving the security Assessments etc. in order that expected levels of noise generation affecting of their homes provided the exercise of their permitted development rights noise sensitive developments can be properly assessed and do not exceed does not create a nuisance to others; in the event of the latter, that is a acceptable limits. Proposals must therefore be accompanied by full details matter for resolution through the appropriate public protection channels. of the measures which are intended to mitigate the impact of existing and The purpose of Policy EV29 is to address the problem of light pollution at proposed noise generation, for example:- a more general level. The promotion of security lighting, and adequate illumination of nightime commercial and leisure enterprises are beneficial to the community, particularly, but not exclusively in urban areas where most of those facilities are located. However, excessive, poorly designed and inappropriately located lighting can have many adverse effects including 24 safety implications for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and it can degrade daytime and nightime views. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.11.11. Light spillage can also impinge into people’s homes infringing 3.11.16. The Council is committed to monitoring and improving future air 3.12.2. The County Borough contains many rich and varied examples of their privacy and ability to sleep, degrade quality of life and have adverse quality in the County Borough in accordance with its statutory duties. In man’s built heritage ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. impacts on domestic and farm animals and sites and species which are accordance with its environmental protection powers it will be considering Iron Age hill forts, Norman castles, Tudor Great Houses, estate villages, UNITARY of acknowledged importance for nature conservation. Unnecessary the need for future Air Quality Management Areas and Action Plans, which industrial heritage and Victorian or Edwardian buildings of distinction, DEVELOPMENT PLAN illumination of facilities in rural areas can be particularly intrusive visually will not only inform the location of new development in the future review of enhance local character throughout the County Borough, and should be as it can affect the area’s scenic characteristics and impede night viewing the UDP, but will clarify any ongoing need for further environmental protected and enhanced in the public interest. This built heritage ADOPTED by those with scientific and educational interests in astronomy etc. for measures in the proximity of existing development and roads. In the encompasses ancient monuments, listed and other historic buildings, PLAN which ‘dark skies’ are essential. The Council will seek to resolve or mitigate meantime, it will continue to assess development proposals taking account conservation areas, and historic parks, gardens and landscapes. Welsh such problems through the implementation of Policy EV29. of local air quality as a material consideration, and will temper its decisions planning guidance advises that it should be protected, and local authorities by acting in accordance with the ‘precautionary principle’. should maintain and strengthen their crucial role in securing its PART 2 3.11.12. The land use planning system also has an integral role to play in conservation. Therefore the following Sections of the Plan contain Policies WRITTEN improving Local Air Quality, thereby contributing positively towards its 3.11.17. The Council similarly aims to reduce air pollution from road which:- STATEMENT management. All local planning authorities in Wales are expected to have traffic sources through its integrated approach to land use planning and regard to national air quality planning objectives when preparing their UDPs, transportation. Further road traffic reduction should be achieved through Control demolition, alteration, and extension of listed buildings; and as the strategic framework for planning decisions they should refer to its transportation policies to be advocated in its Local Transport Plan and Establish criteria for the management and enhancement of any Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) action plans. Equally, those the provisions of its Safe Routes to Schools Strategies, and through conservation areas, including boundary review and control of new plans should be developed having had regard to existing land uses, and local major employers’ Green Transport Plans. In these respects, the development; the policies and proposals contained in the UDP. Council’s Environmental and Sustainable Development (LA21) Policy, approved in 1997, which aims to manage and improve its environmental Address re-use of historic buildings which may assist in the 3.11.13. The relevant Guidance encourages the development of land in performance by building consideration for environmental issues into all of regeneration of run-down areas; urban areas, particularly on brownfield sites, provided that a good living its practices, policies, programmes and services, states that the Council:- Control development which may affect the archaeological resource; environment is created or maintained. Similarly, it stipulates that where and there are significant risks of damage to the environment, the Government .....will make every effort to minimise and avoid the release of pollutants Control development which may affect historic landscapes, parks and and its Agencies will take precautionary action to limit the use of potentially that may cause environmental damage to air, land or water. gardens. dangerous pollutants, even where scientific knowledge is not conclusive, if the balance of likely costs and benefits justifies it. It is also acknowledged 3.11.18. A suitable indicator to monitor the above LA21 policy would be that if there are significant risks of environmental damage they will act on air quality, and such monitoring should take into account future decisions 3.12.3. It is the function of the UDP to show how detailed assessment the basis of the precautionary principle. on planning applications within the context of Policy EV30. Also, the up- documents and statements of proposals for individual conservation areas to-date NAW/DETR joint guidance on Air Quality and Land Use Planning i.e. Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) relate to its Policies, and 3.11.14. That same Guidance is clear to stipulate, however, that local (para. 21 refers) states that ‘…..Whether or not planning permission is what weight will be given by the Council to that SPG in future planning planning authorities should operate on the basis that the relevant control required, local authorities and the Environment Agency must take into decisions. In this respect, conservation of the built heritage is expected regimes (against pollution) will be properly applied and enforced by other account the proposal’s effect on the local environment.’ Policy EV30 to fulfil a key, sustainable, role in achieving the Council’s policies for agencies. Rather the planning interest should focus on any potential for seeks to implement this advice directly and unambiguously, and the Council economic and environmental regeneration. In order to address these pollution, but only to the extent that it may affect the current and future will monitor its impact, especially with respect to changes in air quality issues in an holistic way, the Council will publish for full consultation etc., uses of the land. Therefore:- through new development and traffic generation, in its Air Quality and in due course approve, a Built Heritage Strategy which will form Management Reviews/Plan. Any necessary changes to the Policy which comprehensive SPG for the conservation, interpretation and management may arise through that monitoring process will inform the review of the 3.11.15. AIR QUALITY of the County Borough’s built heritage. UDP. POLICY EV30
Maesteg Town Hall PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE LIKELY TO EMIT 3.12. THE BUILT HERITAGE POLLUTING SUBSTANCES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN LOCATIONS WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE OCCUPIERS 3.12.1. Care for the built heritage is fundamental to sustainable AND USERS OF NEIGHBOURING LAND USES, UNLESS MITIGATION development. It is important that the nation’s cultural experience, as MEASURES CAN BE PUT IN PLACE. expressed constructively through its historic and built environment, is enjoyed in an undiminished and preferably enhanced form by future PROPOSALS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, OR FOR OTHER generations. The built heritage, because it reminds us of our origins and SENSITIVE USES SUCH AS HEALTH OR EDUCATION, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO LAND USES EMITTING is essentially traditional in its appeal, plays a particularly significant part POLLUTING SUBSTANCES, UNLESS EFFECTIVE MITIGATION MEASURES in our quality of life. Historic buildings, ancient monuments and other CAN BE PUT IN PLACE. elements of the cultural heritage can frequently be important and abiding contributors to the character and identity of local communities. As well MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD BE HARMFUL TO as its cultural and aesthetic importance, which is of itself worthy of AIR QUALITY BY VIRTUE OF THE ADDITIONAL NEW TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS THEY WOULD GENERATE, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED preservation, the built heritage can provide a major source in the study of UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY EFFECTIVE MITIGATION MEASURES. a community’s history, and can attract substantial economic benefits to an area; whilst the conservation of the energy and materials used in the construction of historic buildings is inherently sustainable. 25 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.12.4. THE BUILT HERITAGE Repair works to Sker House, Porthcawl 3.13.6. DEMOLITION OF LISTED BUILDINGS UNITARY POLICY EV31 POLICY EV32 DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEMES WHICH CONSERVE, MANAGE AND ENHANCE THE ‘LOCAL DEMOLITION OF A LISTED BUILDING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS DISTINCTIVENESS’ AND QUALITY OF THE BUILT HERITAGE OF THE COUNTY IT HAS BEEN CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE BUILDING IS ADOPTED BOROUGH, WILL BE FAVOURED. WHOLLY BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIR OR RE-USE FOR ANY PLAN BENEFICIAL PURPOSE AND UNLESS AND UNTIL APPROPRIATE LEGAL 3.12.5. New developments within historic areas should be designed in AGREEMENT(S) HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE COUNCIL, AND PART 2 such a way as to preserve or enhance the special character of those IMPLEMENTED, TO SECURE THE PROPER SPECIALIST RECORDING OF PART 2 THE BUILDING AND ITS FEATURES AND ITS PROVISIONS IMPLEMENTED, WRITTEN areas, retaining characteristic elements of their layout, for example, visually PRIOR TO ANY DEMOLITION WORKS TAKING PLACE. STATEMENT and architecturally important spaces, and thereby make a positive contribution to their appeal. Rundown historic areas can similarly be enhanced by environmental improvement schemes, which may be 3.13.7. Since the number of buildings of special architectural or historic attractive in themselves, or could enhance the setting of historic buildings. interest is limited, there is a strong presumption in favour of their preservation except in exceptional circumstances, e.g. structural instability and 3.12.6. In short, sustaining the historic environment is not just about consequent danger to the public. In such circumstances, the Council preserving the past, but is also concerned with the present, and the future. would consider permitting demolition of a listed building; and then, only Sustainability is a process concerned with the management of change as after the agreement of the NAW through its executive agency Cadw: Welsh much as it is concerned with any particular end-product. Hence, 3.13.2. The purpose of listing is to ensure that a building’s special Historic Monuments, and subject to the provision of a full analysis of the conservation of the historic and built heritage is not about static architectural or historic interest is fully recognised, and that any works for building, its problems, potential for re-use, and relative costs. Potential preservation, but is rather a part of a longer term process which extends its demolition, or for its alteration or extension (in any way) which would developers must have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council and well beyond the Plan period of the UDP and its subsequent review. Policy affect its character as a listed building, are brought within statutory control. Cadw that:- EV31 recognises that a key element in that process is the need to Once listed, it is a criminal offence to carry out such works without consent, recognise ‘local distinctiveness’ in the historic environment as a balance which should be sought from the Council. Similarly, Sections 67 & 73 of All reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses, or to to the widespread emphasis on a few select sites of national importance. the 1990 Act requires the Council to publish a notice of any planning find viable new uses for the building; In that respect, it also seeks to promote public understanding of their application for development which, in its opinion, affects the setting of a Adequate attempts have been made to sell the building and its freehold historic environment and thereby contribute their own perspectives to the listed building, or the character or appearance of a conservation area; and on the open market; and debate about what is important to be locally conserved, or what can be that requirement must not be ‘interpreted narrowly’. changed within the ambit of sustainable development. It is neither possible nor feasible for the building to be preserved by 3.13.3. The Council considers that listed buildings and their settings play either a charitable trust, or through some form of ‘community a significant role in the townscape and architectural heritage of the County ownership’. 3.13. LISTED AND OTHER HISTORIC BUILDINGS Borough, and it therefore attaches considerableDATE DESIGNATED importance to their 3.13.1. Section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) conservation. Where demolition of a listed building is proposed, the Council considers Act 1990 (as amended) requires the National Assembly for Wales (NAW) that proper specialist recording of the building and its features is essential. to compile lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest for 3.13.4. Once a building is listed (or subject to a Building Preservation The Council will impose the relevant planning conditions on consents, the guidance of local authorities. Such buildings are graded to show their Notice), controls will apply to works, both internal as well as external, and require developers to agree any necessary planning obligations/ relative importance, i.e. Grade I (of exceptional interest), Grade II* (of that would affect its special interest, and similarly apply whether or not agreements in order to ensure that proper specialist recording is completed particular importance of more than special interest), and Grade II (of special the particular feature concerned is specifically mentioned in the description before any works to demolish the listed building are begun. It should also interest which warrant every effort being made to preserve them). Cadw: of the building on the list. Fixtures and curtilage buildings i.e. any object be noted that WO Circular 61/96 states that …..the RCAHMW must be Welsh Historic Monuments, which is the Executive Agency which or structure which is fixed to the building, or which is within the curtilage notified of all proposals to demolish listed buildings and allowed access discharges the NAW’s responsibilities for the built heritage in Wales, and forms part of the land (and has done so since before 1 July 1948) are to buildings which it wishes to record before demolition takes place. completed a resurvey of ‘Listed Buildings’ in the County Borough at the also treated as being part of the building for the purposes of planning start of 1999. This up-to-date list contains 359 buildings in total, graded control. Therefore, before making alterations to such a building which as shown in Table ENV3 (below):- would materially affect its character or its setting, owners or developers are encouraged to seek early advice from the Council and/or Cadw prior to making an application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed TABLE ENV 3 works. It should be noted, however, that there is no statutory requirement LISTED BUILDINGS IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH to have regard to the provisions of the development plan when considering an application for Listed Building Consent (as Section 54A of the 1990 GRADE I GRADE II* GRADE II Act does not apply).
8 BUILDINGS 35 BUILDINGS 316 BUILDINGS 3.13.5. Policies in this Section of the Plan therefore emphasise the importance of the conservation of listed buildings and their settings, and provide planning policy guidance on other buildings of ‘local architectural 26 or historic interest’. Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.13.8. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS barns, etc., where the size and character of the building presents particular Porthcawl Conservation Area difficulties. Policy EV35 is intended to encourage developers and property POLICY EV33 owners to take a more robust approach to the future repair and/or use of UNITARY listed buildings of local architectural or historic interest in the County DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD EITHER HARM OR PLAN Borough. ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST OF A LISTED BUILDING, AND/OR ITS SETTING, WILL NOT ADOPTED BE PERMITTED. THOSE WORKS WHICH ALTER, BUT DO NOT 3.13.15. RE-USE OF REDUNDANT PLAN ADVERSELY AFFECT, THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING, AND/OR HISTORIC BUILDINGS ITS SETTING, MUST BE DEMONSTRATED TO BE DESIRABLE OR NECESSARY TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE COUNCIL/CADW IN ORDER POLICY EV36 PART 2 TO BE PERMISSIBLE, AND AN OPPORTUNITY AFFORDED, WHERE THIS WRITTEN IS REQUIRED, FOR THE PROPER SPECIALIST RECORDING OF THE SCHEMES FOR THE SUITABLE RE-USE OF REDUNDANT HISTORIC STATEMENT BUILDING AND ITS FEATURES PRIOR TO ANY WORKS BEING BUILDINGS OR VACANT FLOOR SPACE WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMENCED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT CONSENT(S) REGENERATION OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH WILL BE FAVOURED. SUBJECT OF THE NECESSARY PLANNING CONDITIONS AND/OR PLANNING OBLIGATIONS/AGREEMENTS. 3.13.16. There is a presumption in favour of the preservation, and conversion where necessary, of listed buildings and those buildings located 3.13.9. The architectural or historic features which contribute to the within conservation areas; however, such consideration should also be special interest of a Listed Building should be preserved. Therefore their given to other unprotected historic buildings of local and vernacular interest. alteration requires the greatest skill and care in order that damage to It is accepted that occasionally old buildings may reach the end of their historic features is avoided, that any additions remain in keeping with the 3.13.12. Whereas the best examples of local building types will normally useful life even after their original use may have disappeared, and should remainder of the building, and to ensure that any new external or internal be listed, many buildings which are valued for their contribution to the make way for new development; however many have not yet reached that features harmonise with their surroundings i.e. their settings. Small details, local scene, or for their local historical associations, have not merited stage, and can with the exercise of a little imagination be creatively reused such as the mouldings of a door or window, can make very important listing to date. Such buildings will sometimes be protected by conservation and thereby enhance the economic and social activity of an area. The contributions to an historic building’s character, and the inappropriate area designations. A comprehensive inventory of buildings/structures/sites same considerations may also apply to an historic building, part of which replacement or loss of such details can damage its appearance. Where of local architectural or historic interest is currently being prepared and may be in beneficial use, but elsewhere may have vacant, or under-used an alteration to a listed building is proposed, the Council or Cadw may will form part of the proposed Built Heritage Strategy. The inventory will floor space. consider that proper specialist recording of the building and its features include details which justify their inclusion. This will provide future detailed is required.The Council will impose the relevant planning conditions on Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for the conservation of those consents, and require developers to agree any necessary planning buildings of local significance. 3.14. CONSERVATION AREAS obligations/agreements in order to ensure that proper specialist recording 3.14.1. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 is completed before any works to alter the listed building are begun. (as amended) places a duty on local planning authorities to designate as 3.13.13. USE AND REPAIR OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS a Conservation Area any:- 3.13.10. The setting of a listed building is often an essential feature of its POLICY EV35 character. It is important to consider the effect that proposed development .....area of special architectural or historic interest the character or may have on such settings, which may be limited to the immediate SCHEMES WHICH MAINTAIN LISTED BUILDINGS AND BUILDINGS OF appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. (Section 69, of surroundings in the case of some buildings, but more often they may LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST IN OPTIMUM USE AND the 1990 Act refers). include land some distance from the listed building e.g. where the setting IN GOOD REPAIR WILL BE FAVOURED. includes a building’s planned grounds/gardens etc., or where a listed 3.14.2. Fifteen Conservation Areas have been designated in the County building forms an important visual element in a street - development Borough to date. A full list of those Areas is contained in Table ENV 4 elsewhere in the street would have a material impact on the setting of the 3.13.14. Listed buildings and buildings of local architectural or historic (overleaf) together with the dates of their designation and any subsequent building. A proposed high building may also affect the setting of a listed interest are a valuable and irreplaceable resource which benefit from being reviews (where applicable). building which may be some distance from it. kept in good repair and in use. The optimum use of an historic building(s) is generally that for which it was originally constructed, and ideally the 3.14.3. In addition to the fifteen designated Conservation Areas in the fabric and design of an historic building should remain in its original built 3.13.11. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING BULDINGS County Borough, the Council has identified four further areas for prospective form. However, changing circumstances may necessitate alterations or OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE appraisal for Conservation Area designation during the Plan Period i.e. at extensions, and where such proposals have satisfied Policies EV33 or Blackmill, Glanrhyd Hospital in Penyfai, Penyfai (village), and at Preswylfa, POLICY EV34 EV34, these will be favoured where it can be demonstrated that they will Bridgend. assist in keeping the building in optimum use. The great majority of historic DEVELOPMENT WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE CHARACTER buildings are capable of beneficial use and, with skilled and understanding 3.14.4. It is important that planning policies do not inhibit necessary AND SETTING OF BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES/SITES OF LOCAL treatment, new development can usually be designed so as to blend in ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. adaptation and change in the designated and future Conservation Areas. It happily with the old. It may be justifiable to relax controls over land use is also essential, however, that any future development does not destroy allocation, density, plot ratio, day lighting, and building regulations, where or devalue their character and appearance. For these reasons the Council, this would enable an historic building or group to be given a new lease of as part of its Built Heritage Strategy, will be preparing Management Plans life. This may apply particularly in the case of warehouses, churches, 27 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
TABLE ENV 4 UNITARY CONSERVATION AREAS IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONSERVATION AREA COMMUNITY DATE DESIGNATED
ADOPTED BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE* BRIDGEND 23 JUNE 1999 PLAN COITY COITY HIGHER 17 AUGUST 1973 PART 2 DERLLWYN ROAD, TONDU YNYSAWDRE 16 JULY 1986 WRITTEN LALESTON LALESTON 17 AUGUST 1973 STATEMENT LLANGEINOR OGMORE VALLEY/GARW VALLEY 7 MARCH 1975 LLANGYNWYD LLANGYNWYD MIDDLE 17 AUGUST 1973 MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE MAESTEG 28 FEBRUARY 2001 MERTHYR MAWR ROAD, BRIDGEND BRIDGEND 14 OCTOBER 1980 Bryngarw House and Gardens MERTHYR MAWR VILLAGE MERTHYR MAWR 30 MARCH 1973 NANTYMOEL OGMORE VALLEY 10 AUGUST 1973 ** and visual quality has diluted the special identity for which those areas are valued. Previous development plan policies have addressed this issue, NEWCASTLE HILL, BRIDGEND BRIDGEND 23 JUNE 1999 with resultant visual improvements to the amenity of the County Borough’s NEWTON, PORTHCAWL PORTHCAWL 31 AUGUST 1973 Conservation Areas. However, it is necessary to maintain this increased NOTTAGE, PORTHCAWL PORTHCAWL 31 AUGUST 1973 momentum to conserve the special character and appearance of those areas, especially now that there are even greater pressures for PORTHCAWL PORTHCAWL 31 AUGUST 1973 redevelopment within existing urban areas, especially on ‘brownfield’ sites. TYTHEGSTON MERTHYR MAWR 17 AUGUST 1973 Future development proposals, which are situated either within designated Conservation Areas, or are located outside and adjacent to them, must (* Incorporates former Court Road Conservation Area in Bridgend, ** Conservation Area formally amended 08/10/2003) preserve or enhance the architectural or historic character or appearance of the Conservation Area and/or enhance its setting, otherwise they will for each of the designated Conservation Areas during the Plan Period of 3.14.6. DEVELOPMENT WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS not be permitted under Policy EV38 and/or Policy EV37, respectively. the UDP. Particular attention will be afforded to detailed design matters such as the traditional form of shopfronts. Therefore, in addition to the POLICY EV38 3.14.8. Developments must either strengthen the special character of above, and the following Plan policies, the Council will continue to apply the Conservation Areas, or at least maintain their existing qualities, e.g. PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS detailed design Guidance for Developments in Conservation Areas prepared the replacement of an eyesore with a building whose scale, form, materials SHOULD PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THEIR ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC and details reinforce local vernacular design, or a simple change of use as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) by the former Ogwr BC. CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH DO NOT:- (or domestic extension hidden from public view), respectively, would achieve those objectives and could therefore be acceptable. The Council will expect 3.14.5. DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE BUT AFFECTING 1 PRESERVE OR ENHANCE VIEWS, VISTAS, CHARACTERISTIC STREET all applications for development in Conservation Areas to be submitted in CONSERVATION AREAS SCENES AND ROOFSCAPES; a sufficiently detailed form in order that the necessary strict control can POLICY EV37 2 SHOW SPECIAL REGARD TO AREAS OF SPATIAL IMPORTANCE AND be exercised to preserve and enhance the special quality of those areas. THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAYOUT AND SCALE OF NEARBY DEVELOPMENT ON LAND ADJACENT TO A CONSERVATION AREA BUILDINGS; 3.14.9. The Council may also utilise its powers under Article 4(2) of the WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THE Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 3 USE MATERIALS APPROPRIATE TO THEIR SETTING AND CONTEXT; SETTING OF THE CONSERVATION AREA, AND VIEWS IN AND OUT OF IT. to withdraw specific permitted development rights for certain types of 4 PAY SPECIAL REGARD TO PROTECT TREES, HEDGES AND OTHER development (including partial demolition of buildings) in a conservation HABITATS OF IMPORTANCE TO BIODIVERSITY AND VISUAL AMENITY; area if it considers this to be necessary to protect its special character or AND appearance. The Council reserves the option to consider whether new 5 RESPECT LOCAL HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS; Article Directions would strengthen its duty to preserve and enhance the amenity of the conservation areas of the County Borough. WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. 3.14.10. Such controlled change, however, can preferably be achieved by encouraging the adaptation and re-use of buildings which contribute 3.14.7. In the past, there has been a certain amount of unsympathetic positively to a Conservation Area. The economics of development are development within, or adjacent to, what are now the designated also important, and in some instances major problems, such as structural 28 Conservation Areas in the County Borough, which has had an adverse instability, may tip the balance in favour of redevelopment schemes. In impact on those areas. The accumulation of buildings of mediocre design such instances, the Council will seek to ensure that new buildings are Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3 visually compatible with their surroundings, preserve street patterns, 3.14.14. HIGHWAYS IN CONSERVATION AREAS 3.15. HISTORIC PARKS, GARDENS AND building lines, and exclude inappropriate backland or ‘tandem’ LANDSCAPES developments. Areas of spatial importance in Conservation Areas include POLICY EV40 3.15.1. Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments, in association with ICOMOS UNITARY those areas, whether gardens or fields, car parks or village greens, whose DEVELOPMENT (the International Council on Monuments and Sites), the CCW (Countryside PLAN undeveloped nature are significant elements of their character, and, as HIGHWAY WORKS IN CONSERVATION AREAS WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THEY WOULD PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OR Council for Wales), Welsh local authorities, the National Trust, Hyder such will be protected by the Council. APPEARANCE OF THOSE AREAS. plc, the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, the RCAHMW (Royal Commission ADOPTED on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales) et al, have published a PLAN 3.14.11. Trees within Conservation Areas are already afforded protection, Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest as anyone wishing to top, lop, or fell a tree must give the local planning in Wales. The Register comprises two parts: Part 1 addresses historic PART 2 authority six weeks written notice of their intentions. This gives the Council 3.14.15. Some of the most destructive past developments which have parks and gardens of Wales, from those in towns and cities, which became PART 2 the opportunity to place a Tree Preservation Order on those trees which adversely affected the Conservation Areas in the County Borough have so important as urban populations swelled in the nineteenth century, to WRITTEN are of significance to local visual amenity. arisen through unsympathetic improvements to the highway network. The those of the rural estate which, so often as to be almost characteristic, STATEMENT widening and straightening of roads through villages has not necessarily borrowed the scenery of Wales to create an aesthetically satisfying sense improved safety for residents, rather it has favoured increased speed and of place; Part 2 addresses the historic landscapes of Wales. 3.14.12. DEMOLITION OF UNLISTED BUILDINGS IN movement of traffic to the detriment of more sustainable means of CONSERVATION AREAS transportation. Further, when done on a piecemeal basis, a village can be 3.15.2. The Register entails no additional planning controls, but statutory POLICY EV39 visually blighted for decades with pieces of pavement leading nowhere, consultation is to be introduced on planning applications affecting sites and new housing being set back from established building lines at the on Part 1 of the Register. The relative mechanism to be put in place is set expense of retaining traditional and local street scenes. The Council and DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE DEMOLITION OF AN out in the General Development Order Consolidation 1995, and in WO its predecessors have sought to reverse these retrograde policies and will UNLISTED BUILDING WITHIN A CONSERVATION AREA WHICH MEET ALL Circulars 29/95, 61/96 and 1/98. Also, Welsh Planning Guidance advises OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:- generally oppose developments which involve the widening of roads in (inter-alia) that local planning authorities should take each part of the Conservation Areas or, in their stead, the unnecessary loss of farmland Register into account when preparing their UDPs. Therefore:- 1 THE EXISTING BUILDING DOES NOT MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION for new road infrastructure such as by-passes. However, it will support TO THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE CONSERVATION traffic management measures which reduce and/or calm traffic in AREA; Conservation Areas, and promote more sustainable modes of transport. 3.15.3. HISTORIC LANDSCAPES, PARKS AND GARDENS 2 THERE IS DEMONSTRATED TO BE NEGLIGIBLE SCOPE FOR Other works such as re-paving following pedestrianisation, bus lane POLICY EV42 IMPROVEMENT, ADAPTATION, OR CONVERSION OF THE BUILDING; markings, new signage, and new street furniture should be designed in a AND manner which do not adversely affect the Conservation Area’s character A DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT AN HISTORIC PARK 3 DETAILED PLANS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE, and appearance. OR GARDEN, OR THEIR SETTINGS, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. WHICH WOULD PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA, ARE IN PLACE; B DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT AN HISTORIC 3.14.16. THE ‘PUBLIC REALM’ WITHIN LANDSCAPE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. WILL BE PERMITTED. PROVIDED THAT SUBSEQUENT REDEVELOPMENT CONSERVATION AREAS OF THE SITE IS ALSO IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SITE DEVELOPMENT BRIEF OR OTHER APPROVED PLAN, PLANNING CONSENTS (WHICH POLICY EV41 MAY BE SUBJECT OF CONDITIONS), AND ANY NECESSARY PLANNING IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES WITHIN THE PUBLIC REALM OF A OBLIGATIONS/AGREEMENTS AS REQUIRED BY THE COUNCIL. CONSERVATION AREA WHICH ENHANCE ITS CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE WILL BE FAVOURED; WHEREAS, THOSE WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE WILL NOT 3.14.13. The House of Lords judgement in the case of Shimizu (UK) Ltd. BE FAVOURED. v Westminster CC(1997) has resulted in a redefinition of demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area which must now comprise the ‘total or substantial destruction of the building concerned’. This means 3.14.17. The character and appearance of Conservation Areas derives that many works which involve the destruction of the fabric, or part only, of not only from its buildings but also from the spaces between them. Much a building will not constitute ‘works of demolition’ and, therefore, will not of these comprise the ‘Public Realm’ of street, pavement, public square, require Conservation Area Consent. Consent for the ‘demolition’ of unlisted green space, park, and open water, and this is largely in public ownership. buildings in Conservation Areas will not be granted by the Council in the Public Bodies are therefore in a position to implement schemes within a absence of detailed and acceptable proposals for their replacement. Such Conservation Area which could enhance its special character or a consent will therefore be appropriately conditioned in order to ensure appearance, but which, conversely, could be undertaken without due regard that any ‘demolition’ works (as defined) are directly linked to the phased to the adverse effects they may have. Policy EV41 aims to actively implementation of a scheme detailed in a ‘site development brief’, and promote positive enhancements to the ‘Public Realm’ within the comply with any relevant Planning Obligations and Agreements concluded Conservation Areas of the County Borough. As such, it will act as a Coity Castle - Ancient Monument with the Council. corollary to PoliciesEV37 – EV40. 29 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.15.4. Landscapes such as parkland and gardens, mediaeval field A substantial part of this landscape area extends eastward from the number of unscheduled sites. The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust systems and industrial landscapes, are important components of the adjacent Neath Port Talbot County Borough into Bridgend County Borough. Ltd. has previously confirmed to the Council that not all of the sites which UNITARY historic environment, whose special quality and character needs to be fulfil the criterion of national importance have yet been identified, and DEVELOPMENT conserved. Part 1 of the Cadw/CCW/ICOMOS Register identifies Merthyr 3.15.10. Margam Mountain is a discrete block of the South Wales uplands there are undoubtedly unscheduled sites which are worthy of statutory PLAN Mawr House as being a Grade II* Historic Park and Garden, and the situated at the south west fringe of the historical ‘Glamorgan Blaenau’, protection. ADOPTED following 4 further sites as Grade II Historic Parks and Gardens, in the which displays continuity, density, and diversity of human occupation PLAN County Borough:- from the prehistoric period to the recent past. The area includes Bronze 3.16.5. To implement the above, and the Policies which follow, the Council Age monuments, large Iron Age hillforts, settlements, enclosures (including will rely heavily on the information provided by Cadw, further information PART 2 Bryngarw ‘Y Bwlwarcau’ near Llangynwyd), and trackways, a Roman Road, an contained in the County Sites and Monuments Record maintained by the PART 2 Court Colman important group of Early Christian monuments etc. mediaeval defensive Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd., and a Report prepared by WRITTEN works, and other later features of historic importance up until WWII. The Mr Philip Ridden in March 1992 for the former Ogwr BC entitled The STATEMENT Glanrhyd Hospital; and general extent of this Landscape of ‘Special Historic Interest’ within the Industrial Heritage of Ogwr (to assist the former Authority in the formulation Tythegston County Borough is also shown on the Proposals Map. of a conservation and interpretation policy for the industrial heritage of its district, and which continues to provide valuable ‘guidance’ to the Council). The LANDMAP survey currently being undertaken by the Council will also 3.15.5. The above entries are accompanied in the Register by plans 3.16. ARCHAEOLOGY provide additional information about the County Borough’s archaeological which distinguish between their respective park boundaries, gardens, 3.16.1. Archaeological remains are a finite and non-renewable resource, resource. Individual artefacts, if properly recorded, can similarly provide kitchen gardens, pleasure grounds (in some instances), significant views, and in most cases they are also fragile and vulnerable to erosion, damage evidence of movements of past communities of people, and valuable and their essential settings. All of these factors will be taken into account and destruction. As the product of human activity in the County Borough insights into ancient development, and past traditional or local cultures. by the Council in applying Policy EV42(A) to any relevant development since pre-historic times, these remains are now in varying states of condition proposals affecting those historic parks and gardens. and completeness. Some remains are small and barely visible in the 3.16.6. All ancient monuments are material considerations in the planning modern landscape e.g. an eroded Bronze Age tumulus or burial mound, a process. The Council considers the archaeological resource of the County 3.15.6. Whereas the scenic and wildlife components of the landscape of rampart to an Iron Age hill fort or a mediaeval field pattern; whereas others Borough to be considerable and varied, and should therefore be managed the County Borough have already been addressed in earlier Sections of may be more substantial and well preserved e.g. Coity Castle, the Old appropriately, and in the interests of sustainable development. The following this Chapter, and have been recognised and appreciated for some time, Bridge at Bridgend, and the Bedford Iron Works (near Cefn Cribbwr). Policies are designed to ensure that ancient monuments and their settings the historic component (which often lies at the heart of its creation) has and archaeologically sensitive areas are protected from inappropriate rarely been given the same recognition in the past. Part 2 of the Cadw/ 3.16.2. Many archaeological remains have been destroyed by human development, and to ensure that necessary investigations and/or recording CCW/ICOMOS Register, and the Council, by implementing Policy EV42(B) activities, for example, by modern construction methods in urban of sites and artefacts are carried out prior to, during, and after development of the UDP, seek to redress these concerns. development and expansion of the road network, by changing agricultural has taken place if it is permitted. practices, or by mineral extraction and waste tipping. Appropriate 3.15.7. Part 2.1 of the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in management of this resource is therefore essential to ensure that Wales includes two areas of the County Borough in a single ‘Outstanding archaeological remains are not destroyed and survive, for the enjoyment 3.16.7. DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHAEOLOGY Historic Landscape’, notably:- and education of future generations, and as a part of our cultural heritage POLICY EV43 which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows. WHERE DEVELOPMENT AND/OR ANY OPERATION IS LIKELY TO AFFECT 3.16.3. It is a duty of the National Assembly for Wales (NAW) to compile A KNOWN, POTENTIAL, OR SUSPECTED SITE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL 3.15.8. Each area is characterised by accumulations of wind blown sand and maintain a schedule of Ancient Monuments of national importance SIGNIFICANCE, AN APPROVED ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION SHALL and form considerable features of littoral dunes adjacent to the coastline under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Cadw: BE SUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY BEFORE THE of the County Borough. Merthyr Mawr Warren has a generally ancient Welsh Historic Monuments is responsible for advising on which monuments PROPOSAL IS DETERMINED, SO THAT THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSAL landscape with archaeological sites which have been buried by sand. should be considered for scheduling, and on whether any should be de- ON THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE CAN PROPERLY BE DETERMINED. Kenfig also has a be-sanded landscape that derives from adverse weather scheduled, or amended in the lists. Occupied dwellings and churches in conditions and tidal phenomena in the Middle Ages and perhaps earlier. use for ecclesiastical purposes cannot be scheduled, but monuments on The ‘setting’ of the Merthyr Mawr and Kenfig ‘Outstanding Historic Crown Land can be, but remain subject of a non-statutory procedure known 3.16.8. If a development is likely to affect a known archaeological site or Landscape’ is coterminal with the Coastal Zone as identified for Policy as Scheduled Monument Clearance with respect to development or other a site where there is good reason to suppose that archaeological remains EV15 (earlier) - which is shown on the Proposals Map. works affecting them. will be affected, the Council will request a developer to arrange for a professional and approved archaeological field evaluation to be carried 3.15.9. Part 2.2 of the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in 3.16.4. There are currently 55 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the out prior to a decision being made on the application(s). The Council will Wales includes the following area as a landscape of ‘Special Historic County Borough (as at January 2001), as notified by Cadw. However, the expect detailed plans to pay due regard to the findings of those evaluations Interest’:- County Borough’s known archaeological resource includes a far higher and/or their results.
Margam Mountain 30 Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.16.9. DEVELOPMENT AND SITES OF the Historic Environment: Archaeology’ refers). However, Cadw is engaged 3.17. DESIGN AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE upon a survey programme which is expected to result in significant 3.17.1. The aim of good design should apply to all proposals which affect additions to this category of site. Although not all ancient monuments are the built or natural environment including construction or alteration of UNITARY POLICY EV44 nationally important, all archaeological remains represent a finite and DEVELOPMENT individual buildings, and groups of buildings, together with their settings, PLAN irreplaceable resource. Consequently the desirability of preserving any and larger, more comprehensive development proposals. The appearance DEVELOPMENT AND/OR ANY OPERATION WHICH FAILS TO PROTECT, ancient monument and/or its setting is a material consideration in of new development, its scale, and relationship to its surroundings are ENHANCE, OR PRESERVE A SITE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE ADOPTED determining a planning application. Therefore where the Local Planning WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. WHERE AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL material planning considerations, therefore the following Policies indicate PLAN ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT AND SUBMITTED TO THE Authority is aware of a real and specific threat to a known archaeological the Council’s general design expectations for all new development. COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY EV43, WHICH INDICATES site it will exercise the powers available to it under Article 4 of the Town Developers should also have regard to the Council’s published ‘Design PART 2 THAT A SITE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE WOULD BE AT and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to Guides’ which constitute Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to PART 2 RISK, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS:- remove any permitted development rights and ensure that planning this UDP, namely:- WRITTEN permission is obtained before development may proceed. It is STATEMENT 1 THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE AVAILABLE SITE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT/ acknowledged that in some instances development may be allowed to Houses and Domestic Scale Buildings; OPERATION; AND proceed although it may adversely affect an ancient monument and/or its House Extensions; 2 IN RESPECT OF NATIONALLY IMPORTANT ANCIENT MONUMENTS, setting. WHETHER SCHEDULED OR NOT, AND THEIR SETTINGS, THE Shop Fronts; DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST; 3.16.11. In most cases it is advisable, and indeed good practice, where The Conversion of Redundant Farm Buildings; 3 FOR MOST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, MITIGATION MEASURES CAN a proposed development may affect a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’ Play and Amenity Open Space within Residential Areas; BE PUT IN PLACE WHICH WOULD PRESERVE, PROTECT, OR and/or its setting, or an archaeologically sensitive area, that any necessary Conservation Areas; and ENHANCE THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS AND THEIR SETTING ‘IN Scheduled Monument Consent is obtained prior to, or concurrent with, SITU’; the submission of a planning application for that development. Ancient Trees and Development. monuments should not be destroyed but should be preserved, either by 4 WHERE ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS OF LESSER IMPORTANCE being sensitively integrated into a new scheme to become part of the ARE INVOLVED, OR THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IS OUTWEIGHED BY ALL 3.17.2. The above were prepared by the former Ogwr BC but have been OTHER MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS, MEASURES TO SECURE THE fabric of the area, or by being subject to excavation and preservation, in- revised and updated by the Council. In addition, the Council currently EXCAVATION AND/OR RESCUE AND RECORDING OF THE REMAINS, situ if necessary, or by record or rescue. In certain circumstances, where operates the detailed SPG contained in the following document published AND PUBLICATION OF THE RESULTS CAN BE PUT IN PLACE. the archaeological interest of a site cannot be adequately protected by by the former Mid Glamorgan CC:- alterations to the planned development, and thereby conditioned on the WHERE APPROPRIATE, DEVELOPERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO future planning consent, the Council may require that the developer and Design Guide for Residential and Industrial Estate Roads. ACCOMMODATE A WATCHING BRIEF BY AN ARCHAEOLOGIST, landowners enter into appropriate Planning Obligations/ Agreements with OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL ORGANISATION, PRIOR TO, DURING, AND/OR the Local Planning Authority under the terms of the British Archaeologists AFTER DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS BY MEANS OF RELEVANT & Developers Liaison Group (BADLG) Code of Conduct, to allow for an PLANNING OBLIGATIONS/AGREEMENTS, AS AGREED WITH THE COUNCIL, AND/OR BY CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO PLANNING archaeological investigation to be carried out prior to the development of Commercial Signage - Bridgend Retail Park CONSENTS. the site.
3.16.12. Planning conditions may also define the requirement for an 3.16.10. In order to protect, enhance, and preserve ancient monuments, ‘archaeological recording’ of a site to be carried out within a specified and their settings, it is essential that development proposals recognise period of time in advance of development works, or they may require that their importance. Policy EV44 aims to reconcile any need for development a ‘watching brief’ is maintained by approved/qualified archaeologists prior with the presumption in favour of the physical preservation of ancient to or throughout construction phases, or, more rarely during a requisite monuments and their settings. Development and any other operations post-construction period, in respect of a development. Where fresh which adversely affect such sites will not be permitted if an alternative archaeological discoveries are made during development, and are deemed approach exists. If the site is nationally important, the proposal will be by the Welsh Assembly Government to be of national importance in permitted by the Council only where it has additionally been clearly accordance with published criteria, they have the power to schedule those demonstrated that the development is necessary in the national interest. remains. Scheduled Monument Consent would then be required prior to Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled any works continuing on that site. The Local Planning Authority or the or not, and their settings, are affected by proposed development, there Assembly Government may also revoke a planning consent if deemed shall be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation. National necessary. In the majority of cases, however, it is usually possible for the planning guidance stipulates that only some 4% of the recorded parties to resolve emerging issues through voluntary discussion, and for archaeological resource in Wales currently enjoys special protection as mutually acceptable arrangements to be concluded for site development. being ‘Scheduled Ancient Monuments’, (WO Circular 60/96 ‘Planning and 31 Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
3.17.3. The major changes in national planning and transport policies 3.17.6. Consistency of style or character is regarded as a contributor to artwork to be provided during construction as well as permanent artwork which aim to reduce the growth in car travel by encouraging the use of a sense of place. It is particularly relevant to housing developments, where when the development is completed. UNITARY alternative forms of transport are reflected in a Revised Draft Parking there has been an unfortunate tendency to mix styles, materials, and DEVELOPMENT Policy and Standards document published by the South Wales Consortium forms arbitrarily. It is not the same as monotony of design, or the repetition 3.17.13. Where development takes place adjacent to housing, PLAN of Local Authorities (SWCOLA) in 1998. This document, when approved, of identical units; rather, it is the establishment of the interest of variation consideration must be given to the residential amenity of the adjoining ADOPTED will replace earlier Standing Conference Guidelines on Parking approved within a unifying harmony. homeowners. While some adverse change to the setting of existing PLAN in 1993, and should therefore now be treated as the up-to-date SPG housing may be the inevitable consequence of new development, that regarding this important aspect of the design and layout of new development 3.17.7. To strengthen the regional identity of the County Borough, ‘period’ change must be minimised. At no time should it unreasonably affect the in the County Borough. style design should relate closely to the local architectural vernacular. quality of life of neighbours. PART 2 Innovative, contemporary design should respect the colour and texture of WRITTEN local materials (mainly stone, render, and slate) or of the local landscape. 3.17.14. Where new housing related development is proposed, its design STATEMENT 3.17.4. NEW DEVELOPMENT DESIGN Generally, new structures should harmonise with the scale and texture of must be compatible with the enjoyment of reasonable residential amenity POLICY EV45 adjacent buildings, although greater latitude may be extended to landmark by the householders. New housing development will also be expected to or incident buildings (see below). make adequate open space and recreation provision for its residents. NEW DEVELOPMENT WHICH ACHIEVES A GOOD STANDARD OF DESIGN BY:- 3.17.8. The nature of the design should reflect the scale and prominence 3.17.15. The design of development proposals should take account of of the development. An individual building may be a landmark, an incident, the need for safety and convenience of the users of the development, 1 HAVING A CONSISTENT STYLE OR CHARACTER; or a context building as part of the street scene. In developments of many including, especially, the disabled. Provision should be made, where 2 RESPECTING THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT; buildings, the identification of landmark, incident, and context buildings relevant, for access by public transport, cycling, and walking. is a stage in the creation of good urban design. Generally, context buildings 3 BEING APPROPRIATE TO THE SCALE AND PROMINENCE OF THE will be harmonious, unassertive, and good mannered. Incident buildings 3.17.16. A development proposal should aim to reduce the incidence or DEVELOPMENT; will provide small scale interest, visual punctuation marks that relieve fear of crime. Consideration needs to be given to the layout of new housing, 4 INCORPORATING THOSE EXISTING FEATURES OF THE SITE THAT ARE monotony, and create identity. While respecting the prevailing character, the qualities of lighting and landscaping, the location of seating and IMPORTANT TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING ITS they will have variations of detail that attract attention. Landmark buildings amenities in shopping areas, and the number and positions of entrances TOPOGRAPHY, BIODIVERSITY, AND STRUCTURES OF HISTORIC may be such because of their scale, their location at focal points of views, and exits to developments. INTEREST; or their function. These buildings have the greatest opportunity for innovation, but demand the highest quality of imagination so that their 3.17.17. Good design will include measures to minimise and deal with 5 USING SITING, LAYOUT, FORM, MATERIALS, AND ARCHITECTURAL appearance rewards the attention forced upon them by being landmarks. any pollution arising from a development. One aspect of this is the reduction DETAIL, AND PUBLIC ART, TO CREATE A NEW, OR ENHANCE AN EXISTING, SENSE OF PLACE; Landmark buildings should also be appropriately located with regard to of pollution embodied in its construction and use. There are developing the wider urban design of their context. techniques of sustainable building and energy minimisation that can have 6 REASONABLY PROTECTING THE RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OF substantial effects on design. The Council will generally welcome NEIGHBOURS, INCLUDING PRIVACY, A QUIET ENVIRONMENT, 3.17.9. Good design works with the existing attributes of a site, utilising imaginative and innovative forms of development that seek to minimise DAYLIGHTING AND SUNLIGHTING; existing slopes, streams, hedgerows, and trees to enhance the landscape impact on scarce resources. 7 BEING COMPATIBLE WITH THE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF of new development. The re-use of existing structures, where possible, is AMENITIES (INCLUDING OPEN SPACE) FOR RESIDENTS OR USERS OF more sustainable than site clearance. Where those structures have 3.17.18. Because of the importance it assigns to good design, the Local THE DEVELOPMENT; architectural or historic merit, the resulting development is likely to benefit Planning Authority requires that any application for planning permission in terms of character and interest. for built development be accompanied by a design statement. The design 8 BEING COMPATIBLE WITH THE CREATION OF AN ENVIRONMENT statement should demonstrate how the applicant has taken account of WHICH IS SAFE, FRIENDLY TO THE DISABLED, SUSTAINABLY 3.17.10. The Council seeks good design because it wants development the need for good design in their development proposals and that regard ACCESSIBLE, MANAGEABLE, AND POLLUTION-FREE; to create or preserve a sense of place. The individual identity of the County has been paid to relevant development plan policies and any supplementary 9 BEING COMPATIBLE WITH THE USE OF SUSTAINABLE METHODS Borough, its towns and villages is regarded as a key component of quality planning guidance relating to design. This should be done in a manner OF CONSTRUCTION, MATERIALS, ENERGY CONSERVATION, AND of life. appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposals. WATER MANAGEMENT; 3.17.11. To enhance an existing or foster the creation of a new sense of 3.17.19. The design statement should, as a minimum, include a short WILL BE PERMITTED. place the Council will, where appropriate, encourage the incorporation of written statement setting out the design principles adopted as well as art work into the design of new development. A stimulating environment illustrative material in plan and elevation. This material should show the can lift the public’s morale, generate pride, and can discourage abuse of wider context, not just the development site and immediately adjacent 3.17.5. The Local Planning Authority will expect a high standard of the environment. Public art can humanise public spaces and can buildings. For straightforward or small-scale development proposals this architectural and urban design in new development. Policy EV45 sets out encourage communities to reclaim their social spaces, especially where might simply comprise photographs of the development site and its criteria for the assessment of design quality. The following notes briefly they have been involved in the design or selection process. surroundings, drawings of the proposed design itself and, where expand on those criteria. More advice regarding design can be found in appropriate, plans of the proposed layout in relation to neighbouring the Council’s Design Guide series. 3.17.12. The Council will encourage developers to allocate a percentage development uses. For complex or large-scale development proposals, of the capital costs of a new building, refurbishment or extension to enhance landmark buildings, and development involving sensitive sites, it is likely the design of the building and its context, as part of a “Percent for Art” that the inclusion of relevant perspective views will also be appropriate. 32 scheme. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate for temporary Chapter ENVIRONMENT 3
3.17.20. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places new obligations on may offer suitable alternative access provision in, for example, existing 3.18.3. ACCESSIBILITY local authorities, the police, police authorities, health authorities and town centres. probation committees (amongst others) to work in partnership on the POLICY EV47 UNITARY development and implementation of a Strategy for tackling crime and 3.18.8. The Planning Officer’s Society for Wales (POSW) has recently DEVELOPMENT PLAN disorder in their area. Prior to the production of the Strategy the Council PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE USED prepared a compendium of model good practice entitled Access For All - produced a Crime and Disorder Audit, which it published for public OR VISITED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHALL MAKE PROVISION FOR (Creating a Barrier Free Environment), which the Council will be PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL ACCESS NEEDS, e.g. THOSE WITH DISABILITIES, ADOPTED consultation in March 1999. The Council’s initial Strategy was therefore recommended to approve as SPG to Policy EV47 during the Plan Period. PEOPLE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, AND THE ELDERLY. PLAN in place by August 1999. Crime prevention can be a material consideration when planning applications are considered by the local planning authority, PART 2 as local authorities are under an obligation to consider the need to prevent 3.18.4. The need for accessibility is implicit in every activity in the built 3.19. CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENTS PART 2 crime ‘in all decisions which they take’. environment, e.g. the appropriate design of spaces between and around 3.19.1. Virtually all outdoor advertisements are subject to the control of WRITTEN buildings, and the location and extent of parking provision, are particularly the local planning authority, in the interests of amenity, and/or public STATEMENT important to ensure good access to those buildings. Whether in the case safety. However some types of advertisement are exempted from detailed 3.17.21. CRIME PREVENTION of new developments, or in those instances where buildings are proposed control, and other specified categories of advertisement qualify for deemed POLICY EV46 to be extended or altered, developers should consider the need to provide consent, provided they conform to certain stated conditions and limitations. access for all those who might use the building. DESIGN MEASURES WHICH AIM TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE, OR FEAR OF CRIME WILL BE FAVOURED. 3.18.5. In the case of planning applications for new development where 3.19.2. OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT CONTROL there is a conspicuous lack of provision for the less mobile (including the POLICY EV48 disabled), the Council will seek to resolve that issue in the first instance 3.17.22. Policy EV46 recognises the need to enhance the designated through negotiation with the prospective developer(s). If, however, there is OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENTS WHICH WOULD DETRACT FROM VISUAL use of spaces, especially in urban areas, in such a way to prevent the a clear planning need for such provision, the Council will impose appropriate AMENITY OR ENDANGER PUBLIC SAFETY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. incidence and fear of crime. The layout of new housing developments, the conditions on any forthcoming planning consents for development to ensure PROPOSALS WHICH:- arrangements for seating and enjoyment of amenities in town and district that there is adequate access for disabled people, and those with special shopping centres, or the number and positions of entrances and exits to 1 RELATE CAREFULLY TO THE CHARACTER, SCALE AND needs. developments, for example, can improve the security of an area and ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF THE BUILDING ON WHICH THEY improve the public’s perception or fear of crime in that area. The South ARE PROPOSED TO BE PLACED; 3.18.6. Where the public have access to a building, the local planning Wales Constabulary similarly encourages developers to adopt guidelines authority will consider the extent to which provision for the disabled can 2 AVOID CREATING A ‘CLUTTER’ OF ADVERTISEMENTS BY VIRTUE to upgrade security against crime, and to promote fire safety, through its be justified on planning grounds. In this respect, the Council has a duty, OF THEIR CUMULATIVE IMPACT; ‘Secured by Design’ scheme. The latter scheme encompasses estate when granting planning permission for new, or the alteration etc. of existing design and layouts of proposed development, as well as matters which 3 IF ILLUMINATED, SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY EV29 buildings, to draw applicants’ attention to their statutory obligations under are outside the scope of planning control. AND THEREFORE LEAD TO AN OVERALL REDUCTION, RATHER the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and the Disability THAN AN INCREASE, IN NIGHT TIME LIGHT POLLUTION; Discrimination Act 1995. The internal layout of buildings (with the exception 3.17.23. Whilst the Council generally supports all measures to reduce 4 BE SITED AND DESIGNED WHERE THEY WILL NOT DISTRACT USERS of certain Listed Buildings) is not usually a material planning consideration. crime, it must always balance the security needs of applicants against OF HIGHWAYS, CYCLEWAYS OR FOOTPATHS; Part M of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991 imposes other environmental, visual, and amenity concerns when it considers requirements on how non-domestic buildings should be designed and 5 ENSURE THE CONTINUED SAFE AND EASY PASSAGE OF planning applications, especially in areas where it exercises special constructed to meet statutory needs for people with disabilities. It is not PEDESTRIANS, AND ESPECIALLY NOT HINDER THE MOVEMENT OF measures of control e.g. in Conservation Areas, or when it considers therefore appropriate for the UDP to deal with such matters, however, in THE DISABLED, THE ELDERLY, AND PEOPLE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN; proposals affecting Listed Buildings, and/or their settings. dealing with proposals affecting listed buildings and/or their settings, and AND other local buildings of architectural or historic significance, the Council 6 IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS, CONFORM WITH ACCEPTABLE AMENITY will explore with applicants those alternative measures (to altering the AND SAFETY STANDARDS; 3.18. ACCESS BY THE DISABLED AND characteristic features of such buildings) which may be taken to achieve OTHERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS suitable access provision for the disabled and those with special mobility WILL BE PERMITTED. 3.18.1. The development of land and buildings provides the opportunity to needs. secure a more accessible environment for everyone, including wheelchair users and other people with disabilities, elderly people, and people with 3.18.7. Part M of the Building Regulations therefore requires that all new 3.19.3. Policy EV48 seeks to control outdoor advertisements in areas, or young children. residential developments shall be built to visitability standards suitable parts of areas, where the display of poorly designed advertisements will for those with disabilities, or their use by the elderly or those with young be especially harmful and consequently be of material importance to 3.18.2. The general aim should therefore be a ‘barrier-free environment’ children. For instance, this includes gradual gradients to dwellings, level planning decisions. However it should be stressed that the Council always for all. This can more readily be achieved by supporting the concept of thresholds, wider circulation spaces and toilets at ground floor level and assesses the specific amenity and public safety merits of a proposed ‘seamless travel’, and by considering the issues of access to the allowance for stair lifts etc. to higher levels. New shopping development, advertisement display in relation to its particular proposed site. disadvantaged and less mobile groups in our society at an early stage in including changes of use, must similarly be planned with such issues in the design process for new development or redevelopment. mind, whereas existing shops should be adapted whenever possible to 3.19.4. The Council will exercise strict planning control over serve the special needs of the less mobile. Similarly, adequate parking advertisements, including those displayed on business premises, poster should be provided in new shopping and commercial developments to displays, flag advertisements, bus shelter advertisements and free- 33 serve their needs. However, where this is not possible, ‘Mobility Schemes’ standing displays. Advertisements and signs should be designed and Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENT
sited to harmonise with their settings, particularly those in the countryside unnecessary ‘clutter’ adjacent to the highway under its relevant powers. - where a proliferation of advertisements guiding visitors to individual Some ‘advance’ tourism signs may, however, be considered acceptable if UNITARY businesses etc. would be visually intrusive and unacceptable. Businesses readily recognisable as ‘white-on-brown’ tourist advertisements per the DEVELOPMENT are encouraged in all instances to combine their essential advertising Welsh Association of Technical Officers’ Tourist Signs in Wales: Guidance PLAN needs and to share common signage, and to heed other Government Notes for Local Authorities, but even these should be carefully sited where ADOPTED Guidance to advertisers. The natural and built environment also needs they neither dominate the street scene, nor visually intrude into their rural PLAN protection from the eyesore of obtrusive advertisements, especially in or urban settings. those areas of high landscape quality e.g. the largely undeveloped Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the Merthyr Mawr and Kenfig Historic PART 2 Landscape and within the settings of Historic Parks and Gardens; and in WRITTEN Conservation Areas. STATEMENT 3.19.5. Advertisements may not jeopardise public safety, as the Council must have regard to the safety considerations of all transport modes and their users. This consideration equally applies to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Excessive luminance from advertisements can cause traffic and pedestrian hazards as they have the potential to distract passers by, with road safety implications. Also it is desirable to restrict the proliferation of illuminated advertisements, in order to mitigate light pollution at night.
3.19.6. Signs which are affixed to business premises raise additional issues as they greatly contribute to the overall appearance of the street scene. They need to be in keeping with the street frontage and to retain the character of traditional frontages, whether this is conspicuous as on the prime frontage for example, or indeed if placed on important reversed or side frontages especially at street junctions and pedestrian side turnings in shopping streets. Where advertisements/signs are proposed to be mounted on business premises in designated Conservation Areas further restrictions or special requirements may be expected to be applied to them by the local planning authority, although such designations may not necessarily justify them also being defined as Areas of Special Control of Advertisements.
3.19.7. Almost all advertisements on listed buildings or scheduled ancient monuments will be considered an alteration to the building or monument, and will therefore require either Listed Building, or Scheduled Monument Consent - as appropriate, in addition to any advertisement consent. Special care should be exercised to ensure that any advertisement/sign displayed on, or close to, a listed building or scheduled ancient monument, does not detract from the integrity of the building’s design, historical character or structure, and does not spoil or compromise their settings.
3.19.8. The County Borough has an attractive coastline and countryside which attract many visitors each year, and Porthcawl is a popular tourist resort. Similarly, it has been an attractive area for developers to build new housing estates, each of which from time to time generate unwarranted/ excessive advertisements. Whilst the ‘need’ to advertise certain destinations to visitors and/or construction traffic is acknowledged in the interests of commercial enterprise and information, the majority of these directional advertisements cause an unacceptable ‘clutter’ along highways. Serious amenity problems would result if they were to be left to accumulate in an unchecked manner. Accordingly the Council will continue to co- operate with applicants in order to develop a sign posting scheme, which does not detract from the setting of the area where the sign is proposed. 34 It will also continue to pursue the removal of this, and any other, Chapter HOUSING 4
4.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 4.1.1. In accordance with the approved Land Use Strategy for the UDP, versa, in order to advance those sustainable objectives, whilst taking 4.1.5. A five year residential land bank will constantly be maintained UNITARY Policy 4 identifies the requirement of 9950 new dwellings to satisfy the account of, and where appropriate optimising, the potential offered by the across the County Borough as a whole throughout the plan period. DEVELOPMENT PLAN future housing needs of Bridgend County Borough in the period 1996- substantial County Borough-wide stock of housing sites (many of which 2016. already have planning consents for development) which have been carried 4.1.6. Improvements to the existing housing stock, its conversion where ADOPTED forward from the former development plan. suitable, and its replacement by housing of higher density, perhaps in PLAN 4.1.2. However, opportunity and fairness of choice should lie at the heart mixed use developments or incorporating housing above retail premises of that provision if all present and future residents of the County Borough 4.1.4. Redevelopment of appropriate brownfield and under-used sites where appropriate, can also contribute towards achieving the Plan’s are to be in a position to contribute to, and participate in, the prosperity within existing urban areas can be particularly beneficial in reducing the sustainable aims. This will incorporate a fair choice of location, tenure, PART 2 and benefits which should accrue from its pursuit. loss of greenfield sites for new housing and to prevent the unnecessary and variety of housing (including affordable housing) for all residents, and WRITTEN expansion of its towns and villages. those pursuing new employment prospects in the County Borough. STATEMENT 4.1.3. This means that the housing policies should be designed to improve access to transport, jobs, shops, leisure and other facilities and vice-
PART 2
4.2. INTRODUCTION 4.2.1. The provision of an adequate choice and supply of satisfactory 4.2.4. Another focus of the UDP’s strategy is on urban regeneration. The many high quality, well-paid employment opportunities which boosted housing is a basic human need, and presents major demands on the use re-use of appropriate previously used, under-used, or disused land within the attractions of Bridgend, as a near neighbour to Cardiff, to in-migrants. of land. It is therefore a key topic area to be addressed in the Unitary the main urban settlements for housing will assist in limiting the loss of Those inward investments bolstered the pre-existing local demand for Development Plan. countryside for greenfield developments. Typical day to day journey lengths additional housing in the area, and was satisfied to a substantial degree will tend to be shorter from housing sites within the main urban areas, by the development of new residential areas e.g. the eastward expansion 4.2.2. It is recognised that changes in social trends are creating new and are more likely to be possible by public transport, walking and cycling. of Bridgend town at Brackla, and the extension of existing residential pressures for housing to suit different lifestyles. These changes have been Community and other facilities are also usually more accessible in towns areas in other towns e.g. the progressive expansion of Porthcawl which taken into account in the formulation of the land use strategy for the UDP and some smaller settlements, and an increase in the local populations also attracted people seeking retirement. which promotes the limited dispersal of housing development to the main can assist in keeping those facilities viable. It should be noted however urban areas of the County Borough, wherever possible on redundant or that not all brownfield, or under-used urban sites may be suitable for 4.3.4. The projection methodology used to calculate the housing under-utilised urban land, whilst optimising the use of committed housing future housing, e.g. some may be required for other planned purposes, requirement, households and population of the County Borough sites consistent with the principles of sustainable development. Whilst whilst others may have become naturally re-vegetated with consequent incorporates a migration element that would account for ongoing regional such a strategy is unlikely to generate the same economies of scale and future local importance to biodiversity. and local factors which could influence future levels of in-migrant growth which might have accrued from a concentration of growth on only one or in the County Borough, e.g. the possible implications of an implemented two of the County Borough’s main settlements, it nevertheless provides Green Belt around Cardiff, and the realisation of the full potential of Cardiff for the appropriate re-use of brownfield sites and under-used sites in those 4.3. HOUSING NEEDS Bay. The resultant in-migration element of the population projection is main urban areas and for that growth to be dispersed in a manner which 4.3.1. Bridgend County Borough’s population has grown almost considered to be a realistic scenario for future overall population and should help to conserve and enhance the local environment. continuously over the past forty years, however that level of growth has household growth in the County Borough. not been uniform over the period. In the 1960s, the population increased 4.2.3. The consideration of environmental sustainability in its widest sense, by 11%, whereas growth has been more modest since then marginally 4.3.5. As a result of the Council’s projected overall housing requirement is of ‘over-arching importance’ in the UDP for the assessment of all decreasing between 1991 and 2001. Nevertheless, the area’s population and resultant household change, the County Borough’s population is development proposals or proposed changes of use of land or buildings. has continued to grow overall, rising from 108,950 in 1961 to 128,700 in projected to rise to 140,355 by 2016. Applying this principle to the release of housing land for development 2001. means that land should be located where it will reduce the need to travel, 4.3.6. This growth, coupled with national trends to form smaller and where it will facilitate or encourage the use of alternative modes of 4.3.2. According to the 2001 Census 35.5% of the population is accounted households, produces an increase of 10,143 households, between 1996 transport to the car. The 2002 Housing Needs survey will inform the Local for in the main child bearing age groups of 18 – 44. and 2016. Housing Strategy and should foster local solutions to social needs rather than create new, or exacerbate existing, problems in environmental terms. 4.3.3. In-migration has had a significant influence in the past. Major 4.3.7. This corresponds with a dwelling requirement of 9,950 between improvements to the area’s infrastructure, for example, the construction 1996-2016. Completions 1996-2000 have now reduced this requirement of the M4 motorway in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, and prestigious to 7,957. inward investment projects by the Ford Motor Co., and Sony, created 35 Chapter 4 HOUSING
4.4.1. LOCATION OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 4.4. HOUSING SITES UNITARY POLICY H1 4.4.2. Policy H1 is in general accord with the Land Use Strategy of the DEVELOPMENT UDP, which states that there shall be provision for an additional 9,950 PLAN THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE ALLOCATED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH IN THE PERIOD UP TO 2016:- dwellings in the County Borough in the period 1996 - 2016. Allowing for completions 1996-2000, there remains a residual requirement of 7,957 ADOPTED EST. No. EST. No. REMAINING COMMITMENTS (2000) DWELLINGS REMAINING COMMITMENTS (2000) (cont.) DWELLINGS dwellings for 2000 – 2016. Policy H1 makes provision for 97.6% of this PLAN H1(1) CEFN GLAS ROAD (SOUTH), BRIDGEND* 10 H1(66) HAUL BRYN, NANTYMOEL 18 requirement providing for the whole range of dwelling types, whilst main- H1(2) FENWICK DRIVE, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 5 taining opportunity and fairness of choice for present and future residents PART 2 H1(3) THE ROWANS, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 41 H1(68) CEFN GLAS ROAD, NORTH, BRIDGEND 70 in all parts of the County Borough. H1(4) BRIARFIELDS, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 22 H1(69) CITY FARM, BETTWS 25 WRITTEN H1(5) CYMDDA, SARN 12 H1(70) GLAN Y NANT, TONDU 12 REMAINING COMMITMENTS (2000) STATEMENT H1(6) MAENDY FARM (1), BRYNCETHIN 60 H1(71) LAND AT SOUTHMEAD, SOUTH CORNELLY 10 4.4.3. Development plans and UDPs are intended to provide a firm basis H1(7) HEOL-Y-GERDDI, PENCOED 11 H1(72) LAND OFF HEOL DEWI SANT, BETTWS 23 for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and appeals). H1(8) BRYNDU EAST, KENFIG HILL* 15 H1(73) GREENACRE DRIVE, PENCOED 10 In this respect, substantial areas of housing land were identified in the H1(9) BRYNDU CENTRAL, KENFIG HILL 110 Estimated Remaining Commitments (2000) 5,049 Ogwr Borough Local Plan, many of which have extant planning consents H1(10) WAUNBANT ROAD, KENFIG HILL 11 for development. The Local Plan was adopted in 1995 and provided for the EST. No. construction of 7,240 dwellings from 1991 - 2006. Many of those sites, H1(12) CROWN ROAD (WEST), KENFIG HILL* 14 NEW HOUSING ALLOCATIONS DWELLINGS remain either partially, or wholly undeveloped. Foremost among them are H1(51) WEST OF MAESTEG ROAD, TONDU* 210 H1(14) MAENDY FARM (2), BRYNCETHIN 200 the two major sites to the South West and North East of Bridgend, now H1(52) PART OF FORMER COITY ROAD SIDINGS, BRIDGEND* 20 H1(15) SOUTH OF COYCHURCH ROAD, BRIDGEND 58 known as Broadlands, and Parc Derwen respectively, whose total H1(53) BADGERS MEAD EXTENSION, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 28 H1(16) SOUTH OF HENDRE ROAD, PENCOED 300 capacities for development were previously acknowledged to extend H1(54) COYCHURCH ROAD EAST, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 190 H1(17) WATERHALL ROAD, KENFIG HILL* 15 H1(55) BRIDGEND AFC GROUND, COYCHURCH RD, BRIDGEND* 40 beyond the Local Plan period. H1(18) NURSES HOME, QUARELLA ROAD, BRIDGEND* 30 H1(56) MARLAS FARM/HEOL FACH, NORTH CORNELLY 350 H1(19) NORTH OF MACKWORTH STREET, BRIDGEND* 20 4.4.4. All of the Local Plan sites have been monitored and re-assessed. H1(20) BRIDGEND GENERAL HOSPITAL, BRIDGEND* 71 This reveals that whilst most of them should be carried forward to the H1(58) PORTHCAWL REGENERATION SCHEME* 800 UDP, a substantial minority are agreed by the Residential Land Availability H1(59) NORTH OF LOCKS LANE, PORTHCAWL 40 H1(60) FORMER FFALDAU COLLIERY SITE, PONTYCYMMER* 24 Group to have serious constraints which may have discouraged significant H1(23) FORMER PENYFAI HOSPITAL, PENYFAI* 83 H1(61) FORMER WASHERY SITE, MAESTEG* 250 interest being shown in them by developers. For example, some sites H1(24) BROADLANDS, SOUTH WEST BRIDGEND 1,801 H1(62) UPPER TREMAINS FARM, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND 110 have been found to be susceptible to ground instability, others are hampered H1(25) PARC DERWEN, NORTH EAST BRIDGEND 1,500 H1(63) LWR. COMP. SCHOOL SITE, BRIDGEND ROAD, MAESTEG* 70 by access difficulties or possible ground contamination, while a small H1(26) AUSTIN AVENUE, PORTHCAWL 9 H1(64) WEST OF COED-Y-MORFA, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND* 90 number are affected by other infrastructural constraints or are liable to, H1(27) MEADOW LANE, PORTHCAWL* 12 H1(65) SOUTH OF JOSLIN ROAD, BRIDGEND* 30 H1(28) NICHOLLS YARD, PORTHCAWL* 12 and/or may exacerbate flood risk. These sites have been excluded from H1(29) ROWAN DRIVE, PORTHCAWL* 7 Policy H1 except where suitable mitigation measures, and/or where the H1(67) PORTHCAWL ROAD, NORTH CORNELLY 80 H1(30) CROWN ROAD, MAESTEG 25 Council is confident that those constraints can be overcome by Planning/ H1(31) LLAN ROAD, PONT RHYD-Y-CYFF, MAESTEG 9 Highway Agreements, to enable them to stand a realistic prospect of H1(74) LAND OFF HEOL TYWITH, NANTYFFYLLON 12 H1(32) THE COED, MAESTEG* 46 H1(75) FORMER LLYNFI HOSPITAL, MAESTEG* 42 being implemented within the UDP plan period. H1(33) NEUADD DOMOS, CWMFELIN, MAESTEG 71 H1(76) SOCIAL CLUB, BRIDGEND ROAD, MAESTEG* 10 H1(34) PICTON STREET, NANTYFFYLLON, MAESTEG* 14 4.4.5. On this basis, remaining commitments in 2000 will provide for the H1(77) FORMER BP GARAGE, SOUTH CORNELLY* 18 H1(35) JAMES ROAD, BLAENGARW 5 H1(78) LAND ADJ. 51 HEOL CASTELL COETY, BRIDGEND 1 ongoing development of 5,049 dwellings in the County Borough, which H1(36) LOWER ADARE STREET, PONTYCYMMER* 16 H1(79) THE TRIANGLE SITE, PENCOED 106 represents 64% of the target housing provision to be made in Policy H1. H1(37) WOOD STREET, PONTYCYMMER* 10 This places a clear restriction on the ability of the Authority to shift the H1(38) FORMER SCHOOL, FAIRY GLEN, WYNDHAM* 18 H1(81) WYNDHAM CLOSE, BRACKLA* 48 balance of new residential development substantially towards ‘brownfield’ H1(39) CWM OGWR FACH, BLACKMILL 39 H1(82) TY NANT, LLANGEINOR 10 H1(40) NORTH OF THE SQUARE, NANTYMOEL* 70 sites in this first UDP. Nevertheless, the development of all sites in Policy H1(83) PARK STREET, BRIDGEND* 17 H1(41) NORTH OF ABER COTTAGES, NANTYMOEL 9 H1 will contribute towards improved access to public transport, jobs, H1(84) REAR OF BRYN ROAD, TONDU* 21 H1(42) BETTWS ROAD, LLANGEINOR 32 shops, leisure and other facilities, whilst generally advancing the Council’s H1(85) LAND AT QUARELLA ROAD, BRIDGEND* 11 H1(43) UPPER ADARE STREET, PONTYCYMMER 14 sustainable objectives. H1(86) FORMER TENNIS SCHOOL, WATERTON* 22 H1(44) GELLIRON, PONTYCYMMER 7 H1(87) THE ESPLANADE, PORTHCAWL* 42 H1(45) WEST OF FOUNTAIN TERRACE, BETTWS 10 H1(88) PWLL Y WAUN, PORTHCAWL 25 NEW HOUSING ALLOCATIONS H1(46) SOUTH OF WOODLAND STREET, WYNDHAM* 14 4.4.6. The Government advises local planning authorities in Wales to ESTIMATED NEW ALLOCATIONS 2,717 address the scope and potential for rehabilitation, conversion, clearance H1(49) DERLLWYN ROAD, TONDU* 26 H1(50) GASWORKS TERRACE, TONDU* 17 OVERALL PROVISION TOTAL 7,766 and redevelopment when considering suitable sites for future housing development. (* Denotes a site which is defined as previously developed land i.e. "brownfield" or substantially ‘brownfield in character) (Development of sites H1(59) & H1(88) will be part of mixed-use schemes (Policies REG3(5) & REG3(4) refer) 4.4.7. Whereas the Government has specified an overall target in England for 60% of new dwellings to be built on ‘brownfield’ or ‘previously developed THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES H1(14, 16, 24, 25, 51, 52, 54-56, 58, 61 - 67, 75, 79, 81 & 84) WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS AND/ land over the next ten years, there is no similar specified target for Wales; 36 OR APPROPRIATE PLANNING/HIGHWAY AGREEMENTS. THESE MUST BE AGREED WITH THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL BEFORE DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES. however it is recognised as an issue which should be addressed, especially in UDP preparation. Chapter HOUSING 4
4.4.8. Several opportunities for new residential development have already 4.6. ADDITIONAL HOUSING SITES arisen in the County Borough since the adoption of the former Local Plan, most of which present development opportunities within the main urban UNITARY 4.6.1. WINDFALL AND SMALL-SCALE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT settlements of Bridgend, Porthcawl and Maesteg; or have emerged through IN MAIN SETTLEMENTS PLAN regeneration strategies. The new housing sites, it is estimated, should provide for an additional 2717 dwellings. POLICY H3 ADOPTED IN ADDITION TO THOSE SITES IN POLICY H1, 'WINDFALL' SITES, AND PLAN 4.4.9. Nearly all of these new sites either fall into the definition of previously SMALL-SCALE SITES, UP TO, AND WITHIN, THE DESIGNATED developed land (as defined by Planning Policy Wales) or utilise under- BOUNDARIES OF THE MAIN SETTLEMENTS OF:- used land within the urban areas of the main settlements. All of the new PART 2 sites are in accordance with the search sequence advocated by Planning ABERKENFIG BLAENGARW BRIDGEND WRITTEN Policy Wales and are therefore suitable for inclusion in Policy H1. The BRYNCETHIN BRYNMENYN CAERAU STATEMENT proportion of new housing that will be built on previously developed land KENFIG HILL MAESTEG NANTYMOEL within the new allocations is estimated at 65%. NANTYFFYLLON NORTH CORNELLY OGMORE VALE PENCOED PONTYCYMMER PORTHCAWL PRICETOWN PYLE SARN 4.4.10. Given the substantial number of remaining commitments which TONDU have to be carried forward, the Council considers that it will be establishing Broadlands, South West Bridgend a robust and sustainable framework upon which the housing policies at WILL BE PERMITTED FOR HOUSING. the First Review of the Plan can build. Strategy of the UDP and the principles of sustainable development; and which will not result in environmental harm (including encroachment/ DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS 4.6.2. SMALL-SCALE HOUSING IN SMALLER sporadic development into the countryside). 4.4.11. Four remaining commitments, and a significant proportion of the SETTLEMENTS new housing sites in Policy H1, will require Development Briefs and/or 4.6.6. Windfall Sites are defined as unallocated sites of 10 or more appropriate Planning or Highway Agreements to be agreed with the County POLICY H4 dwellings generally situated within the main settlements as defined by Borough Council prior to development. This will provide the opportunity for Policy H3. They may include sites which rationalise surrounding land the Council to secure with developers/landowners the appropriate level of SMALL SCALE SITES UP TO, AND WITHIN, THE DESIGNATED BOUNDARIES uses and do not result in environmental harm. Windfall sites may also OF THE SMALLER SETTLEMENTS OF:- relevant infrastructural requirements, improvements to local facilities, and/ include the restoration / conversion of existing buildings and/or the re-use or improvements to the local transport network, in accordance with Part 1 BETTWS BLACKMILL CEFN CRIBWR of vacant or underutilised land, the detailed assessment to which will be Policy 22. COITY COYCHURCH COYTRAHEN subject to Policy H5. EVANSTOWN GLYNOGWR HEOL-Y-CYW KENFIG LALESTON LEWISTOWN 4.6.7. In order to assess the contribution that windfall sites can make to 4.5. RESIDENTIAL LAND AVAILABILITY LLANGEINOR LLANGYNWYD MAWDLAM future housing provision in the County Borough, it has been necessary to PANTYRAWEL PENYFAI PONTRHYDYCYFF monitor such consents over the lifetime of the adopted Ogwr Borough PONTYRHYL/LLUEST SOUTH CORNELLY 4.5.1. LAND AVAILABILITY FOR HOUSING Local Plan. Such a monitoring exercise was undertaken between 1995 POLICY H2 WILL BE PERMITTED FOR HOUSING. and 2000 and reveals an average completion rate of 20 dwellings per annum, which equates to 320 additional dwellings contributing to future A FIVE YEAR LAND BANK FOR HOUSING WILL BE MAINTAINED IN housing provision between 2000 and 2016. BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH THROUGHOUT THE PLAN PERIOD. 4.6.3. The settlement strategy adopted in the UDP confirms that already 4.6.8. Small scale sites are defined as those accommodating less than established and adopted in previous Structure and Local Plans for the 10 dwellings, and may occur in main and smaller settlements. A small 4.5.2. It is Government policy that Local Planning Authorities ensure that County Borough. scale site will include an “infill site” which is defined as a site flanked by sufficient land is genuinely available, or will become available, to provide a existing development within a substantially built up frontage, or a “limited 5-year supply of land for housing judged against the general objectives 4.6.4. The term ‘main settlement’ derives from the original Mid rounding-off site”, which would constitute a site whose development would and the scale and location of development provided for in the development Glamorgan County Structure Plan (1979). This was determined according extend an existing built-up area in a manner which rationalises surrounding plan. To be genuinely available those sites must be free, or readily freed, to the extent and size of the built-up area, which is considered to be a land use and does not result in environmental harm. Small scale sites from planning, physical and ownership constraints, and be capable of reasonable expression of the physical and functional unit it represents. may also include dwelling increases due to appropriate restoration, being developed economically, in areas where people want to live, and ‘Main settlements’ are listed in Policy H3 and range in population from conversion of existing buildings (including the sub division of existing they must be suitable to provide for the full range of housing types. Policy over 35,000 down to 3,000 people as enumerated in the 1991 Census. residential property and the re-use of vacant or underutilised land, the H2 ensures that this long-standing policy of successive Governments will detailed assessment of which may be subject to Policy H5. continue to be achieved through the implementation of the UDP. 4.6.5. ‘Smaller settlements’ are those defined in Policy H4, all of which had populations in 1991 of less than 3,000 people. As in the case of the 4.6.9. Small-scale sites are closely monitored by the Local Planning 4.5.3. Residential land availability is monitored on a Unitary Authority ‘main settlements’ in the County Borough, they are considered to be Authority on an annual basis and published by the WDA Land Division. basis annually by the WDA Land Division and agreed with the Local sufficiently and reasonably served by existing community facilities, utility Based on an annual completion rate on small-scale sites over the past 10 Planning Authority. services and employment opportunities. They are therefore capable of years, the UDP assumes a further contribution of at least 50 dwellings supporting further development and growth in their population proportional per annum over the 16 year period 2000-2016, thereby providing an addi- 37 to their existing size in a manner consistent with the Preferred Land Use tional 800 dwellings to the future housing supply. Chapter 4 HOUSING
4.6.10. New build housing development on windfall and small-scale sites requirements in town centre locations will be sensitively adapted to the 4.7.2. URBAN RESTORATION/CONVERSION OF within the specified settlements of the County Borough will be generally particular circumstances of those areas. BUILDINGS FOR HOUSING UNITARY favoured under Polices H3 and H4, however this will still be subject to DEVELOPMENT POLICY H5 PLAN detailed planning considerations being satisfied for specific development 4.7.6. The conversion of properties in urban areas is eminently sustainable proposals. as existing property is thereby reused, the development of ‘greenfield IN URBAN AREAS, AS DEFINED IN POLICIES H3 AND H4, DETAILED sites’ is reduced, whilst accommodation is provided within the existing ADOPTED PROPOSALS FOR THE RESTORATION OR CONVERSION OF EXISTING PLAN 4.6.11. In addition to those housing allocations identified by Policy H1, BUILDINGS AND VACANT FLOORSPACE, OR THE RE-USE OF VACANT OR community where it is most needed and most accessible to local facilities, subject to detailed matters being satisfactorily addressed, the realisation UNDERUTILISED LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE affordable to future residents - especially the young or displaced, and of windfall and small scale sites will broaden the choice and location of PERMITTED, ONLY WHERE:- where extended commuting patterns for many can be avoided. PART 2 future housing in the County Borough, and when added to the other WRITTEN opportunities for the conversion of appropriate rural buildings, and new 1 THE FORM, BULK AND DESIGN OF ANY RESTORED OR CONVERTED 4.7.7. Conversions of existing buildings, however, will not be favoured STATEMENT developments necessary for the purposes of agriculture, forestry etc. will BUILDINGS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS; where they will result in significant detriment to either the character of the ensure a satisfactory provision of housing. 2 THE CHARACTER, DESIGN AND MATERIALS OF EXISTING OR existing building or its locality, or to the services and amenities enjoyed ADJOINING BUILDINGS ARE RESPECTED, PARTICULARLY WHERE by existing residents and neighbours. Further guidance on the conversion 4.6.12. In assessing the County Borough’s overall housing supply, the THEY HAVE ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORIC OR GROUP VALUE; or restoration of existing buildings, and/or the re-use or rehabilitation of UDP assumes an average annual housing demolition programme of land and buildings in urban areas can be obtained from the Council’s approximately 21 dwellings per annum. On this basis the future supply of 3 RESIDENTIAL AMENITY IS NOT COMPROMISED; published Supplementary Planning Guidance on this matter. housing between 2000 and 2016 is as follows: - 4 THERE IS SATISFACTORY PROVISION FOR ACCESS, PARKING, UTILITY SERVICES AND AMENITY SPACE. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Allocated Sites (Policy H1 refers) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○7,766 4.7.8. In the countryside, the situation with respect to new-build, and the replacement of existing dwellings, is quite different from that pertaining in Unallocated small-scale sites (PoliciesH3 and H4
4.7.3. It is the aim of the Council that everyone living or needing to live in urban areas. Policy EV1 defines the countryside as being .....that ○○○○○○○ refer–plus countryside exceptions under EV1) ○○○○○ 800 the County Borough has a home which is both fit, and affordable. The area of land lying beyond designated settlement boundaries, and
Unallocated Windfall Sites ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○320 wider importance of good housing to determining the ‘quality of life’ and in view of the constant pressures for development there, and the value
the contribution it can make to good health, educational opportunities, placed on the countryside, a robust planning framework is necessary to ○○○○○○○○○○ Demolitions ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ -346 community spirit, controlling criminal behaviour, job prospects and personal protect it for its own sake. Policy EV1 therefore restricts any development
development are now well recognised and are highlighted in the Council’s in the countryside in accordance with national planning policies. Hence,
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Total Supply (2000-2016) ○○○○○○○○ 8,540 2003 Housing Strategy/and Crime Reduction Strategy 1999/2002. The new housebuilding or other development, including the replacement of former strategy concentrates on how best to meet people’s housing needs existing dwellings, away from the designated settlements is strictly
Total Requirement (2000-2016) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○7,957 and, it recognises that the housing agenda, particularly in Wales, has controlled in the UDP, and is the subject of the appropriate Environment
shifted from a focus on ‘volume new build’ to considering how best to Policies EV1 to EV8. Functional and financial tests are advocated to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
Balance ○○○○○○○○○○○○ +583 maintain and preserve the fabric of existing communities by promoting clearly establish any need for new dwellings, whereas, temporary community regeneration. This shift in emphasis is welcomed and is wholly agricultural or forestry accommodation is advocated to initially prove 4.6.13. In accordance with environment Policy EV13 proposed new consistent with the need to establish more ‘sustainable communities’ in viability, and any consequent need for new dwellings. Government guidance housing developments which intensify pockets of development or scattered the County Borough. It is therefore an aim of the UDP to co-ordinate the in Wales is clear to point out that such agricultural needs do not include hamlets in the countryside i.e. settlements which are not listed as either findings of the Housing Strategy and the 2002 Housing Needs Survey provision of new dwellings as retirement homes for farmers. ‘main’ or ‘smaller’ settlements in Policies H3 and H4, and/or those which which will identify specific local and social needs, and thereby provide for extend into, or lie wholly within, the countryside will not be permitted. an adequate range of housing, especially through urban regeneration and 4.7.9. Similarly, all development for the conversion, extension or renewal. rehabilitation of buildings for residential purposes in the countryside will be strictly controlled in accordance with the detailed requirements of Policy 4.7. RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS AND 4.7.4. Policy H5 seeks to optimise the use of the existing housing stock EV2 and Policy EV6. RE-USE OF BUILDINGS OR LAND in urban areas, and to assist its restoration and conversion to more immediately needed forms of housing. It also supports the use of other IN URBAN AREAS suitable land and buildings to maximise new housing opportunities within 4.8. HOUSING DENSITY AND DESIGN 4.7.1. This section of the UDP addresses the scope for conversion, the communities in the County Borough where they are most needed. 4.8.1. The UDP acknowledges Government guidance as contained in changes of use, clearance and rebuild, and rehabilitation of the existing Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 12: Design, that good (including empty) dwelling stock of the County Borough. Policy H5 4.7.5. The conversion of other buildings to residential use may also be design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process. stipulates criteria for the detailed assessment of such housing proposals supported. Many shops or offices in the established commercial areas of Proposals which affect the built or natural environment (including in urban areas. the County Borough have vacant or under-used upper floors, and residential construction or alteration of individual buildings and groups of buildings conversions will not only make more efficient use of the building(s) but together with their settings), and larger development proposals, should also can assist in maintaining the vitality and viability of the area, and can exemplify what is commonly and/or professionally regarded to be ‘good contribute towards reduction in local crime. Access and car parking design’. Such measures will assist in the promotion of sustainable provision in such areas should accord with the Council’s new standards development; improve the quality of the existing environment; attract as set out in its revised Supplementary Planning Guidance which business and investment; reinforce civic pride and sense of place; and 38 particularly reflects Welsh Planning Guidance that car parking may secure continued public acceptance for necessary new development. (See Environment - Section 3.17). Chapter HOUSING 4
4.9.2. In acknowledging that there is a need to provide for a reasonable 4.9.7. Policy H7 is therefore framed to reflect the most up-to-date planning mix and balance in size and type of housing in its urban settlements, the guidance contained in TAN(W)2 ‘Planning and Affordable Housing’ Council also recognises the community’s need for ‘affordable housing’, (November 1996) (paras. 14-19 refer) and the good practice advice referred UNITARY DEVELOPMENT which should therefore be addressed in this UDP. to above. As advised, both planning conditions and obligations/agreements PLAN may legitimately be used by the Council, where justified, to achieve the 4.9.3. The Council adopts as its definition of ‘affordable housing’, or development and use of land that ensures:- ADOPTED ‘affordable homes’, that which is set out in detailed Welsh Planning PLAN Guidance, namely:- A mixed development that would contribute to the identified need for ..... both low cost market and subsidised housing (irrespective of tenure, affordable housing; and PART 2 exclusive or shared ownership, or financial arrangements) that will be That some of the housing built is occupied, either initially or in WRITTEN available to people who cannot afford to occupy houses generally available perpetuity, only by people falling within particular categories of need STATEMENT on the open market..... (PG(W) TAN(W)2 Para.5 refers). for affordable housing…(TAN(W)2 (para. 14 refers).
4.9.4. There should therefore be no confusion between the terms ‘social housing’ and ‘affordable housing’ as referred to in the UDP. ‘Social housing’ 4.9.8. Contractual arrangements which are legally binding will also be Rural Housing, Merthyr Mawr Village refers specifically to ‘subsidised’ housing provided by Registered Social used by the Council with the aim of securing an appropriate long term Landlords (RSLs) but does not include ‘low cost market housing’. The local provision of ‘affordable housing’ in the communities in greatest need strategic thrust of the UDP is the dispersal of new housing developments in the County Borough. Further guidance on this matter is contained in 4.8.2. Good design is therefore particularly relevant in the development of primarily to the main urban areas, and to regenerate redundant or under- TAN(W)2 which will assist the Council in achieving this aim. new housing. The appearance of the proposed development, its scale used land and buildings in those areas, thereby satisfying both the Guiding and relationship to its surroundings are all material planning considerations, Principle of sustainable development and the Housing Objectives set out 4.9.9. On the basis of past demands, and the findings of the Housing but the UDP should give clear indications of the Council’s design in para 2.2.2. earlier. It is important to recall at this point, however, that Needs Assessment the Council anticipates that the greater provision of expectations. In this respect, Policy EV45 does not seek to impose any sustainable development incorporates .....the need for social progress future ‘affordable housing’ will continue to be made in the ‘main urban particular architectural style or taste on individual development proposals, which recognises the needs of everyone. In this respect, the Council areas’ as defined in Policy H3 of the Plan as there has been very little rather, it seeks to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness, and to set a recognises how fit and ‘affordable housing’ can be a cornerstone in locally expressed concern or identified short fall relating to the provision framework for the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance for the determining the quality of life of its residents, and it recognises that a of affordable rural housing in the County Borough. This is hardly surprising, design of all new development - including housing. need for ‘social housing’ will remain as long as there are people who as much of the County Borough is relatively urbanised in character, and cannot, or choose not to, enter the private housing sector in the County consequently no part of its countryside lies more than 4 to 5 miles from a 4.8.3. The Government points out in its Good Practice Guide: Planning Borough. ‘main’ urban settlement. The Council considers that there is already for Sustainable Development: Towards Better Practice (October 1998) sufficient scope for the provision of affordable housing to meet the urban that:- 4.9.5. The Council is committed in its Local Housing Strategy to providing and/or rural needs of local people throughout the County Borough more affordable housing within the County Borough to meet local needs principally within the main urban areas as defined in Policy H3, and in Maintaining and raising residential.....densities can help towards achieving by pursuing a standardised approach. limited circumstances, where justified by the Housing Needs Assessment more sustainable urban areas. within the smaller settlements defined by Policy H4. Affordable housing 4.9.6. In order to demonstrate the need for affordable housing within the will not be permitted in the countryside outside settlement boundaries Planning Policy Wales also encourages higher densities on easily County Borough the Council has undertaken a Local Housing Needs unless necessary for the purposes of agriculture. In such rare instances, accessible sites, although development will need to be carefully designed Assessment, which was prepared in accordance with, the publication to ensure a high quality environment. ‘Local Housing Needs Assessment: A Good Practice Guide’ by the Welsh Affordable Housing, Broadlands Office (May 1999) and ‘Local Housing Needs Assessments: A Guide to Good Practice’ by the DTLR in July 2000. The 2002 survey estimates that 4.9. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVISION for the next 5 years there is a shortfall of 234 affordable homes per year, and that an affordable housing target level of up to 40% on suitable sites 4.9.1. ‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ could be justified. Of the identified shortfall, the survey also indicates that the greatest need is for 1 and 2 bedroom units. The survey provides the POLICY H7 Council with a significant amount of evidence to negotiate with developers for a proportion of affordable housing on suitable sites. The site thresholds WHERE A LOCAL NEED IS DEMONSTRATED, THE COUNCIL WILL EXPECT identified in Policy H7 is justified by the significant level of identified need AN APPROPRIATE ELEMENT OF ‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ TO BE and reflects the most up-to-date Planning Guidance published by the PROVIDED ON SUITABLE SITES CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING 15 ODPM. Data from the survey indicates that on a geographical basis the OR MORE UNITS OR EXCEEDING 0.5 HECTARES IN SIZE. SUCH AFFORDABLE HOUSING WILL BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE USE greater shortfall of affordable housing is located in the south of the County OF APPROPRIATE PLANNING CONDITIONS AND/OR OBLIGATIONS/ Borough within the study’s southern market area. AGREEMENTS AND/OR THROUGH CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE COUNCIL, DEVELOPERS AND REGISTERED SOCIAL LANDLORDS. 39 Chapter 4 HOUSING
suitable agricultural occupancy conditions will be applied in addition to 4.10.4. In accordance with Policy H8, a site should therefore have a those conditions/contractual arrangements to secure the dwelling’s reasonable chance of being used, (i.e. be sited usually in an area UNITARY continued ‘affordability’ in the longer term. traditionally used by gypsies). This will inevitably mean that it should not DEVELOPMENT PLAN be remote from the strategic highway network. In addition, it should be 4.9.10. Policy H7 will ensure that ‘affordable housing’ development meets conveniently located for retail and community services (including schools) ADOPTED the same high standards which will apply generally to new housing and be regularly served by public transport. The site should also satisfy PLAN developments as provided for in Policies EV45. In this respect, the Council other transportation requirements e.g. it should not give rise to traffic acknowledges that higher densities should be encouraged on easily hazards and have safe access to the highway; whilst close proximity to accessible sites, whilst a quality environment should be secured through residential development should be avoided where possible. The site should PART 2 careful design of development. not be located in such a way as to give rise to conditions unsuitable for WRITTEN residential development, particularly with regard to the effects of STATEMENT neighbouring land uses. The site must also be capable of being supplied 4.10. RESIDENTIAL CARAVANS with utility services at a reasonable cost. In some circumstances a AND GYPSY SITES countryside location may be acceptable where an urban option is both 4.10.1. Unitary Authorities no longer have a statutory duty to provide and unavailable and unacceptable. In all cases, a site must be acceptable in manage gypsy sites. However, they should still indicate what regard they terms of environmental conservation and landscape protection, and it must have had to meeting gypsies’ accommodation needs by making adequate be capable of being properly screened. provision for sites in their UDPs and by including a criteria-based policy which will enable gypsy site proposals, which may come forward, to be considered in the appropriate manner.
4.10.2. GYPSY SITES POLICY H8
ANY NEW SITE TO ACCOMMODATE GYPSIES RESIDING IN, OR RESORTING TO, THE COUNTY BOROUGH WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE IT:-
1 HAS REASONABLE ACCESS TO SHOPS AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES; 2 AVOIDS CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT; 3 IS COMPATIBLE WITH NEIGHBOURING LAND USES; 4 IS CAPABLE OF BEING ACCESSED SAFELY FROM THE HIGHWAY NETWORK AND BE CONVENIENTLY SITUATED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT; Cwrt Gwalia, Sheltered Accommodation, Ogmore Vale 5 IS ACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF THE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THE PROVISION OF UTILITY SERVICES; AND 6 IS CAPABLE OF BEING SCREENED AND SUITABLY LANDSCAPED TO A STANDARD COMPATIBLE WITH EITHER ITS URBAN OR RURAL SURROUNDINGS.
4.10.3. Neither Bridgend County Borough nor the former Ogwr Borough have been an area in which any sizeable numbers of gypsies have resided, or resorted to, in recent years. However, Policy H8 is intended to provide broad guidance for development of gypsies sites in the future. The policy is based on similar policies which have been found to be acceptable in previous Structure Plans in Wales, and includes a number of criteria to guide site evaluation. 40 Chapter EMPLOYMENT 5
5.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY
5.1.1. In order to create the right conditions for economic prosperity, it is TABLE EMP 1 industrial sites and estates, the majority of which has been taken up UNITARY very important that an adequate supply of land to meet development needs during the past 20-30 years. The 2002 Industrial Land Survey reveals that DEVELOPMENT PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT NEEDS 1996-2016 PLAN is provided. Government advice states that Local Authorities should aim IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH since 1985, 188 hectares of industrial land has been developed. This to ensure that there is sufficient land available, which is readily capable of represents an average take-up rate of approximately 11 hectares per ADOPTED development and well served by infrastructure, on a variety of sites, as far annum. PLAN as possible providing a balance between employment and population. A ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION 1996 ○○○○○○○○○57,205 5.1.5. The 252 Hectares of land allocated in Policy 5 for industrial and
B UNEMPLOYED 1996 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○3,548 5.1.2. One method of assessing the area’s industrial land requirement is commercial development is therefore more than adequate to cater for the PART 2 to estimate the job requirement by calculating the area’s future population C ON GOVERNMENT TRAINING SCHEME ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○687 expected future industrial and commercial land requirements of the County WRITTEN and economic activity rates. This job requirement is translated into a land Borough. Furthermore, as is indicated in Table EMP1 the land allocation STATEMENT
D WORKING IN AREA ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○47,495 requirement through a job density ratio. Table EMP1 illustrates this is more than capable of satisfying the needs of the projected population. methodology which is dependent upon the assumption that the economic E NET OUT WORKING ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○5,493 However it is recognised that the needs of industry are so diverse that
activity rate for males will fall from 79.3% in 1996 to 77% by 2016; and for F ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION 2016 ○○○○○○○○○60,988 industrial land supply should exceed estimated demand to provide choice females, will rise from 66.2% in 1996 to 70% by 2016. This assumption is and flexibility which will assist in the successful marketing of sites.
G LESS THOSE EMPLOYED (C+D+E) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○53,675 based upon national rates produced by the former Welsh Office in Welsh
Economic Trends, and is considered to represent a sound basis for H POTENTIAL JOBS GAP (F-G) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○7,313 5.1.6. An element of flexibility is also important given the fact that a calculation given the fact that the 1991 economic activity rates for Bridgend considerable proportion of allocated industrial land is not in public
I POTENTIAL GROWTH IN JOBS GAP (F-A) ○○○○○○○○○○○○3,783 were very close to the all Wales position. The application of these predicted ownership. As such the timing and release of land for industrial development
economic activity rates to the future population of working age suggests J LAND REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN 1996 LEVEL OF will often depend on the commercial decisions of individual owners and/or ○○○○ that the future economically active population of Bridgend County Borough UNEMPLOYMENT (I/50) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 75.66Ha property developers and cannot be directly influenced or expedited by the
could increase by 3,783 over the plan period from its 1996 level of 57,205 K LAND REQUIRED TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT County Borough Council. Furthermore, part of the overall allocation is ○○○○ to 60,988 by 2016. TO ZERO (H/50) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 146.26Ha specifically reserved for the future expansion of specific industrialists, or is currently committed. 5.1.3. Table EMP1 also assumes that the proportion of the economically active population, net out commuting and those on a Government Scheme 5.1.4. This methodology assumes that all new jobs will be provided on will remain at the 1991 Census level during the plan period. Given these new sites, thereby discounting the possibility of intensification and assumptions there would be a ‘job gap’ of approximately 7,500. Assuming expansion of indigenous companies. A more realistic method of calculating an average employment density of 50 per hectare, and that all new jobs employment land requirement would be to extrapolate the historic take are provided on new sites, 76 hectares of employment land would be up rate of commercial and industrial land. The 2002 industrial land survey required in order to maintain the 1996 level of unemployment. To reduce undertaken by the County Borough Council revealed that there are 475 unemployment to zero, 146.26 hectares would be needed. Hectares of land used for industrial and commercial purposes on existing
PART 2
5.2. INTRODUCTION 5.3. BACKGROUND 5.2.1. A major function of the Unitary Development Plan is to provide a 5.3.1. There has been a dramatic relative shift in the employment structure 5.3.3. Many key economic indicators used to establish the health of the planning framework within which the economic goal of increasing the of Bridgend since the early 1980s. Today’s employment profile is local economy, such as claimant count rates and wage rates, coupled prosperity of residents within the County Borough can be achieved. dominated by the service sector, a change that has taken place largely at with other socio-economic factors such as a low skills base and lack of the expense of a decrease in heavy manufacturing and primary industries. entrepreneurial initiative demonstrate the underlying weakness of the 5.2.2. The Plan seeks to enhance employment opportunities through the economy. Recent progress has not been sufficient to overcome the successful implementation of appropriate land use proposals and other 5.3.2. Despite the considerable success of inward investment and the complex and deep seated economic and social problems faced by the policies aimed at promoting employment growth. The Council is committed local economic transformation from almost total dependence on coal and County Borough especially within the disadvantaged valley areas. to supporting the development of the local economy without compromising heavy engineering to the current situation where services and light the overall objective of sustainable development. engineering/ manufacturing are dominant, there are still significant weaknesses in the local economy. New jobs established in the growing service sector often tend to be part time and therefore do not fully compensate for the loss of jobs previously associated with deep coal mining and heavy manufacturing. 41 Chapter 5 EMPLOYMENT
opportunities. To this end, the supply and range of employment land will TABLE EMP1 be monitored on an annual basis and information will be held on a “land- UNITARY COMPARATIVE CLAIMANT COUNT RATES bank” data base, which identifies land capable of immediate development DEVELOPMENT (as a proportion of resident working age population) PLAN or being made ready for development within 1 year. This implies that as sites are developed, others will need to be brought forward to a state of ADOPTED 7 readiness. Such measures are in accord with the Strategic Planning PLAN 6 Guidance for South East Wales. The table contained at supporting Employment Appendix EMP1 categorises vacant industrial land PART 2 5 according to its availability. At December 2002 there were approximately 4 94 hectares of land immediately available, which represents on the basis WRITTEN of past take up rates, more than 8 years supply of industrial land. It is STATEMENT 3 intended that Employment Appendix EMP1 will be updated and made R A T E publicly available on an annual basis, to inform Policy E1 and the status 2 GREAT BRITAIN WALES of available employment land at various sites defined by Policies E2, E3, 1 BRIDGEND E4 and E6.
0 5.4.3. The County Borough Council will continue however to support and act in partnership with public and private organisations and individuals to promote the availability and early release of all identified employment APR-00 OCT-00 OCT-02 OCT-96 APR-97 OCT-97 APR-98 OCT-98 APR-99 OCT-99 APR-01 OCT-01 APR-02 APR-03 OCT-03 sites throughout the plan area, via joint funding initiatives and the pursuance of new forms of grant aid from the European Union. In this context, the utilisation of potential Objective 1 funding could be of major significance 5.4. INDUSTRIAL LAND REQUIREMENT to the overall economic regeneration of the whole of the County Borough. 5.3.4. The promotion of economic development is the responsibility of a Successful future funding bids will need to be secured through a co- 5.4.1. AVAILABILITY OF READILY DEVELOPABLE LAND number of different organisations and Bridgend County Borough Council ordinated partnership approach, as part of a broader socio-economic package of regeneration initiatives. has established its own Economic Development Unit to improve the POLICY E1 prospects for Bridgend. The effective promotion of economic development is dependent upon close co-ordination with the other various bodies and A SUPPLY OF READILY DEVELOPABLE LAND, WELL SERVED BY 5.5. GENERAL EMPLOYMENT SITES agencies such as the Welsh Development Agency, ELWA (Education INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND and Learning Wales), Bridgend College and Business in Focus who are COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ON A VARIETY OF SITES. 5.5.1. 'KEY' EMPLOYMENT ALLOCATIONS similarly involved in the promotion of industrial and commercial development and the well being of the local economy and its labour force. 5.4.2. Part 1 sets out the case for the strategic allocation of 252 hectares POLICY E2 of industrial and commercial land. However, in order to enhance the 5.3.5. Joint initiatives with such bodies can make a significant impact on economic prospects of the County Borough, it is essential that a supply LAND IS SAFEGUARDED PRIMARILY FOR LARGE SCALE INVESTMENT AT the economic prospects of the area, especially when co-ordinated through of readily developable industrial land is maintained. The above policy will THE FOLLOWING 'KEY' EMPLOYMENT SITES:- comprehensive regeneration programmes. The Unitary Development Plan ensure that the County Borough Council can be more responsive to the SPECIFIED USES is a vital component in the successful implementation of such a co- needs of industry by providing new or expanding businesses with immediate ordinated economic development approach. E2(1) BRACKLA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 E2(2) BRIDGEND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 Bridgend Business Centre E2(3) BROCASTLE B1,B2,B8 5.3.6. Employment policies should reinforce and complement the E2(4) WATERTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 economic development and regeneration aspirations of the Council and outside agencies in a sustainable manner, without compromising the environmental and social objectives of the Plan. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES E2(3) WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A DEVELOPMENT BRIEF AND/OR APPROPRIATE PLANNING/HIGHWAY AGREEMENT. THESE MUST BE AGREED WITH THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL BEFORE DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES.
42 Chapter EMPLOYMENT 5
5.5.3. Bridgend has had an excellent record of attracting large-scale can be secured. Such investment will largely be dependent upon the Bridgend Ford Factory investment projects, largely due to the County Borough’s excellent funding priorities of outside agencies such as the Welsh Development communications – having 3 junctions off the M4 Motorway, a mainline Agency and on successful partnership bids for European finance. Land at UNITARY railway link and close proximity to Cardiff Wales Airport. In addition the Tondu is identified and discussed further within the Regeneration and DEVELOPMENT PLAN area has been able to offer a large pool of labour with competitive wage Transportation chapters - Policies REG 3(3) and T14(8) refers. costs. A feature of the 1990s has been an increase in competition for ADOPTED attracting new investment, and a decrease in the number and size of 5.5.9. SMALL BUSINESS ALLOCATIONS PLAN projects. A major factor in achieving success is the availability of highly accessible sites, close to the strategic highway network. POLICY E4 PART 2 5.5.4. Bridgend is still able to offer the necessary requirements to attract THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE ALLOCATED AND ARE CONSIDERED AS BEING WRITTEN major investment projects, and this Authority is still committed to this SUITABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH:- STATEMENT goal. It is therefore vitally important that the UDP identifies and safeguards SPECIFIED the high calibre ‘Key’ employment sites, suitable for such investment USES opportunities from alternative development during the lifetime of the Plan. E4(1) COYCHURCH YARD, BRIDGEND B1,B2,B8 E4(2) CROSBY YARD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 5.5.5. The ‘Key’ employment sites identified by Policy E2 are E4(3) COITY ROAD SIDINGS, BRIDGEND* B1,B2,B8 characterised and distinguished from other employment sites by their E4(4) PWLL Y WAUN, PORTHCAWL B1 direct access to the strategic road network and are in excess of 50 E4(5) ENTERPRISE CENTRE, TONDU B1,B2,B8 E4(6) FFALDAU INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 hectares. They have the capacity to accommodate large-scale single 5.5.2. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ALLOCATIONS E4(7) GLAN ROAD, PORTHCAWL B1,B2,B8 users for the full range of B1, B2 and B8 employment activities, and are E4(8) MAESTEG WASHERY SITE B1 POLICY E3 generally well located to centres of population. These sites represent a E4(9) PENYBONT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 major asset to the County Borough in terms of existing job capacity and E4(10) SPELTER INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 LAND IS ALLOCATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT their potential to attract further major investment projects, generating E4(11) TREWS FIELD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 FALLING WITHIN THE USES SPECIFIED, AT:- significant numbers of additional jobs.
(* Denotes a site subject to an approved Planning Brief) SPECIFIED 5.5.6. In the case of Waterton, Bridgend and Brackla Industrial Estates, USES these have previously been the main focus of large-scale inward investment E3(1) ABERGARW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE* B1,B2,B8 projects within the County Borough, and already accommodate a number 5.5.10. One of the weaknesses of the South Wales economy is the lack E3(2) BRYNCETHIN DEPOT* B1 of internationally recognised companies. As ‘Key’ employment sites under of an entrepreneurial culture. Traditionally those areas with a strong BRYNMENYN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 E3(3) Policy E2, it is anticipated that they will continue to perform this function indigenous business sector are more able to withstand the boom/bust E3(4) COEGNANT, MAESTEG* B1,B2,B8 E3(5) CORONATION WORKS, EVANSTOWN B1,B2,B8 in terms of the development of remaining vacant land and any major cycles that characterise market economies; as such, the future health E3(6) EWENNY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 redevelopment proposals. The Brocastle site is an almost entirely and stability of the local economy will be more secure if the rate of new E3(7) EWENNY ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 undeveloped site, carried forward from the Ogwr Borough Local Plan, where business starts is accelerated. E3(8) FORGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 it was only partly allocated for employment purposes. Brocastle is E3(9) GEORGIA PACIFIC, LLANGYNWYD B1,B2,B8 considered to represent the County Borough Council’s greatest asset in 5.5.11. The above policy aims to assist in this process by specifically E3(10) GREEN MEADOW, LLANGEINOR B1,B2,B8 terms of attracting large-scale investment, providing in excess of 52 identifying sites within or adjacent to the urban area for small businesses. E3(11) HEOL TY GWYN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE* B1,B2,B8 hectares of land. Brocastle will be developed in accordance with an In terms of their accessibility in relation to public transportation networks E3(12) ISFRYN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE* B1 approved development brief. and proximity to residential communities, these sites contribute to the LAND AT HEOL Y SPLOTT* B1,B2,B8 E3(13) Plan’s overall objective of promoting sustainable development and accords E3(14) LAND AT TONDU* B1,B2,B8 E3(15) LITCHARD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 5.5.7. If Bridgend is to retain its competitive industrial base it is imperative with advice given in Planning Policy Wales to pay particular regard to the E3(16) LLYNFI POWER STATION SITE* B1,B2 that the area is able to offer a broad portfolio of sites. In addition to those needs of small businesses. Many initiatives supporting small-scale E3(17) MID GLAMORGAN DEPOT, WATERTON* B1,B2,B8 ‘flagship’ sites identified and safeguarded under Policy E2, Policy E3 business activity are not land-use based, but concentrate on advice, E3(18) PENLLWYNGWENT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE* B1,B2 also identifies a variety of employment sites suitable for all types of training and administrative support mechanisms. However in recognising E3(19) SOUTH CORNELLY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 employment uses of varying size and type. that sites within or close to the urban area is the preferred location for E3(20) VILLAGE FARM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE B1,B2,B8 small work-shop type developments, Policy E4 aims to actively support E3(21) WERN TARW B1,B2,B8 5.5.8. Most of the undeveloped sites included in Policy E3 are “brownfield” this vulnerable sector of the local economy in land-use policy terms. E3(22) FORMER BAIRDWEAR FACTORY, PYLE B1,B2 and are identified as such by an asterix *. With the exception of Land at (* Denotes a 'Brownfield' site) Heol y Splott, Bryncethin Depot, and the former Bairdwear Factory, all of the above sites have previously been allocated for employment purposes THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES E3(14), E3(21) WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS AND/OR APPROPRIATE PLANNING/ in the Ogwr Borough Local Plan, and/or have the benefit of planning HIGHWAY AGREEMENTS. THESE MUST BE AGREED WITH THE COUNTY permission. Larger undeveloped sites, such as Land at Tondu and Llynfi BOROUGH COUNCIL BEFORE DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES. Power Station, will require comprehensive redevelopment, and their full development potential will be realised only if major infrastructure investment 43 Chapter 5 EMPLOYMENT
5.6.2. All of the above sites are identified, protected and distinguished be considered acceptable, although their cumulative impact is a factor 5.5.12. IMPROVEMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENTS OF from other employment sites on the basis of their physical and locational which will need to be taken into account when deciding upon individual IDENTIFIED EMPLOYMENT SITES UNITARY characteristics, particularly their peripheral yet prominent locations proposals. In addition, many sui generis employment uses do not fit neatly DEVELOPMENT POLICY E5 PLAN adjacent to areas of countryside, and their proximity to the strategic road within town centres or within close proximity to residential areas; but by network. their very nature are far better located on an industrial estate. IMPROVEMENTS, REDEVELOPMENTS, EXTENSIONS, CONVERSIONS ADOPTED AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SPECIFIED USES AND WHICH PLAN MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT WILL BE PERMITTED ON 5.6.3. Given the sensitive locations of these sites, the requirement for 5.7.4. It must be noted that some existing industrial sites and buildings SITES IDENTIFIED BY POLICIES E2, E3 AND E4. consistently high design and environmental standards within an overall have not been specifically identified on the Proposals Map. In some cases concept framework would be a pre-requisite for development. some developments may represent inappropriate or unneighbourly uses, PART 2 and would benefit from relocation or replacement by a more suitable use. WRITTEN 5.5.13. Policy E5 makes provision for existing and proposed industrial 5.6.4. Land South West of Sony, The Triangle Site at Junction 35 and Ty Policy E7 does not preclude such eventualities, as it only relates to STATEMENT estates to continue to adapt to changing economic conditions. In addition Draw Farm at Junction 37 of the M4 Motorway, are located in visible and identified sites. it is recognised that over the years, the environment of some industrial prominent locations. Land at Pencoed Technology Park forms part of a estates has deteriorated, making the areas unattractive and discouraging larger tract of land, some 31.51Ha. in extent, most of which is located investment. To overcome this cycle of decline the County Borough Council within the administrative boundary of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough, 5.8. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL has the power to declare ‘Industrial Improvement Areas’ where the Authority and is also identified for special employment purposes in the Taff Ely DEVELOPMENT ON UNALLOCATED SITES has special powers and resources to provide environmental improvements Local Plan. Land at Island Farm is an undeveloped extension of Bridgend and financial aid to private businesses. An Industrial Improvement Area Science Park, which has been successfully developed as a prestige 5.8.1. BROWNFIELD SITES IN URBAN AREAS and an Industrial Estate Improvement Programme are currently focused science business park, and is currently occupied by a number of high at Village Farm and Brackla and Litchard Industrial Estates respectively. technology businesses. The existing part of the site benefits from extensive POLICY E9 An integrated package of employment and community initiatives have landscaping, and buildings are of a high architectural design. It is been focused on the Village Farm Industrial Estate as part of the Cynffig anticipated that Land at Island Farm will be developed in a similar manner. THE REDEVELOPMENT OF DERELICT, UNDER-UTILISED, OBSOLETE OR Community Economic Regeneration Strategy, and these have dramatically VACANT LAND AND BUILDINGS IN URBAN AREAS FOR EMPLOYMENT enhanced both the environment and employment opportunities within the PURPOSES WILL BE PERMITTED, PROVIDED THAT:- estate and the community as a whole. At Brackla and Litchard Industrial 5.7. ALTERNATIVE USE OF INDUSTRIAL LAND THE PROPOSED USE IS COMPATIBLE WITH ADJOINING LAND USES; Estates an Improvement Programme is currently being implemented by 1 the Council in partnership with the WDA and Groundwork Bridgend, and 2 THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT INVOLVE THE LOSS OF A PRIMARY led by the Business Environmental Co-ordinator employed by the Council. 5.7.1. PROTECTION OF IDENTIFIED EMPLOYMENT SITES SHOPPING STREET FRONTAGE OR AN EXISTING RETAIL PREMISES The above policy is therefore intended to complement and support such POLICY E7 AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL initiatives. AREA; PROPOSALS WHICH RESULT IN THE LOSS OF EXISTING OR PROPOSED 3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ENHANCES LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIAL LAND OR BUILDINGS ON SITES IDENTIFIED IN POLICIES AMENITY; 5.6. SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT SITES E2, E3, AND E4 WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. EXCEPTIONS WILL NEED TO BE JUSTIFIED ON ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:- 4 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT AN 5.6.1. PROTECTION OF SPECIAL 1 IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, A LIMITED NUMBER OF THOSE USES UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, EMPLOYMENT ALLOCATIONS REGARDED AS COMPLEMENTARY AND/OR ANCILLARY TO THE MAIN SAFETY, ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS. USE OF THE LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES; OR POLICY E6 2 IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, THOSE SUI GENERIS EMPLOYMENT LAND IS ALLOCATED AND SAFEGUARDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT USES WHICH ARE REGARDED AS BEING SUITABLY LOCATED ON 5.8.2. The above policy promotes this plan’s underlying principle of a OF HIGH QUALITY ‘SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT SITES’. SUCH SITES MUST INDUSTRIAL LAND. more sustainable pattern of development and embodies the Government’s BE DEVELOPED TO THE HIGHEST DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL most up to date thinking on the concept of the ‘urban village’. Such an STANDARDS AND ARE RESERVED SPECIFICALLY FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY approach involves the fostering of more integrated communities by actively BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND 5.7.2. This policy aims to protect existing jobs and ensure the continued promoting mixed use developments. RELATED OFFICE DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE. IN THIS availability of a wide range of employment opportunities throughout the RESPECT THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE ALLOCATED AT:- County Borough, by strongly resisting the redevelopment of allocated 5.8.3. In terms of visual amenity, this policy also has the added advantage E6(1) BRIDGEND SCIENCE PARK/ISLAND FARM; industrial land and buildings for alternative purposes. This is especially of bringing back into beneficial use those unsightly buildings, which have E6(2) LAND SOUTH WEST OF SONY, PENCOED; relevant when designated sites are located close to the strategic road a negative impact on an area and act as a deterrent to future investment; E6(3) THE TRIANGLE SITE, PENCOED; network and have been vacant for a number of years. In such circumstances thereby complementing regeneration initiatives throughout the County E6(4) PENCOED TECHNOLOGY PARK; AND there is often intense pressure from alternative development proposals, Borough. E6(5) TY DRAW FARM, NORTH CORNELLY. notably from housing and retail developments, the needs of which are adequately catered for elsewhere within this Plan. 5.8.4. It is appropriate to note that employment uses can exist within the heart of settlements without unacceptable disturbance. Indeed by definition, 5.7.3. Policy E7 also recognises that industrial areas operate more Class B1 uses of the Use Classes Order 1987 are considered to be those efficiently if they can provide an element of service provision to their that can be carried out in a residential area. Similarly, other employment 44 employees and their clients. In this context non industrial uses that are proposals which are restricted to light traffic generation and would not considered complementary and ancillary to the main industrial use, may affect the amenity of an area may also be acceptable. Chapter EMPLOYMENT 5
developments also add to the diversity of uses in town centres and they Ravenscourt Offices - Bridgend 5.8.12. HOME WORKING can attract large numbers of the general public into those centres. In addition, they can help to diversify the employment profile in an area and POLICY E12 UNITARY help create jobs. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS TO OPERATE A SMALL BUSINESS FROM THE HOME WILL PLAN BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:- 5.8.7. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE ADOPTED 1 THERE WOULD BE NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER AND PLAN POLICY E11 APPEARANCE OF THE DWELLING; PROPOSALS INVOLVING DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REFURBISHMENT 2 ANY ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSAL WILL NOT PART 2 OF EXISTING BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PERMITTED CAUSE ADVERSE AMENITY PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF NOISE AND ON WRITTEN IF THEY REPRESENT APPROPRIATE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE RURAL STREET PARKING AND CAN BE SAFELY ACCOMMODATED ON THE STATEMENT ECONOMY, AND ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES EV1, EV6 AND EXISTING HIGHWAY NETWORK; EV7. 3 THERE IS NO LOSS OF RESIDENTIAL AMENITY TO SURROUNDING PROPERTIES BY VIRTUE OF NOISE, SMELL, DUST, LIGHT OR 5.8.8. In general terms, industrial and commercial development in the UNSIGHTLY STORAGE. countryside is likely to visually detract from the landscape, be physically remote from communities and is unlikely to be well served by public 5.8.13. The development of more and more sophisticated computer transport. In this context, employment development will not generally be technology, use of the Internet, and availability of digital communications permitted in the countryside, when it would be more appropriately located 5.8.5. OFFICE DEVELOPMENT means that more of the population will start working from home. Teleworking within established and allocated industrial sites in the urban area. requires little or no alteration to the fabric of residential properties and in POLICY E10 many cases where the operation involves no additional employees other 5.8.9. Some employment uses are however appropriately located in rural than the occupants of the home or callers, then it will not require planning EXISTING TOWN CENTRES WILL BE THE MAIN FOCUS OF OFFICE areas, notably for agricultural or forestry related enterprises, recreational permission. Policy E12 relates to those more intensive proposals where DEVELOPMENT. ELSEWHERE, OFFICE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED or tourist related developments which require a rural location, or for an planning permission is required, although in many cases they can be, ONLY IF:- appropriate form of rural diversification, possibly related to craft workshops. subject to satisfying the above criteria carried out without any adverse 1 IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER OF PREFERENCE, ALL TOWN CENTRE, EDGE OF effect upon the surrounding neighbourhood. Developments of this nature CENTRE AND OUT OF CENTRE SITES HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY 5.8.10. In particular, farm diversification projects are likely to become will have a significant impact on working patterns, reducing the need to ASSESSED AND NONE ARE FOUND TO BE SUITABLE. increasingly important to the farming community, at a time when traditional commute to work everyday, thereby contributing to the Plan’s overall farming methods and livestock husbandry are under threat, and farming objective of achieving a sustainable pattern of development. 2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS WELL SERVED IN TERMS OF incomes are in decline. In accordance with Policy EV1 while initial PUBLIC TRANSPORT. consideration should be given to adapting existing farm buildings, the 5.8.14. In addition there are also instances where small-scale enterprises IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ABOVE, THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE provision of sensitively designed new building associated with a farm can effectively operate from a garage or outbuildings associated with the ALLOCATED:- diversification scheme on a working farm within an existing farm complex home. Controlling the intensity and scale of such operations and their may be appropriate where a conversion opportunity does not exist. effect upon surrounding properties is a vital consideration in determining E10(1) FORMER SWALEC DEPOT, TREMAINS ROAD; such proposals, and in this respect, criteria relating to Policy E12 is E10(2) LAND SOUTH OF MACKWORTH STREET, BRIDGEND; 5.8.11. It is envisaged that those commercial activities which are E10(3) LAND AT COITY ROAD, BRIDGEND; AND aimed at helping to achieve an appropriate balance. considered appropriate, and which do not conflict with environmental E10(4) FORMER COURAGE DEPOT SITE, TONDU ROAD, BRIDGEND. policies elsewhere in the Plan, will be of a relatively small-scale nature. Subsequent intensification of a use which has been given permission Science Park, Bridgend 5.8.6. The Government’s objective of sustaining and enhancing the vitality, could make it unacceptably intrusive, and to this end it may be appropriate attractiveness and viability of town centres is complemented by advice to to limit future development by condition or planning agreement to safeguard encourage the diversification of uses within the town centre as a whole. the rural character of the countryside. This is recognition of the fact that as well as ensuring a wide variety and range of shops, the vitality of shopping centres is also dependent on its ability to draw investment from other sectors of the economy. Where vacant premises or space above shops are unlikely to be reused for retail purposes, or vacant and under-utilised land exists on the periphery of the commercial area, it may be appropriate to encourage a range of employment generating uses. Because town centres are usually well served by a choice of public transport, locating employment generating uses within town centres will contribute to the overall objective of sustainability, by maximising the opportunities for employees as well as shoppers, to use means of transport other than the car. Office 45 Chapter 5 EMPLOYMENT
5.9. POLLUTING INDUSTRIES AND DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING UNITARY DEVELOPMENT HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES PLAN 5.9.1. POLLUTING INDUSTRIES 5.9.6. The County Borough does not have any industries that are subject ADOPTED to The Planning (COMAH) Regulations 1999 SI No. 981. However, the PLAN POLICY E13 area does contain a number of installations and processes designated as notifiable to the Health and Safety Executive by virtue of the quantities of INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH MIGHT CAUSE POLLUTION OR hazardous substances stored or conveyed. Whilst they are subject to PART 2 POSE A RISK TO HEALTH AND SAFETY WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF stringent controls under health and safety legislation, it is considered IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS, AND ANY WRITTEN prudent to control development in their vicinity, a process which is rigorously EMISSIONS, CAN BE MONITORED AND CONTROLLED TO MEET STATEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES. undertaken as part of the development control process. The following policy therefore applies.
5.9.2. In many instances the potential polluting effects of certain industrial uses can be overcome by the use of planning conditions. Each proposal 5.9.7. NOTIFIABLE INSTALLATIONS however will be considered on its merit. Particular attention will be put on POLICY E15 the ability of the Local Authority and other regulatory bodies to monitor and control any discharge of polluting materials and the ability of the DEVELOPMENT IN THE VICINITY OF EXISTING NOTIFIABLE regulatory bodies to prosecute should the agreed and acceptable levels INSTALLATIONS WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY AFTER THE PLANNING of emissions be exceeded. Environmental Impact Assessment will be AUTHORITY HAS SOUGHT ADVICE FROM THE HEALTH AND SAFETY requested by the Local Planning Authority to assist in the decision making EXECUTIVE. process where development is considered to have likely significant environment effects because of factors such as its nature, size or location in accordance with advice in WO Circular 11/99.
5.9.3. Other considerations will be the need to locate such developments away from residential and commercial areas. In addition, many existing firms require a quality environment, including clean air for their operation.
5.9.4. HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES POLICY E14
PROPOSALS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TO IMPORT, STORE, MANUFACTURE, INCINERATE, DISPOSE OF OR DISTRIBUTE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES WILL BE CLOSELY SCRUTINISED. THOSE WHICH POSE A THREAT TO PEOPLE, PROPERTY OR THE ENVIRONMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS MITIGATION MEASURES TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME THE THREATS CAN BE PUT IN PLACE AND THEREAFTER MAINTAINED.
5.9.5. The above policy relates to those industries which import, store, manufacture, incinerate, dispose of, or distribute defined dangerous substances in such large quantities that they would be subject to The Planning (Control of Major Accident Hazards) (COMAH) Regulations 1999 S1 No. 981. It is considered that because of the urbanised nature of much of the County Borough, the establishment of such industries should be strongly resisted. 46 Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 6.1.1. Investment in highway infrastructure has traditionally and mainly 6.1.4. While it may be generally desirable to constrain highway capacity 6.1.7. To assist in the above process, and in consultation with the public UNITARY been geared towards the expansion of highway capacity in order to reduce in some areas of the County Borough to discourage the use of the car, in and other local authorities in the South Wales region, the Council is DEVELOPMENT PLAN road congestion, and to meet forecasts of increased growth in road traffic. other areas, there may be a compelling need to enhance the highway proposing revised parking standards which will determine and regulate This “predict and provide” approach to highway development is now network through new-build or highway improvements. In appropriate the level of parking provision in new developments. The requirement to ADOPTED generally agreed to be unsustainable. It is nationally recognised that road instances, new road construction can stimulate economic opportunities apply maximum parking standards, as advised in Planning Policy Wales building alone cannot solve the problem of traffic growth and increasing and developments by attracting inward investment, as formerly occurred 2002, forms the basis for that work. Again, the basic tenet being: to reduce PLAN road congestion, and that where such new construction is deemed to be in the M4 motorway corridor. The resultant potentially positive impacts of the reliance on cars and encourage the use of public transport, especially necessary, it should be justified by other factors, rather than to aim to regeneration also justify keeping the option of building certain new roads, in areas where the latter is already amply provided, or where the potential PART 2 cater solely for predicted increases in traffic. especially in those areas where attractive, environmentally acceptable exists for its further promotion. WRITTEN development land is genuinely available. It is for these reasons, that STATEMENT 6.1.2. Similarly, it is now also generally acknowledged that while new Policy 6 has been introduced into the Plan. 6.1.8. Therefore, to achieve the aims and objectives of the revised construction of roads may create extra highway capacity, this will not, in standards, the Council will introduce policies requiring developers to itself, solve all of the problems caused by traffic congestion. Other more 6.1.5. The type, quality, and level of infrastructure in the County Borough submit, as a part of their development proposals, an assessment of public environmentally acceptable measures, such as a physical reduction in will influence modal choice of transport, and the nature of proposed transport accessibility and provision for cycling and pedestrian facilities. highway capacity, should be considered in addressing the issues involved. development. In their turn, the latter factors will influence the operational Similarly, the Council will also require developers of all future proposals The Council recognises that by pursuing this approach, which is justified performance of existing transport and highway infrastructure, future for employment-generating activities/uses to submit ‘commuting or travel on economic and environmental grounds, some cars may be displaced, investment requirements, and any implementation programme. It is in plans’ which must be accompanied by a full explanation of how their especially during peak periods, with initial inconvenience to their users. this context that Policy 7 is introduced. plans will assist in delivering efficiency in the local transport network. Such losses would, however, be mitigated by the further provision of priority measures to aid efficient movement of buses, cyclists and pedestrians, 6.1.6. To pursue the aim of co-ordinating and integrating land use with 6.1.9. The Council is also aware that there may be instances where a thereby supplementing progress which has already been made on transport provision, thereby reducing journey lengths and reliance on the developer’s proposals, when implemented, would have an adverse impact pedestrianisation plans, cycle and community routes and providing safe use of cars while enhancing rail freight potential, the highway network on the transport network and the local environment. Where this will occur, routes to schools in the County Borough, whilst encouraging modal shift, must be managed with a view to reinforcing the economic, social and the developer(s) in question will be required to introduce the appropriate and improving the local environment. In this respect, the Council is confident environmental benefits deriving from the developments it will serve. It is measures to rectify it. All of the above assessments/plans will be closely that the overall impact of its transportation policies will be to the social, therefore necessary to formulate transportation policies that will influence scrutinised by the Council and be subject to its approval. economic and environmental benefit of all residents of the County Borough. the location and nature of development by, for example, encouraging mixed- use developments at locations close to public transport corridors. This 6.1.10. Management of the transportation network, and future investment 6.1.3. The Council recognises that capacity adjustments to the highway approach also embodies a reduction in the number and length of journeys, decisions are each influenced by, among other things, the efficient network will have an impact on transport costs, journey to work patterns, particularly those by car. It will similarly enhance and encourage journeys movement of people and goods. Whereas movement of goods nationally economic development (including proposed changes to retail deliveries by public transport, cycle or on foot, thereby making more efficient use of by road has been increasing, the rail industry’s share of freight traffic has and loading restrictions), and therefore the future location of land-uses. the whole transportation network and reducing environmental degradation. remained constant over recent years. However, the structure of the Decisions to adjust or re-allocate highway capacity will therefore need to Such an approach is embodied in the UDP’s strategy which promotes economic and industrial output of the County Borough suggests that be informed by the role that public transport infrastructure, especially rail, multi-modal transport corridors at the core of the transportation network. significant potential exists for a share of that freight traffic to be harnessed will play in improving the overall efficiency of the total transport network. by rail in the interests of the economic and environmental benefit of the area. Therefore, to encourage local movement of freight by rail, the Council will favour development proposals which aim to locate at appropriate sites which will facilitate rail-freight movements. Such developments may also attract assistance under Section 249 of the Transport Act 2000.
PART 2
6.2. INTRODUCTION 6.2.2. Historically, land-use patterns in Bridgend County Borough have development at the periphery of urban settlements, as it has also been 6.2.1. Transportation is a vital instrument in securing the economic, been a significant factor in the local provision of housing, employment, significantly influenced by inadequate integration of different transport modes environmental and social well-being of the County Borough. The nature of shopping, educational and leisure facilities. Hence, the number and lengths and poor linkages with developments. This has also contributed to social the transportation network can significantly influence the location, type of journeys have increased, and there has been an increased reliance on inequality. For example, out-of-town retailing and employment areas were and scale of development, and the means by which it should be accessed; travel by cars. This trend was encouraged by minimum car parking originally served by only limited public transport provision, and/or the and, conversely, the operational performance of that network and future standards and highway network management priorities, each of which frequency of services could not sustain or support convenient work-related requirements are themselves influenced by land-use developments. It is has acted to the detriment of public transport and other modes of travel. journey patterns by modes other than the car itself. In these the recognition of these relationships that forms the basis of national circumstances, households which were unable to own or have access to guidance, and which therefore advocates the integration of land-use and 6.2.3. The decline in the use of public transport, however, cannot be the use of a car, became socially excluded from the economic benefits transportation planning. attributed only to a rise in the use of cars and past concentration of provided by those developments i.e. jobs or reduced prices. 47 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
6.2.4. The social and environmental costs that such exclusion imposes levels, but also the inability to continue to provide for forecast demand 6.3. TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT on the County Borough tend to reduce the beneficial effects of an improved due to the prohibitive social and financial costs of road building. Hence 6.3.1. Planning Policy Wales 2002 advocates an integrated approach to UNITARY transportation network. It is therefore the aim of the Unitary Development the guidance requires that integrated transport policies should be developed transportation with land-use planning so that transport and planning will DEVELOPMENT Plan (UDP) to formulate policies to reduce these costs, and thereby reduce to contribute towards reducing the rate of growth in traffic, reducing the PLAN work together to support more sustainable travel choices and reduce the social exclusion as a constituent aim in achieving sustainable increasing reliance on cars, while encouraging the use of alternative modes need to travel. The document further suggests that the overall approach ADOPTED development. of transport. to transportation planning should aim at protecting and improving the PLAN environment and serving the needs of development by reducing the need 6.2.5. The transport problems within the County Borough are varied and 6.2.9. The need to reduce the increasing reliance on cars, will encourage to travel, and improving access to jobs, leisure and services. Hence, in diverse as there is no uniformity in provision of transport services and developers to choose sites for development which will be well-served by order to minimise the demand for travel, future development should be PART 2 equal availability of modal choice. This is clearly demonstrated by the public transport, with reduced required parking provision, and thereby located where it will be well-related to other land-uses and services with WRITTEN existing highway network north and south of the M4, and the contrasting support the sustainable aims of the UDP. Detailed guidance supporting which it needs to interact. STATEMENT socio-economic characteristics of the County Borough. the above aims for integrated land-use and transport planning is contained in Planning Policy Wales 2002 which promotes the relevant precepts set 6.2.6. Some unique rural transport problems are also evident, such as down in the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. 6.3.2. THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE inadequate public transport facilities and less generous access to MODES OF TRANSPORT amenities, which should not be subsumed in the overall concern to resolve 6.2.10. To recognise further the reduced emphasis on road construction POLICY T1 urban transport problems (such as congestion), through fiscal initiatives, as the major element of transport investment, the government has made traffic restraint and other demand management measures. Local Transport Plans (LTPs) the central focus for delivering its objectives DEVELOPMENT SHOULD LOCATE IN AREAS SERVED BY, OR CAPABLE of integrated transport at the local level. Local Transport Plan measures OF BEING SERVED BY, MODES OF TRANSPORT OTHER THAN THE 6.2.7. To address the varying and diverse transport needs of the County should include capital and revenue proposals as well as non land-use PRIVATE CAR. DEVELOPMENT SHOULD SELECT LOCATIONS WHICH Borough therefore requires a flexible package of integrated transport initiatives such as Green Transport Plans, and Quality Partnerships with RESULT IN THE MINIMAL HARMFUL IMPACT FROM TRAFFIC, BY WAY OF measures that will ease movement, and provide equitable access for all freight and public transport operators. The LTP for the County Borough NOISE, POLLUTION, ETC., ON THE ENVIRONMENT. residents. This will include measures for traffic management and restraint, therefore contains an annually monitored and reviewed five-year rolling cycling, pedestrian and bus priority. Notwithstanding the reduced emphasis programme that promotes integrated transport and sustainable on new road building, however, it will be necessary for this integrated development. 6.3.3. Policy T1 acknowledges the significant effect that the location and transport package to include a degree of new road construction, together nature of development can have on the transportation network and the with some improvements to existing highways, to meet the overall 6.2.11. This new approach to integrated transport planning has already environment. To assist in protecting the environment from the undue effects challenge. helped to shape the way in which the Council intends to implement its of transport related activities, it is necessary to set up a framework which transport strategy, priorities, and investment programme. The UDP will encourages individuals to select the most suitable and environmentally 6.2.8. However, the Council’s transport strategy also takes on board the therefore contain schemes of strategic significance, i.e. including those acceptable mode of travel for their journey. A key element of this, is the advice provided in Planning Policy Wales 2002, which sets out the actuated by proposed development, as well as those for which land has provision of real choice in the means of transport to and from proposed framework for the promotion of integrated transport in the delivery of already been safeguarded; whereas the LTP will address local developments for those employed at, or using, them. Therefore, sustainable development objectives. The guidance recognises the need transportation issues. The latter will therefore include transportation development will be located where existing networks of public transport to constrain the continuing rise in car use and the growth in overall traffic schemes, proposals, and traffic management measures (especially those and highway infrastructure can provide, with or without enhancement affecting the strategic transport corridors as identified later under Policy (depending on the demands of the development), an effective choice of T13). Schemes will be identified annually in the review of the Council’s mode of travel appropriate to the nature and scale of that development. LTP and will inform the ongoing monitoring of the UDP’s policies. In this way the UDP and LTP will maintain consistent approaches to transportation 6.3.4. Proposed development which requires a high degree of accessibility strategy and policies, which is critical to the achievement of their mutual by the general public shall be located within or close to existing centres aims. of activity, and which are well-served by public transport. This requirement will be enforced by the Council taking due account of the nature of the 6.2.12. This approach will also confer two new major capabilities:- development and the changing practices which are already being introduced, for example, e-commerce. Only in the case of development It will enable the Council to develop a package of schemes that are whose proposed goods and service provision would be impaired or rendered not piecemeal but, rather, integrated - i.e. including small scale projects non-viable if conveyed through public transport, will this requirement be that conform to criteria defined under the government’s New Approach relaxed by the Council. It will continue to require that development based, To Appraisal (NATA); and for example, from a showroom in an existing centre, and proposing new services, such as free home delivery and e-commerce, should be located The LTP process will facilitate the development of realistic programmes in those existing centres well-served by public transport. The Council of transport investment and priorities, which reconcile the availability also acknowledges that some out-of-town developments have of funding with eligible projects. complementary roles to play, and therefore require a high degree of accessibility, but they will be considered with a predisposition that they
Community Route too should be located within existing centres. Where this is not possible, the alternative sites for such developments must similarly be accessible 48 by means of a variety of travel modes. Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.3.5. Commuter travel by car is one of the major sources of traffic required to provide funds to ‘pump prime’ such services for the initial 6.3.10. SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENTS TO congestion, and every measure must be employed to limit its growth and period of their operation, and to enter into legally binding agreements to EXISTING HIGHWAYS encourage the use of public transport for travel to work. Therefore, office ensure the provision of those services. The design of individual developments UNITARY development or any other similar generators of commuter trips will be POLICY T2 must include measures and facilities to ensure the effective and safe DEVELOPMENT PLAN located where the existing networks of public transport provide a real and movement and penetration of public transport services. effective alternative to the private car, i.e. invariably within existing town PROPOSALS FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT OR DEVELOPMENT LIKELY ADOPTED TO GIVE A MATERIAL INCREASE IN OR MATERIAL CHANGE IN THE centres. This is of particular relevance to call-centres, which by their nature 6.3.14. Taxis also form a part of the public transport network, and PLAN generate a substantial amount of commuter travel. Equally, new residential CHARACTER OF TRAFFIC ON THE NETWORK SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED developers will therefore be expected to demonstrate that appropriate developments will be located where existing, enhanced, or proposed BY A TRANSPORT ASSESSMENT. WHERE THIS DEMONSTRATES THAT provision has been made for their requirements. A PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY PART 2 networks of public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure will offer OR THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND WOULD FAIL TO PROVIDE an effective choice in the mode of travel appropriate to the scale of their CONVENIENT ACCESS BY A CHOICE OF TRAVEL MODE, THE SCOPE 6.3.15. Where rail services are accessible from proposed developments, WRITTEN development. FOR OVERCOMING THE PROBLEM(S) BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING provision must be made by developers to encourage the highest possible STATEMENT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND SECURED:- modal split in favour of rail-based public transport. They will be expected 6.3.6. In rural areas, the retention or creation of sustainable communities to have developed this element of their access strategies in liaison with including facilities such as shops, schools, and post offices must be 1 ROAD SAFETY FEATURES; the train operating companies, with appropriate attention being given to considered. These facilities must also include employment opportunities, 2 CYCLING FACILITIES; the requirements of both work and non-work journeys. Developers should especially when considering the uncertain nature of the agricultural industry. also provide secure facilities and routes with a view to maximising the 3 PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT; Therefore, lack of public transport should not preclude retail, service, or use of rail services. employment developments of an appropriate scale, which would serve 4 PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES; local needs. 5 SPEED CONTROL FEATURES; AND 6.3.16. Whilst it is desirable that whole journeys are made by public transport, appropriate use of park and ride schemes linked to either bus- 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS. 6.3.7. Cycling and walking are forms of transport that do not cause based or rail-based networks can also make significant contributions to pollution and they can also be beneficial to an individual’s health. Positive more sustainable transport by encouraging parts of journeys to be made encouragement of cycling and walking as modes of travel are therefore 6.3.11. Creation of a high quality environment combined with facilities for by public transport. The contribution which park and ride can make to important elements of the Council’s transportation strategy. Realistically alternative modes of transport and safety features, should be compatible satisfy travel demand arising from proposals will therefore also be a material as a form of transportation rather than a leisure pursuit, there are limits to with satisfactory accessibility. Where the Council considers that consideration. In suitable circumstances, developers will therefore be the distance that walking or cycling will be considered as a viable option. improvements to the existing infrastructure are needed in order for required to provide park and ride facilities, and to provide appropriate ‘pump A distance of between 2 miles and 5 miles for walking and cycling development to proceed, the developer(s) will be required to implement priming’ of associated public transport services for an initial period of their respectively is considered reasonable over which these modes are those improvements to high standards by addressing issues of safety; operation. currently viable. However, to maximise the potential for cycling, the Council encouraging alternative modes of transport; improving the environment in will encourage the provision of measures and facilities that promote the relation to its appearance and effect; and by limiting maintenance liabilities. 6.3.17. Any use, improvement, or expansion of the transportation network use of cycling in combination with public transport, particularly rail. Such Therefore, regarding the scale and nature of proposed development(s), has an effect on the environment through which it passes. Therefore, the measures will include the provision of secure cycle parking facilities at the transport- related considerations listed under Policy T2, will be applied. Council carefully assesses the way in which development affects that transport interchanges, railway stations, town centres, and in educational network within the County Borough. Where development will exacerbate institutions. The location of proposed development will be considered on 6.3.12. Many people are inhibited from making journeys by cycle or on transportation-related environmental problems, or create new ones (whether the basis of how it maximises the potential of these sustainable and foot by the difficulty of crossing roads, passing traffic, noise, pollution, locally or within a strategic corridor), developers will be required to provide, environmentally acceptable modes of transport to meet the needs of its and security concerns. Developers will therefore be expected to ensure or fund, appropriate off-site infrastructure improvements and/or methods access requirements. that secure cycling and pedestrian facilities and provision of routes, both of working which will mitigate those problems. Where necessary, this within and outside proposed developments, are provided in order to may require the satisfactory conclusion of legally binding agreement(s) 6.3.8. In addition to providing justification for its location, developers will eliminate these concerns and maximise the use of these modes of travel with the Council prior to development commencing. be required to demonstrate that access strategies put forward in support to and from the development. Development itself must not act as a barrier of their proposal(s) have been developed with a view to providing the to such modes of travel, therefore, where appropriate, cycleways and 6.3.18. Transportation-related environmental problems include issues maximum transportation facilities, commensurate with the development’s footpaths will be required to allow a safe and pleasant passage through such as congestion, noise, air pollution, vibration, visual intrusion, nature, form and scale, for walking, cycling, and public transport. In this development. Even the most minor development proposals should be severance, risk or perceived risk of accident. The nature and degree of way, a choice of travel modes will be secured for users of the development. compatible with road safety, and should facilitate suitable access the potential problems will often depend on the area or localities affected: opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists alike. for example, whether they are settlements, countryside or established 6.3.9. To comply with Policy T1, development proposals will be required commercial areas, etc. to be designed in such a way as to facilitate walking, cycling and public 6.3.13. Development proposals shall encourage the highest possible transport. In addition, the developer may be required to improve or enhance modal split in favour of bus-dominated public transport, and developers 6.3.19. It is the normal planning requirement that developers must submit the existing infrastructure. will be expected to have promoted this element in access strategies in suitable plans of their proposals, (including any technical details, survey liaison with local operators, with particular attention being given to the information, and relevant studies) in order that the impact of their proposals requirements of both work and non-work journeys. Frequency of service on the efficiency of the transportation network can be properly assessed must allow the bus to rival the attractiveness of the private car and therefore, by the Council. The appropriate amount of information required by the developers will be expected to provide details of any additional services Council, however, will vary according to the nature and scale etc. of the required in order that the potential of public transport to serve their development proposed. For instance, the requisite plans and technical detail needed to assess the impact of a single dwelling on an infill plot 49 proposals will be fully realised. Where necessary, developers may be Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
within a designated settlement may only require a simple transportation pressure on the road network bringing related environmental benefits. The impact statement, unless it is located in a sensitive area (e.g. a Council therefore actively supports the expansion of rail freight operations. UNITARY Conservation Area). Whereas, a larger-scale or more complex, development DEVELOPMENT should be accompanied by a comprehensive Transportation Impact 6.4.8. Opportunities to enhance or develop the local rail network for public PLAN Assessment, including a Public Transport Accessibility Audit in order transport and freight movements will therefore be actively encouraged by ADOPTED that its full impact on the transportation network can be properly assessed. the Council which will favour proposed developments that will either exploit PLAN Any doubt over the level of information required – should be determined the potential of, and/or are well-related to, the rail network. by means of ‘scoping studies’ carried out by developers in a manner PART 2 agreed with the Council. 6.4.9. THE RE-OPENING OR RE-USE OF REDUNDANT PART 2 OR DISUSED RAILWAY LINES WRITTEN 6.3.20. Given the variety of the potential problems which may occur, the POLICY T4 STATEMENT nature of the requisite mitigation measures which may be required of the developer could be equally diverse, and, depending, for example, on which DEVELOPMENT WHICH INHIBITS THE POTENTIAL RE-OPENING OF strategic corridor(s) may be affected, these might not be confined to the DISUSED OR REDUNDANT RAILWAY LINES OR THEIR RE-USE FOR immediate vicinity of the proposal in question. The Council will only accept ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT PURPOSES, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. solutions that can be guaranteed by legally binding agreement(s), as appropriate, in those circumstances, and/or based on the outcome of Freight Transport, main rail network Transport Assessments. Where the latter indicate that development(s) 6.4.10. Four of the transport corridors identified in Policy T13 are associated should appropriately be preceded by highway or transportation with elements of redundant or disused railway lines which run from Pyle improvements, the Council will impose provision for this by planning given to more of those issues listed above, than would be the case if less to Porthcawl; along the Garw and Ogmore valleys; and from Brynmenyn condition(s). Otherwise, where the potential transportation-related sensitive routes and areas were affected. to Llanharan. Some sections of these lines have already been re-developed environmental problems are likely to remain unresolved and/or unmitigated, as community routes, while other sections (those that have not yet been those developments will not be permitted. 6.4.4. In view of the diversity of issues which may arise, the nature of the programmed for alternative transport use) will be assessed for their future measures required to mitigate the problems which may arise will be equally potential. Policy T4 ensures that until suitable assessments have been diverse. Therefore, the nature of the off-site improvements required to be carried out, all remaining disused or redundant railway lines will be provided by the developer might take many forms, and depending on which safeguarded from non-transport developments. However, in places where 6.4. THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK strategic corridor is affected, may not be local to the proposed development. adjacent land has already been allocated for future development, it will be desirable to assess, as part of any relevant development proposals, the 6.4.1. An effective and functional transportation network is essential to Physical improvements alone may not be sufficient to resolve some feasibility of incorporating the redundant railway line in the proposed the economy of the whole County Borough, therefore development which transportation problems, in such instances, other solutions must be sought transport requirements of that development. adversely affects the efficiency of that network, will not be permitted. e.g. traffic management schemes, reallocation of road space, or support Developers will be required, in the first instance, to demonstrate that their for public transport services. Other solutions, such as ensuring that a proposals will not have such adverse effects on the efficiency of the network development adopts appropriate work patterns to limit its effect on the 6.4.11. DEVELOPMENT WITHIN RAIL CORRIDORS both locally, and in relation to its strategic corridors. In this respect, the network, or the appropriate use of rail-based services to supply and Council will particularly examine the following factors relevant to distribute goods should be considered, and the Council will attach the POLICY T5 submissions: access, road safety, pedestrian and cycle movement, traffic appropriate conditions to any forthcoming planning consents. Further DEVELOPMENT WITHIN RAIL CORRIDORS WHICH WILL PREVENT THE solutions to those transportation or related environmental problems which generation, parking, road layout, public transport and transport-related ENHANCEMENT OF THE RAIL NETWORK TO CATER FOR PUBLIC environmental issues. can only be guaranteed by legally binding agreements (which may apply TRANSPORT AND FREIGHT MOVEMENT, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. to all future users of the site) will similarly be considered by the Council. 6.4.2. Where it has been established that a proposed development would exacerbate or create new problems on the transportation network, either 6.4.12. The Council considers the existing rail facilities and its network 6.4.5. USE OF RAIL TRANSPORT FOR locally to the development, or more widely, e.g. affecting a strategic serving the County Borough to be a minimum level of service, and any MOVEMENT OF FREIGHT transport corridor, developers will be required, to provide and/or fund the reduction in that service will not be acceptable. The Council has therefore appropriate off-site improvements, and take any other measures, for POLICY T3 identified the routes of the national rail network in the County Borough as example, through proposed working arrangements, to mitigate those rail corridors which comprise: railway tracks, railway stations and access problems to the satisfaction of the Council, if necessary through appropriate DEVELOPMENT WHICH ENCOURAGES THE USE OF RAIL-BASED PUBLIC to them, park-and-ride facilities, and the surrounding area. These corridors legal agreements; otherwise those proposals will not be permitted. TRANSPORT, INCLUDING FREIGHT MOVEMENTS, WILL BE FAVOURED. will encourage the location of local employment, and form the basis of future transport investment. 6.4.3. The nature of transportation problems, which can be exacerbated 6.4.6. The Council wishes to play its part in enhancing and developing or created by development proposals, can be varied. They may, for example, 6.4.13. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING THE rail-based public transport, as this has the potential to reduce the use of relate to highway or junction capacity, risk of accident, lack of pedestrian M4 MOTORWAY AND ITS JUNCTIONS and cycling facilities, limited public transport, or the generation of high cars. The retention and enhancement of passenger facilities at existing levels of movement by heavy goods vehicles. The level of consideration rail stations, and the introduction of new facilities are essential if the full POLICY T6 given to the various issues will depend on the environment in which the potential of the rail network is to be realised. generated traffic is required to travel. If, for example, the generated traffic DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE M4 MOTORWAY AND/OR ITS JUNCTIONS WILL ONLY BE is required to travel through residential areas or if they pass by schools or 6.4.7. The rail network is a valuable resource, which should also be 50 PERMITTED IF SUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES CAN BE SECURED. retail centres with high levels of pedestrian movement, priority will be developed to maximise its use for the movement of freight. This will relieve Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.4.14. The section of the M4 motorway within the County Borough is 6.5. PARKING 6.5.6. NON-OPERATIONAL CAR PARKING OUTSIDE part of the Trans-European Network (TEN) transport route running between ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES UNITARY the Severn Bridge and West Wales; which itself forms a part of the strategic 6.5.1. DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE NON-RESIDENTIAL link between Ireland, London, and continental Europe. Particular POLICY T9 DEVELOPMENT CAR PARKING SPACES PLAN significance is attached to the TENs (along with Structural Funds and environmental policy) in the agreed European Spatial Development POLICY T7 NON-OPERATIONAL CAR PARKING PROVISION WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED ADOPTED Perspective or ESDP (1999), “as….. they have the most direct effect WITH RESPECT TO NEW DEVELOPMENT LOCATED OUTSIDE THE DEVELOPMENT THAT SEEKS TO REDEVELOP OR REUSE PRIVATE NON- ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES. PLAN upon development activities in the European regions.” Concern has been RESIDENTIAL CAR PARKING SPACES, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WELL raised regarding the damage to the economy as a whole if congestion SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WILL BE FAVOURED. was allowed to have an adverse effect on the efficiency of the TEN corridor. 6.5.7. The Council will be publishing detailed requirements on car parking PART 2 Such congestion is more significant at the junctions along the M4 standards for new developments as Supplementary Planning Guidance WRITTEN motorway. 6.5.2. The availability of car parking is a major influence on modal choice to the UDP in due course. These guidelines will be used by the Council to STATEMENT and can, in fact, be a more significant factor than the comparative level of establish the non-operational car parking space requirements of all new 6.4.15. The Council will therefore assess critically all development public transport provision. Therefore, if the Council’s strategy to encourage developments. The provision of car parking within a development has been proposals within the M4 (TEN) corridor to ensure that they will not have a shift towards more environmentally sustainable forms of transport is to shown to be very influential in shaping people’s travel choices. The National an adverse effect on the efficiency of the M4 motorway, in particular at be successful, it is important that the whole parking stock, including Assembly for Wales advises local authorities in its guidance documents junctions 35, 36 and 37 in the County Borough. It is with respect to such private non-residential parking, should be very carefully managed. to consider reducing the levels of car parking required in areas where concerns that junctions 35 and 36 have already been identified for Wherever the opportunity arises, the management of private non-residential alternative means of transport are available. development-related improvements in the UDP (Policies T14(5) and T14(13) parking areas will consequently be brought within the scope of the Council’s refer). car parking strategy. Therefore, the Council will favour proposals which 6.5.8. The Council will in turn require developers of sites outside the include the re-development or re-use of existing areas of private non- established commercial centres to demonstrate in their access strategies 6.4.16. New development, and/or the expansion/extension of existing residential car parking, with a view to bringing the provision within current that their proposals will maximise the modal split in favour of alternatives developments which entails proposed access onto, or in close proximity standards of car parking. to the private car. These will include details not only of any new to, the motorway junctions in the County Borough will therefore not be infrastructure proposed as part of those developments, but also of any permitted, unless suitable mitigation measures can be secured to ‘pump priming’ necessary in order to realise a site’s potential to be served 6.5.3. NON-OPERATIONAL CAR PARKING WITHIN satisfactorily address any adverse effects of proposed developments; and/ by public transport services. Having thereby identified the extent to which ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL AREAS or it can be clearly demonstrated to the Council that the traffic impact of travel demand arising from their developments may be satisfied by those proposals can be satisfactorily accommodated by the transportation POLICY T8 alternative sustainable travel modes, developers will then be asked to network. provide residual assessments of any needs which may remain to be NON-OPERATIONAL CAR PARKING PROVISION WILL NOT BE PERMITTED catered for by the private car. The Council will assess developers’ access WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE ESTABLISHED strategies and determine the appropriate and albeit limited levels of non- COMMERCIAL CENTRES. operational car parking which will be permitted for those developments.
6.5.9. Policy T9 will be also be applied by the Council to reinforce the 6.5.4. The Council is similarly seeking to encourage the use of alternative attractiveness and competitiveness of the established commercial centres modes of travel into the established commercial centres of the County of the County Borough by ensuring that non-operational car parking provision Borough. Future parking provision will therefore be based on the needs of for developments outside those centres does not prejudice provision for the whole area rather than on dedicated provision for individual the established commercial centres. developments. The provision of off-street parking areas which will be shared between complementary land uses will also be promoted. 6.6. FREIGHT 6.5.5. The Council will require developers to assess the access requirements of their proposals, and demonstrate the need for both public 6.6.1. PROPOSED LORRY PARKING transport facilities and non-operational car parking to service their POLICY T10 developments in their access strategies. Non-operational parking is that which serves the parking needs of those whose use of a vehicle is not THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL SITES FOR THE PROVISION essential for the operation of a land-use development. On the basis of OF STRATEGIC LORRY PARKS AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS IN THE those assessments, developers will be asked to provide suitable alternative COUNTY BOROUGH WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:- transportation measures to cater for the impact of the maximum off-street car parking standards. These measures will mitigate the impact of those 1 THEY CAN BE SHOWN TO BE IN ACCORD WITH SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT AIMS; developments by promoting public transport, walking, cycling, protecting 2 THEY DO NOT GIVE RISE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS; AND On-Street Parking, Penybont Road, Pencoed residential areas from on-street parking issues, and, where appropriate, for enhancing parking facilities in established commercial centres. 3 THEY DO NOT DIMINISH EXISTING AMENITIES. 51 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
6.6.2. The Sarn Park motorway services site at M4 Junction 36 not only 6.6.9. In recognition of the need for local industry and commerce to move 6.8. TRANSPORT CORRIDORS provides existing lorry parking in the County Borough, but also provides certain freight by road in the County Borough, the Council will seek to UNITARY refreshments and overnight accommodation for travellers. To prevent lay- enter into voluntary agreements with the business community and the 6.8.1. DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSPORT CORRIDORS DEVELOPMENT bys, car parks, and other inappropriate locations being used for the hauliers concerned, with a view to restricting the use of unsuitable roads PLAN POLICY T13 indiscriminate parking of lorries and trailers, the Council will only favour by HGVs wherever and whenever satisfactory alternative routes or options ADOPTED proposals for the development of additional lorry parks at appropriate sites exist. Such agreements will be supplemented, where necessary, by THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORT CORRIDORS ARE IDENTIFIED AS THE MAIN PLAN within the County Borough. In that respect, the proposed use of sites appropriate road traffic regulation orders. With regard to the railways, the ROUTES IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH FOR THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND shall be in accordance with all of the sustainable transport aims and Council fully supports the use or expansion of the rail network in the GOODS. DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD:- policies contained in the Plan, and must neither give rise to environmental County Borough for the movement of freight. Indeed, by pursuing the rail PART 2 concern, nor diminish existing amenities. freight option for certain locations for development which entail the A ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT IN THESE WRITTEN movement of freight, some development proposals will become favourable CORRIDORS, AND/OR STATEMENT in principle which would otherwise be considered unacceptable, and 6.6.7. MITIGATION OF FREIGHT MOVEMENT B WOULD CREATE OR EXACERBATE HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT ALONG therefore not permitted. THEM, AND ON THE ENVIRONMENT POLICY T11 C WOULD NOT BE CAPABLE OF MITIGATION; 6.7. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. THE CORRIDORS ARE: DEVELOPMENT OR ITS EXTENSION AT LOCATIONS WHICH WILL GENERATE AND/OR ATTRACT ROAD FREIGHT MOVEMENTS WHICH:- 6.7.1. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING PUBLIC T13(1) M4; 1 CAN BE EFFECTIVELY ACCESSED; AND RIGHTS OF WAY T13(2) LLYNFI; POLICY T12 T13(3) GARW; 2 HAVE MINIMAL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT; OR T13(4) OGMORE; 3 WHICH USE THE RAIL NETWORK FOR THE MOVEMENT OF FREIGHT; DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT CATER FOR ‘PUBLIC RIGHTS T13(5) PYLE-ABERKENFIG; OF WAY’ IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS, AND/OR WHICH DO NOT PROTECT T13(6) A473-A48; WILL BE FAVOURED. IN THIS RESPECT A PROPOSED RAIL FREIGHT TERMINAL THE EXISTING NETWORK FOR PUBLIC USE, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. T13(7) WATERTON ROUNDABOUT-LALESTON; WILL BE DEVELOPED AT BROCASTLE, BRIDGEND. T13(8) A4106-A4229; 6.7.2. ‘Public Rights of Way’ as referred to in Policy T12 relate to non- 6.6.8. Efficient and reliable movement of freight is vitally important to the carriageway highways and include footpaths, bridleways, byways open economy of the County Borough. As such, development that generates to all traffic, and cycle tracks: all being statutory highways. 6.8.2. As there is a need to consider all forms of movement, transportation lorry traffic will be required to locate in areas that can be effectively accessed, links and infrastructure along transport routes in the context of the and the impact of road freight traffic on the environment is minimised. 6.7.3. Footpaths and bridleways were originally a vital means of getting topographic characteristics of the County Borough through which they This is particularly significant to road freight movements in the valley to work, visiting relatives and friends, and accessing many other activities. pass (especially its valleys and existing layout of the highway network), it corridors detailed in Policy T13. Freight related development that uses Today, many of these journeys are undertaken using a motor car or is a pre-requisite that movements within the Authority should be considered the rail network to minimise impact on the environment will also be favoured. alternative forms of transport, and these facilities are more usually seen on a strategic corridor basis. This method of considering the Authority’s In the case of the road-based option, many acceptable opportunities exist as a recreational asset. Within the context of sustainable transportation existing transportation network, and the effects on it of development, within the County Borough and these are referred to later in Policy T13 it is important that walking, as a means of travel, is encouraged; therefore therefore, more accurately models the actual situation. where transport corridors are considered. facilities should be protected and developed to meet the needs of the pedestrian. The Council will therefore protect “public rights of way” to 6.8.3. The corridor approach also allows the management and allocation maximise the modal split in favour of walking. of the existing road network to be carried out more effectively; for example, the location of development proposals can be assessed, and their demand Lorry Park, Sarn Services 6.7.4. Similarly, bridleways will also be protected for in the context of on transportation and environmental standards, as affected by transportation, they represent rights of way for the public to walk or ride transportation issues along the length of the corridor, considered. This is on horseback, and therefore also contribute to facilities which encourage of particular importance when development proposals are assessed in walking. the valley corridors, where the quality of the transportation network varies greatly along its respective corridor, and alternative transport routes are 6.7.5. Development must therefore cater for existing rights of way by generally unavailable. either protecting the right of way, or providing an equally effective alternative route. In either case, the right of way affected by the development must 6.8.4. The standards to be considered will not only be limited to traffic be dealt with in such a way as to provide a safe and pleasant environment capacity, which is determined by the width and alignment of the for all pedestrians, and which will encourage its future use. carriageway and junctions. Factors such as the degree of priority to be accorded to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, frontage activity, 6.7.6. Cycling, like walking, does not create pollution and is a sustainable conservation area designation, residential areas, on-street parking, location mode of transport which should be encouraged. Development must of schools and hospitals, noise, air quality, and risk of accident will also therefore also cater for cycle tracks either by protecting the existing tracks, be considered. These factors will assist in assessing the maximum 52 or by providing an equally effective alternative route, which is safe and capacity and the nature of vehicles compatible with acceptable pleasant to use. environmental standards associated with transportation issues. Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.8.5. The corridors will be managed to promote public transport, cycling 2. LLYNFI CORRIDOR 6.8.15. Development which will be served by the highway will be and pedestrian movement, especially as this relates to journeys to work. 6.8.12. The Llynfi Corridor is based on the principal route A4063 which considered, not only upon the basis of how it will affect the local area, but It has also already been recognised that the efficient and reliable movement runs from the northern border of the County Borough through the upper also for its transportation impact on the corridor northwards, but more UNITARY of freight is vitally important to the economy of the County Borough. As Llynfi Valley settlements, including Maesteg, to join the Pyle-Aberkenfig especially southwards, as vehicles travel towards the M4 Corridor. DEVELOPMENT PLAN such, development which generates lorry movement will be required to Corridor at Aberkenfig. From here the corridor continues to follow the locate in areas which can be effectively accessed and the impact of the A4063 both southward to Bridgend town centre and eastward along the 6.8.16. The Maesteg to Bridgend railway line is a major asset to the ADOPTED road freight movement on the environment is minimised. This is particularly Sarn Link to arrive at Junction 36 of the M4 motorway. The corridor also Corridor, which can be used to move both commuters and freight. Therefore PLAN significant to the valley’s corridors as previously referred to. includes the Maesteg to Bridgend railway line. the opportunity for development within the corridor to be served by the railway is considerable, and this will be encouraged by the Council to 6.8.6. Details of the corridors identified in Policy T13 are as follows:- 6.8.13. The nature of the A4063 varies as it travels down the Llynfi Corridor. maximise its potential benefits. PART 2 From the north, passing through Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Maesteg Town Centre WRITTEN 1. M4 CORRIDOR and Pont Rhyd-y-Cyff, its standard and specification is limited, and 3. GARW CORRIDOR STATEMENT 6.8.7. This corridor includes the primary strategic highway and railway transportation-related environmental issues arise regarding development. 6.8.17. The Garw Corridor is based primarily on the principal route A4064 network of South Wales, i.e. the M4 motorway, and the main Paddington Further south, the specification and alignment of the A4063 improves, which runs southwards from the settlement of Blaengarw passing, in turn, to Fishguard railway line including the principal station at Bridgend. especially from the Paper Mills to Coytrahen. However, through Coytrahen through Pontycymmer and Llangeinor. Further south, the route forks, and Although it is the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government, the village, and until the railway bridge where the A4063 meets the A4065, as the A4065, passes through Ynysawdre, joins the Llynfi Corridor at the M4 motorway also serves the strategic needs of the County Borough and the road’s alignment and standard, the proximity of residential properties, Aberkenfig railway bridge and joins the Ogmore Corridor at its junction acts as an effective link from east and west. In view of its status as a and frontage accesses, all limit the capacity of the highway, and again with the A4061. Trans European Route Network (TERN) and its strategic significance to raise transportation-related environmental issues. From the railway bridge the whole of South Wales, it is imperative that the Council and its along the Sarn Link to Junction 36 the highway has a good specification 6.8.18. Although the nature of the A4064 varies as it runs along the neighbouring Authorities, collaborate with the Welsh Assembly with limited transportation-related environmental issues. From the corridor, it is generally of a limited standard and specification which raises Government in the effective management of the M4 motorway. aforesaid railway bridge to Bridgend town centre the highway is also of a transportation-related environmental issues. There are opportunities for generally good specification, however, some issues arise in relation to management and improvement of the corridor but there is limited potential 6.8.8. The Council will therefore assess all development proposals within the hospital, general visibility, and other junctions. for increasing its capacities which will therefore act as a constraint. Two the M4 Corridor to ensure that they do not have an adverse effect on the employment areas on this corridor which have fewer capacity constraints efficiency of the motorway, and particularly its junctions 35, 36 and 37. It 6.8.14. There are opportunities for management and improvement of this are, the Abergarw and Brynmenyn Industrial Estates. However, these two is with reference to this issue that Junction 36 is identified for development- corridor in terms of the transportation-related environmental issues. sites do generate transportation-related environmental issues on the related improvements in Policy T14(5). However, capacity issues will remain related to highway movement, which Ogmore Corridor. cannot be avoided, and will therefore act as a constraint. One major site 6.8.9. It is this corridor that provides the greatest opportunities to support on this corridor which is not affected by such a constraint, but which does 6.8.19. Development which will be served by the highway will be development which generates lorry movements, as it is effectively require highway works, however, is Land West of Maesteg Road (this considered, not only upon the basis of how it will affect the local area, but accessed and the impact of road freight movement on the environment includes the former ironworks), Tondu (Policy REG3(3) refers), access to also for its transportation impact on the corridor northwards, but more can be minimised, provided that appropriate locations and highway which will be dealt with under Policy T14(8). especially southwards, as vehicles travel towards the M4 Corridor. improvements are identified. 4. OGMORE CORRIDOR 6.8.10. Any developments, which have a direct effect on the M4 motorway M4 Corridor, north of Bridgend 6.8.20. The Ogmore Corridor is based primarily on the principal route junctions within the County Borough will have to be considered very A4061 which commences from the northern border of the County Borough carefully. Development which will have direct access, or accesses, in with Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough then runs southwards through close proximity to those junctions is likely to have an adverse effect on the settlements of Nantymoel, Pricetown, Ogmore Vale, Lewistown, their efficiency, which can therefore have a negative impact on the whole Pantyrawel, Blackmill, and Bryncethin. It then crosses the M4 motorway of the County Borough and possible implications for South Wales. at junction 36 and along the Bridgend Northern Distributor Road and Therefore such development will be resisted by the Council unless it can terminates at Bridgend town centre. The corridor also includes the principal be demonstrated that the traffic impact of the proposals can be route A4093 which runs eastward from Blackmill to the border with Rhondda accommodated by the motorway and its junctions either in the short or Cynon Taff County Borough. the long term. 6.8.21. The nature of the A4061 varies as it runs along the Ogmore 6.8.11. The South Wales Mainline is the responsibility of Network Rail, Corridor passing through urban areas with frontage accesses, residential but is another strategic link within the County Borough which must be areas, and rural areas. The standard and specification of the route is protected. Development, and future management measures which will equally varying, changing from narrow lane to dual carriageway. encourage its use by commuters, and for the movement of freight will therefore be favoured by the Council (see Policy T11). 6.8.22. There are opportunities for management and improvement of the corridor on both the A4061 and A4093 in terms of transportation-related environmental issues. However, at various locations along the route the highway capacity and the transportation-related environmental issues which arise will act as a constraint on development. 53 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
6.8.23. Development will be considered not only on the basis of how it 6.8.31. The corridor currently suffers from congestion, and there are 6.8.36. To allow for additional development and the re-development of affects the local area but also for its transportation impact on the corridor other concerns which raise transportation-related environmental issues. Porthcawl town centre and resort to progress, new park and ride facilities UNITARY northwards, but more especially southwards, as vehicles travel towards There are opportunities for the management and improvement of the corridor (Policy T18 refers) linked to a dedicated bus route are proposed in the DEVELOPMENT the M4 Corridor. in terms of those issues, and a major highway improvement scheme is UDP, and enhanced public transport facilities will be required in this corridor. PLAN contained in Policy T14(4) to construct the Coychurch Road-Cowbridge ADOPTED 5. PYLE-ABERKENFIG CORRIDOR Road Link in Bridgend town. 6.8.37. There are also opportunities for management and improvement of PLAN 6.8.24. The Pyle-Aberkenfig Corridor is based on the route B4281 from the corridor, on both the A4106 and A4229, in terms of transportation- where it meets the A48 at Pyle Cross running eastward through Pyle, 6.8.32. The corridor provides an important access into Bridgend town related environmental issues but no acceptable opportunities to increase Kenfig Hill, and Cefn Cribbwr until terminating at its junction with the centre, which must be protected. In addition, at various locations along further the route’s capacity. PART 2 A4063. the route, the highway capacity and transportation-related environmental WRITTEN issues will act as constraints. Any development will be considered for its 6.8.38. Development in this corridor, including that in Porthcawl town STATEMENT 6.8.25. The standard and specification of this route is low which raises transportation impact in the light of these constraints. centre and resort, will be considered for its transportation impact not only many existing transportation-related environmental issues including the on the basis of how it affects the local area but also for its effect on the risk of accidents especially where it passes through residential and retail 8. A4106-A4229 CORRIDOR routes to Junction 37 of the M4 motorway and to the A48. areas. 6.8.33. This corridor is based on the principal route A4106 from where it meets the A48 at Redhill Roundabout travelling south westward to its 6.8.39. The route B4283, which is included in this corridor, is limited by a 6.8.26. There are opportunities for management and improvement of the junction with the principal route A4229 at Porthcawl. The corridor then low headroom bridge where it passes beneath the M4 motorway. This corridor in terms of those issues, but no opportunity to increase the route’s follows the A4229 northwards until its junction with the B4283 at which route serves the residential community of North Cornelly and has a capacity. Therefore, there are considerable constraints on the ability of the route forks and, as the A4229, it continues through junction 37 on the substantial number of frontage properties, on street parking, shops, schools this corridor to support development.Efforts will also have to be made to M4 motorway and terminates at its junction with the A48 at Pyle and pedestrian movement. The existing highway network is not appropriate ensure that the proposed new mining works at Margam do not have a Roundabout. As the B4283, it continues northwards through North Cornelly to accommodate the additional traffic movement generated by development detrimental effect on this corridor. until it meets the boundary of the County Borough where it enters Neath and it cannot be significantly improved. Port Talbot County Borough. 6. A48-A473 CORRIDOR 6.8.40. The route B4283, for the reasons stated in para. 6.8.39. above, is 6.8.27. This corridor starts at the point where the A473 route enters the 6.8.34. The route varies in its nature with sections of dual carriageway not suitable to carry significant levels of heavy goods vehicles. However, County Borough, from neighbouring Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough, and country lane but for the majority of the length, the route is a single due to a low headroom bridge, within Neath Port Talbot County Borough, and runs along the Pencoed Bypass to junction 35 on the M4 motorway. lane carriageway. This corridor also provides access to Porthcawl town such vehicles serving the Kenfig Industrial Estate within that Authority, The route then continues as the A473 until it joins with the A48 at Waterton centre and its tourist facilities. have to use this highway. The Council will work in partnership with Neath Roundabout. From Waterton Roundabout the route continues as the A48 Port Talbot County Borough Council to provide a more appropriate access until it meets the boundary of the County Borough to the west of Pyle and 6.8.35. With regard to its ability to serve Porthcawl, the corridor has to the Kenfig Industrial Estate, thereby removing the associated heavy then enters Neath Port Talbot County Borough. sufficient capacity to provide for its residential population, and on average goods vehicle movements from this corridor. There are opportunities for its requirements as a tourist resort. It does not have the facility to cater management and improvement of the B4283 in terms of transportation- 6.8.28. Use of this corridor raises issues of constraint at the junctions of for traffic flows at peak days within the year, such as sunny bank holidays, related environmental issues but no opportunity to increase its capacity. its routes, and some issues of transportation-related environmental and it would be environmentally unacceptable to provide for that level of Therefore, there are considerable constraints on the ability of this corridor concern, more particularly at its western and eastern extremities. network capacity. to support development. Efforts must also be made to ensure that no Notwithstanding this, the corridor provides an opportunity to support additional pressure is placed by heavy goods vehicle movements on the development which generates lorry movements as it is effectively B4283. accessed, and the impact of the road freight movement on the environment Ogmore Corridor, Blackmill can be minimised, if appropriate locations for highway improvements are identified.
7. WATERTON ROUNDABOUT-LALESTON CORRIDOR 6.8.29. This corridor is based on the principal route A473 from where it meets the A48 at Waterton Roundabout running northwestwards to the Bridgend Inner Bypass, then westward and terminating at its junction with the A48 west of Laleston.
6.8.30. The route varies in standard from dual carriageway to single carriageway and the areas it serves are substantially urban in nature apart from the most westerly section of the route. This corridor provides accesses to Bridgend town centre from the south, Bridgend Technical College, the South Wales Police HQ and substantial residential areas, 54 with some sections of the route having residential frontages. Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.9. THE HIGHWAY NETWORK the overall transportation requirements, implementation, environmental therefore be upgraded in accordance with Policy T14(2). In addition, 6.9.1. The major highway network, which performs a key role within all of and impact criteria to be addressed for each site; details of any studies to developers of Policies E2(1) and H1(81) will be required to contribute to the transport corridors of the County Borough has already been described be carried out; or reports which must be prepared to establish the highway improvements to provide a high quality link from Heol Simonston UNITARY acceptable levels of traffic generation from the site(s), i.e. through requisite to the Princess Way – BNDR roundabout link, to accommodate the DEVELOPMENT in detail in the preceding section 6.8. of this Plan. Also within that section, PLAN the Council highlighted those areas and locations where transportation, Transport Assessments. Developers will be responsible for carrying out additional traffic generated, and to remove the interaction of industrial and and transportation-related environmental issues either have already, or any studies as detailed, and final development proposals, which, when residential traffic using Wyndham Close. ADOPTED are considered likely to arise in future, within those corridors. The proposals submitted as planning applications, must conform with the requirements PLAN contained in Policy T14 (below) address such concerns, however, bearing specified in the relevant Development Briefs. It should be noted that all of 6.9.8. Policy T14(1) is therefore split into two sections (A) and (B). The in mind the multi-modal approach which the Council has adopted in both the associated developments to Policy T14 will also be subject to all of provision of section (A) of the highway scheme will be a requirement for its UDP and LTP to transport corridor improvements, future feasibility the Council’s Transportation Policies. the development of, and will form part of the northern boundary to, residential PART 2 studies may need to be undertaken to identify further satisfactory measures allocation H1(81) ‘Wyndham Close, Brackla, Bridgend’; whereas section WRITTEN to be implemented as part of the LTP process, and to cater for specific 6.9.5. When approved, the resultant Development Briefs shall form the (B) will progress the new highway link to Princess Way – BNDR roundabout, STATEMENT local land-use development proposals. Forthcoming proposals which basis on which the Authority will attach appropriate planning conditions to be provided by the developers/redevelopers of the new and remaining emerge from the shorter-term reviews of the LTP will also, therefore, need to any forthcoming planning consents for the relevant site(s)’s development. areas of land within Policy E2(1) ‘Brackla Industrial Estate, Bridgend’. to be revisited when the UDP is reviewed. The approved Briefs will also specify any ‘material’ matters (including the likely impact of the proposal(s) on the transportation network, and indicate 2. B4281/HEOL SIMONSTON IMPROVEMENT, BRIDGEND any necessary mitigation measures proposed) which the Council requires 6.9.9. The development and redevelopment of the new and remaining 6.9.2. MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY NETWORK to be addressed and agreed by developers/owners of sites through formal areas of Brackla Industrial Estate, will increase volumes of traffic along POLICY T14 planning obligations/agreements with itself. Otherwise, planning consents Heol Simonston/B4281, from its junction with the proposed Brackla for those developments will not be forthcoming. In this respect, it is Industrial Estate Access Road to its junction with the A473 at Coychurch MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY NETWORK WILL BE emphasised that the Council will require appropriate contributions from Roundabout. The route is generally sub-standard in terms of its width, UNDERTAKEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:- developers/owners of sites which have a ‘connection’ not only with those alignment, visibility, provision of pedestrian facilities and the lay out of highway improvement schemes listed under Policy T14, but also with any junctions, and is not suitable to accommodate the traffic generated by T14(1)(A & B) BRACKLA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, BRIDGEND; other policies, objectives, and aims of the UDP and LTP which it considers the proposed developments; therefore, it must be improved to enable those T14(2) B4281/HEOL SIMONSTON IMPROVEMENT, BRIDGEND; to be ‘material’ to the satisfactory development of those site(s), always developments to proceed. T14(3) PENCOED INNER RELIEF ROAD; providing that the requirements of the ‘legal test’ for such a ‘connection(s)’ T14(4) COYCHURCH ROAD - COWBRIDGE ROAD LINK, BRIDGEND; T14(5) M4 JUNCTION 36; is (are) met. 6.9.10. Future developers and redevelopers of the new and remaining T14(6) ACCESS TO THE FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY SITE; areas of the Brackla Industrial Estate will therefore be required to enter T14(7) WERN TARW/ROCKWOOL ACCESS; 6.9.6. Details of the fourteen schemes identified in Policy T14 are as into appropriate planning obligations/agreements with the Council, and/or T14(8) ACCESS TO LAND WEST OF MAESTEG ROAD, TONDU; follows:- it will impose the appropriate planning conditions on relevant planning T14(9) A48/A473 BROCASTLE LINK, BRIDGEND; consents, to ensure that the necessary highway works and improvements T14(10) ACCESS TO MARLAS FARM SITE, PYLE; 1. (A & B) BRACKLA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, will be provided. The works will therefore be entirely funded by those T14(11) ACCESS TO MERTHYR MAWR ROAD/BRIDGEND SCIENCE BRIDGEND developments, and, where appropriate, will include realignment of the PARK, A48, BRIDGEND; 6.9.7. The expansion and re-development of Brackla Industrial Estate carriageways, junction improvements and capacity enhancements, and T14(12) A473 ACCESS TO THE ‘SONY TECHNOLOGY PARK’, PENCOED; (Policy E2(1)), and the allocation for residential development (Policy provision of full pedestrian facilities to eliminate conflict with the additional T14(13) M4 JUNCTION 35; T14(14) COITY BYPASS, BRIDGEND; H1(81)), will increase volumes of traffic along Heol Simonston down to its traffic generated. junction with the A473 at Coychurch Roundabout. Heol Simonston will AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO FORMAL AGREEMENTS WITH THE COUNCIL, 3. PENCOED INNER RELIEF ROAD AND/OR AS DETAILED AND APPROVED WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE 6.9.11. As the existing highway network is constrained by the main line DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS. railway passing through Pencoed, no further development to the west of the railway will be permitted until a scheme has been implemented which will allow the network to accommodate the additional traffic movements 6.9.3. A number of allocations for development have been made in the associated with development. The required highway scheme will consist UDP which are likely to have a significant impact on the existing of a new bridge over the railway, and an appropriate link to approved transportation network. Policy T14 of the Plan identifies fourteen highway standards, commencing from Hendre Road then passing over the new improvement schemes that should overcome the problems for the network railway bridge linking into Penybont Road. Developers of all sites to the which the new development proposals are predicted to cause. With the west of the railway will therefore be required to enter into agreements with exception of Policy T14(4), which is being promoted by the Council itself the Council to contribute appropriate sums to ensure that the required (as part of the Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration Strategy), all of the highway works and improvements will be provided. These works will remaining schemes relate to significant land-use proposals. therefore be entirely funded by those developments.
6.9.4. The Council will therefore expect the characteristics and details of 6.9.12. It should be noted that planning permission has previously been all the above transportation schemes to be addressed in appropriate granted for 200 houses west of the railway line in accordance with the Development Briefs which must be prepared, submitted to, and approved provisions contained in the adopted Ogwr Borough Local Plan. That by the Authority, prior to the relevant planning applications for site consent was subject to the construction of an interim relief road link and development(s) being determined. Those Development Briefs will specify Coychurch Road, Bridgend signalled junctions. However, those highway works are only sufficient to 55 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
accommodate movements related to that development and cannot therefore 6.9.16. Developers of the Parc Derwen site, or any other development or the traffic movements related to the proposed development of the site. be used as a means of progressing any further development west of the expansion of existing development having a direct effect on the junction However, as it proceeds north from the traffic signals, beneath the railway UNITARY railway until the new scheme referred to in para. 6.9.11. (above) has been will therefore be required to enter into agreements with the Council to bridge, then bearing sharply eastwards, the highway is sub-standard with DEVELOPMENT implemented. ensure that appropriate highway works and improvements will be provided. poor visibility and several existing accesses. In order that the site can be PLAN The works will be entirely funded by those developments, whose piecemeal developed comprehensively, the A4063, Maesteg Road, north of the ADOPTED 4. COYCHURCH ROAD – COWBRIDGE ROAD LINK, BRIDGEND development or expansion will not be permitted. existing traffic signals will need to be re-aligned to allow for an appropriate PLAN 6.9.13. The Council considers this scheme to be an important element in access to be constructed to serve the development. The comprehensive the regeneration of Bridgend town centre, as its implementation will 6. ACCESS TO THE FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY SITE development of the site must be in accordance with a Development Brief complete an integrated inner road distributor ‘box’ around the town centre. 6.9.17. The former Maesteg Washery site has been identified for mixed- (as referred to in paras. 6.9.4. and 6.9.5. earlier), to be agreed with the PART 2 The scheme will also allow the existing junction of Coychurch Road and use development including a new secondary school, and as such, the Council. This will ensure that an effective highway infrastructure can be WRITTEN Cowbridge Road (which is severely restricted in both layout and visibility site must be appropriately accessed. These arrangements shall provide implemented that will serve the whole site. STATEMENT and has a poor highway safety record), to be either closed-off completely, access to the whole site, and will include effective provision for car, public and/or provide only limited local accesses. If the existing junction was to transport, cycling and pedestrian movements. Special consideration will 6.9.22. The developers of the site will therefore be required to enter into be improved, this would offer only limited local benefits and would require be given to the safe access provisions required for the proposed school. planning obligations/agreements with the Council to ensure that appropriate additional demolition of existing properties, and is not therefore favoured Where the proposed site infrastructure meets the existing highway network, highway works and improvements will be provided. The works will be by the Council. junctions will be constructed to accommodate the whole development, entirely funded by the development, whose piecemeal development or i.e. its generated traffic movements as well as those of the existing local expansion will not be permitted. 6.9.14. The identified line of the proposed link road conforms to current network. The overall traffic generation and nature of traffic from the new highway design standards including predicted traffic flows, and therefore development, will be controlled to ensure that it does not adversely affect 9. A48/A473 BROCASTLE LINK, BRIDGEND reflects current planning guidance and Council policies which aim to protect traffic movements on the existing network. 6.9.23. Development of the Brocastle, and Waterton Industrial sites for residential properties from unnecessary demolition regarding development. employment purposes, i.e. between the existing car engine plant and the 6.9.18. All details related to access issues for the site will be defined in, A48, will produce increased traffic movements at the roundabout junction 5. M4 JUNCTION 36 and controlled by, the Development Brief required under Policy REG 3(1), of the A48 with the A473 at Waterton as traffic travels north eastward to 6.9.15. The M4 motorway junction 36, at Sarn, is the most important and as referred to in paras. 6.9.4. and 6.9.5. earlier. the M4 motorway via junction 35. A redesign and signalling of the Waterton strategic junction in the County Borough and is under considerable Roundabout would only provide a partial solution to this problem, whereas, pressure from traffic movements related to the retail development in the 7. WERN TARW/ROCKWOOL ACCESS the sites can be most effectively accessed by a new road link which will area, combined with the local and strategic traffic movements on the 6.9.19. The existing Rockwool factory and land immediately to the west proceed in a generally north eastward direction from a new junction on surrounding highway network. The junction’s existing capacity constraints and north west has been identified for employment uses at Wern Tarw. the A48 to the southern-most roundabout within the Waterton Industrial are not suited to accommodate additional traffic movements generated The highway access to and from this site is by means of the unclassified Estate and then northwards with associated improvements to the by any further development having a direct effect upon it. The development road from the factory to the B4280, the B4280/Penprysg Industrial Access Coychurch roundabout to join the A473 to the motorway. The nature and of the Parc Derwen development site Policy H1(25) refers), or any other Road, then the A473/Pencoed Bypass to Junction 35 of the M4. extent of highway works will be determined by a Transport Assessment. development or expansion of existing development having a direct effect Developers of this site, or of significant intensifications/expansions to the Part of the line of the proposed link road will lie within the Vale of Glamorgan on this junction, will not therefore be permitted until it has been improved. Rockwool development, will therefore be required to carry out any Council area and their consent and co-operation will be sought to expedite The aim is to increase the junction’s capacity to a level where it can improvements to that route which are necessary for it to cope safely and its development. accommodate additional traffic movements generated by development efficiently with any additional traffic generated by those developments without detrimental effects being imposed on either local or strategic traffic and/or expansions. These improvements will include, but not be limited 6.9.24. Developers of the Brocastle, and Waterton Industrial sites (between movements. to, improving the unclassified road and the B4280 between the site the car engine plant and the A48) will therefore be required to enter into entrance(s) and the western end of the Penprysg Industrial Access Road, appropriate planning obligations/agreements with this Council, and the the section of the A473 between the eastern roundabout of the Penprysg Vale of Glamorgan Council, to ensure that the necessary highway works Junction 36, M4 Motorway, Bridgend Industrial Access Road, and the northern roundabout of the Pencoed and improvements will be provided to serve these developments. These Bypass. They will also include any modifications required to those works will be entirely funded by those developments, whose piecemeal, roundabouts or any other sections of highways along that route including or the expansion of existing, development of either site will not be permitted. provisions required for cycling or pedestrian safety. 10. ACCESS TO MARLAS FARM SITE, PYLE 6.9.20. Therefore, developers of the Wern Tarw site, or of significant 6.9.25. Access to the proposed Marlas Farm housing site could be expansions to the Rockwool development will be required to enter into achieved either by way of a southern route onto Heol Fach then through any necessary planning obligations/agreements with the Council to ensure North Cornelly village; or northwards by way of Marlas Bridge and Marlas that appropriate highway works and improvements will be provided. These Road to Pyle Cross. The former route presents problems in respect of works will be entirely funded by those developments and/or intensifications/ parked vehicles, service vehicles and shops, schools, pedestrian safety, expansions to the existing Rockwool development. junctions, in particular that with Fairfield, leading to the A48, and a low bridge on the direct link to the M4 motorway. The existing highway network 8. ACCESS TO LAND WEST OF MAESTEG ROAD, TONDU cannot therefore accommodate the additional traffic movement which would 6.9.21. The land to the west of Maesteg Road (A4063), Tondu has been be generated by the proposed housing development, without significant identified in the UDP for proposed mixed development of employment, improvements being made to it. The latter option is by way of a narrow residential and heritage uses. The A4063 highway to the south of the lane, over Marlas Bridge, which is sub-standard in width and alignment, 56 nearby railway bridge is up to the necessary standard to accommodate along Marlas Road, towards Pyle Cross which has also been identified as having road safety problems. Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.9.26. Development of the Marlas Farm residential site may therefore must adequately cater for improvements to the highway infrastructure. as a requirement of the Development Brief to be prepared, submitted, and only proceed subject to highway improvements being carried out at Marlas This will ensure that both the Sony Roundabout and the motorway junction approved by the Council for the development of that site. Those highway Bridge and on Marlas Road to accommodate the additional traffic which cater for, and work efficiently with, the additional development traffic and works and improvements will include a bypass to the village, facilities for UNITARY would be generated by its development. Also the lane from the site which that the cemetery is adequately protected from the adverse effects of the access to those presently ‘land-locked’ areas of Policy E2(1), and DEVELOPMENT PLAN would access Marlas Bridge must be improved to the appropriate highway traffic generated by the development and any required improvements. appropriate measures to ensure that extraneous traffic will not travel through standards, and an enhanced pedestrian access route provided to the the village. Other highway works will include sufficient, effective, and ADOPTED nearby Pyle Station. 6.9.32. Developers of the Pencoed Technology Park, Pencoed, will appropriate access points to the development sites to ensure adequate PLAN therefore be required to enter into planning obligations/agreements with and suitable movement both within the sites and on the existing highway 6.9.27. Developers of the Marlas Farm site will therefore be required to the Council(s) to ensure that the appropriate highway works and network. The works will be entirely funded by the developers of the Parc enter into agreements with the Council to ensure that the appropriate improvements will be provided, in addition to any other relevant planning Derwen development, whose piecemeal development will not be permitted. PART 2 highway works and improvements will be provided in addition to any other requirements. These works will be entirely funded by the development, WRITTEN relevant planning requirements. These works will be entirely funded by whose piecemeal development will not be permitted. STATEMENT the development, whose piecemeal development will not be permitted. 6.10. PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 13. M4 JUNCTION 35 PROVISION 11. ACCESS TO MERTHYR MAWR ROAD/BRIDGEND SCIENCE 6.9.33. The M4 motorway junction 35 at Pencoed is an important strategic PARK/LAND AT ISLAND FARM, A48, BRIDGEND junction in the County Borough. The junction’s existing capacity, although 6.9.28. Bridgend Science Park/Land at Island Farm is identified as a adequate for current demands, will not accommodate all the additional 6.10.1. EXTENSION TO BRIDGEND BUS STATION special employment site, (Policy E6(1) refers), which is based on a number traffic movements generated by further development without improvement. POLICY T15 of requirements, one of them being that it is highly accessible from the Therefore land will be protected for the future improvement of the motorway M4 corridor. To provide this effective access, and thereby conform to the roundabout. It is anticipated that the junction’s capacity can be improved LAND WILL BE SAFEGUARDED TO ENABLE THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF requirements of the highway network, the proposed extension to the on a phased basis to accommodate new developments as they come on THE BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE BUS STATION. existing Science Park at Island Farm, will require a new junction to be stream. constructed on the A48 at a location which will affect, and have to include junction facilities for, Merthyr Mawr Road (North and South of the A48). 6.9.34. Developers whose new developments, or expansion of existing 6.10.2. The existing bus station in Bridgend town centre is being used to Therefore, careful consideration must be given to this junction to ensure developments, which have an effect on junction 35 will be required to its full capacity, therefore there is a need to re-develop that capacity to that it, or the associated development traffic, does not have an adverse improve the junction’s capacity to a level where it can accommodate meet existing and future demand from local and national operators. effect on the efficiency of the surrounding highway network. additional traffic movements (generated by the development(s)) without detrimental effects being imposed on either local or strategic traffic 6.9.29. Developers of the Science Park extension will therefore be required movements. 6.10.3. PROPOSED BRIDGEND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE to enter into planning obligations/agreements with the Council to ensure that the appropriate highway works and improvements will be provided in 6.9.35. Developers of sites or expansion of existing sites having an effect POLICY T16 addition to any other relevant planning requirements. These works will be on Junction 35 of the M4 Motorway will therefore be required to enter into entirely funded by the development, whose piecemeal development will planning obligations/agreements with the Council to ensure that appropriate LAND WILL BE SAFEGUARDED TO ENABLE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AND ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS IN not be permitted. highway works and improvements will be provided. The works will be entirely BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE. funded by those developments, whose piecemeal development or 12. A473 ACCESS TO THE ‘PENCOED TECHNOLOGY PARK’, expansion will not be permitted. PENCOED 6.9.30. The ‘ Pencoed Technology Park’, Pencoed, is identified as a 14. COITY BYPASS, BRIDGEND special employment site, (Policy E6(4) refers), which requires the land to 6.9.36. The development of the Parc Derwen site (Policy H1(25) refers) Access to former Washery Site - Maesteg be highly accessible from the M4 corridor. The site is a large area of land, would significantly increase the volume of traffic passing through the village some 31.5 Ha, and although being located substantially within the of Coity unless associated highway works are carried out. The B4281 administrative boundary of the Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough road through the village of Coity is generally sub-standard in terms of its Council, its access requirements will be primarily required from Junction width, alignment, visibility, provision of pedestrian facilities and lay-out of 35 of the M4 Motorway at Pencoed. Therefore, the associated junctions. The village is also a designated Conservation Area. transportation issues for servicing this site satisfactorily, and ensuring effective access to the motorway falls to this Council. 6.9.37. There is no opportunity for improvement of the highway through Coity village, and in any event, this would not be environmentally 6.9.31. The existing Sony development is served from a roundabout on acceptable. Therefore a bypass to the village must be constructed if the the A473 which also provides links to Felindre Road both east and west. development of the Parc Derwen site is to proceed. Such a bypass will This roundabout is at present subject to congestion problems at certain also be expected to provide access to those areas of land designated for times of the day, as is the access on to the motorway junction south of employment purposes (under Policy E2(1) of the Plan), south of the this roundabout. A further consideration is the location of an existing proposed bypass, which are presently ‘land-locked’ from earlier cemetery which would be in close proximity to any infrastructure development. The developers of the Parc Derwen site will therefore be improvements if it is proposed to access the Policy E6(4) site from a required to enter into a planning obligation/agreement with the Council to junction on Felindre Road. Therefore, the proposals to access this site ensure that appropriate highway works and improvements will be provided, 57 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
6.10.4. Policy T16 provides for a multi-modal interchange to be developed prepared as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the UDP, which Bridgend Bus Station in Bridgend town centre which will facilitate quick and easy transfer of will detail the planning and design requirements for the Porthcawl UNITARY passengers between all modes of travel. A physical link between the bus Regeneration Area (refer to para. 15.12.10. later). The provision of a bus- DEVELOPMENT station and the railway station will be incorporated into the scheme which based park and ride facility, preferably on a ‘brownfield site’, located within, PLAN will also include a coach, bus and taxi interchange at the existing railway and/or in close proximity to, the Regeneration Area will form a key ADOPTED station. ‘integrated’ transportation proposal within that Brief. PLAN 6.10.13. Such a facility will aid the diversion of car-borne journeys to and 6.10.5. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PASSENGER from Porthcawl onto buses, thereby reducing congestion in the town centre. PART 2 RAILWAY NETWORK It may reduce, to some extent, car-borne journeys to work, but its main WRITTEN POLICY T17 attraction would be its potential to intercept car-borne tourist traffic aiming STATEMENT for the town centre during the summer season. Such a facility will also LAND WILL BE SAFEGUARDED TO ENABLE THE FOLLOWING MAJOR lessen the pressure to expand the capacity of the local highway network IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PASSENGER RAILWAY NETWORK TO BE in the town centre, and reduce the demand for, or use of valuable IMPLEMENTED:- redevelopment sites within the Regeneration Area for the provision of car parking facilities throughout the year. It will be necessary for the new bus- T17(1) CONSTRUCTION OF BRACKLA RAILWAY STATION AND PARK AND based park and ride facility to be very carefully chosen in order that the RAIL FACILITY; sustainable tourism, transportation, social, and environmental aims of the Development Brief are achieved. In this respect, the facility will need T17(2) IMPROVEMENT OF BRIDGEND RAILWAY STATION; It will also provide opportunities to increase the use of that line by freight to be accompanied by appropriate bus priority, routing, and traffic traffic for which purpose, the feasibility of using the Ford siding as a management measures within the town in order to aid the efficient T17(3) ENHANCEMENT OF THE MAESTEG RAILWAY LINE; AND freight terminal will be investigated. movement of buses that will serve it. The precise location of the facility should therefore be most appropriately determined within the detailed T17(4) FURTHER PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES AT WILDMILL, AND PENCOED 3. ENHANCEMENT OF THE MAESTEG RAILWAY LINE context of the Development Brief for the Porthcawl Regeneration Scheme. STATIONS. 6.10.9. The Maesteg railway line is an integral part of the Llynfi transport corridor. The line enhancement scheme will provide a passing loop to facilitate a half hourly service, and thereby safeguard the possibility of its 6.10.6. Railways share an increasing role for public transport in the UDP. 6.11. PUBLIC OFF-STREET CAR Despite their inflexibility, where they exist, railways tend to foster a sense future expansion for freight movement. The enhancement of the line will PARKING PROVISION of continuity, and enhance the potential for development and regeneration. also complement the Llynfi Valley Regeneration Strategy. This scheme These attributes have not only been recognised by the Council, but also will similarly be funded from Transport Grant monies. by the South Wales Integrated Fast Transit (SWIFT) local authority 6.11.1. PROPOSED PUBLIC OFF-STREET CAR PARKING consortium, which has consequently identified four schemes, all of which 4. FURTHER PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES AT WILDMILL AND PROVISION – BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE PENCOED STATIONS will provide additional rail capacity to facilitate service enhancements. POLICY T19 Details of those schemes are stated below:- 6.10.10. Park and Ride car parks at Wildmill and Pencoed will provide the opportunity for an effective interchange between cars and public LAND WILL BE SAFEGUARDED FOR THE ENLARGEMENT OF TREMAINS 1. PROPOSED BRACKLA RAILWAY STATION AND PARK AND RIDE transport to facilitate a reduction in the length and number of car-borne journeys especially for the journey to work. In addition, the Wildmill park ROAD CAR PARK, BRIDGEND, TO INCREASE PUBLIC OFF-STREET FACILITY PARKING FACILITIES IN BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE. 6.10.7. The proposed Brackla railway station will be situated on the main and ride will provide a bus turning circle at the existing station which will South Wales railway line from London to Fishguard. It forms a part of the permit bus and rail-based park and ride operations. SWIFT initiative to promote seamless rail travel between Maesteg and 6.11.2. The parking provision identified under Policy T19 will complement Llanharan in neighbouring Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough. The station 6.10.11. PROPOSED PARK AND RIDE FACILITY the regeneration objectives for Bridgend town centre. It will also serve will also provide an integrated facility that will comprise two platforms, a SERVING PORTHCAWL some of the parking needs of new town centre development which will no footbridge, cycle track access, and a park and ride facility. The site of the longer attract generous parking provision in line with the introduction of POLICY T18 proposed station has been selected to enhance its commercial viability new maximum off-street car parking standards addressed under Policy and to serve the public transport needs of both the industrial estate in T8. Currently, about 60% of the parking stock of Bridgend town centre is A BUS-BASED PARK AND RIDE FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO which it is partly situated, and the needs of existing and proposed housing SERVE THE FUTURE NEEDS OF PORTHCAWL. ITS LOCATION WILL allocated for short-stay car parking. As part of the strategy to increase developments of eastern Bridgend. It is anticipated that the project will be BE SELECTED WITH A VIEW TO OPTIMISING THE SUSTAINABLE shopper activity in the town centre, the Council intends to increase this funded from developer contributions and Transport Grant funding. TOURISM, TRANSPORTATION, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL proportion to 80% of the parking stock through graduated pricing. It is OBJECTIVES OF THE REGENERATION STRATEGY TO BE PREPARED FOR also the Council’s intention to improve public transport provision to cater 2. IMPROVEMENT OF BRIDGEND RAILWAY STATION THE TOWN. for the reduced long-stay parking opportunities through measures contained 6.10.8. The provision of a bay platform at Bridgend station forms part of in the Local Transport Plan. the proposed capacity expansion of the Vale of Glamorgan railway line which is currently used by freight traffic and for the occasional diversion of 6.10.12. Land between the harbour and Trecco Bay caravan site, 6.11.3. The existing Tremains Road Car Park, and the Embassy Cinema passenger trains. The proposed capacity enhancement scheme will Porthcawl, is designated under Regeneration Policy REG3(2) of the Plan Site, Bridgend, (Policy R8(8) refers) are close to the main radial routes to 58 facilitate a daily hourly service and a half-hourly service at peak periods. for future comprehensive redevelopment. A Development Brief is to be the town centre. Chapter TRANSPORTATION 6
6.11.4. To deal with deficiencies to the north side of the town centre, the whilst not forming a part of the Plan itself. Appropriate references are existing Tremains Road Car Park will be enlarged to cater for further off- therefore made at several points throughout this, and other sections of street public car parking provision. Its management and designation as a the Plan to relevant SPG as already published, and/or which is to be UNITARY car park will be subject to periodic review of the Council’s charging policy prepared, submitted to (if appropriate), and adopted by the Council. DEVELOPMENT PLAN and monitoring of town centre car parks, and it will be considered further in the Local Transport Plan. 6.12.2. The Council already applies the following SPG with respect to ADOPTED the transportation policies contained in its adopted development plan (1995/ PLAN 6.11.5. The development of a new foodstore and surface level parking at 1997):- the Embassy Cinema Site (Policy R8(8) of the Plan refers) will provide sufficient short-stay car parking to enable its use by town centre shoppers The approved South Wales Standing Conference Guidelines on Parking PART 2 as well as customers to the store. This will assist in reducing the current Standards. (as amended from time to time); and WRITTEN deficiency of short-stay spaces on the north side of Bridgend town centre. STATEMENT The adopted former Mid Glamorgan County Council’s Design Guide The management of the car park will be integrated with the Council’s for Residential and Industrial Estate Roads. parking strategy and an agreement will be entered into between the Council and the store operator as to pricing structure, and other management concerns. As with the proposed enlargement of the Tremains Road Car 6.12.3. Since 1997, however, a succession of government consultation Park, the management agreement will be subject to periodic review of the papers and policy statements have emerged on transport and associated Council’s charging policy and monitoring of the town centre car parks, to related issues of sustainable development. As a consequence of the new ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of the store, and the Council’s transport agenda, the Council envisages preparing, publishing, and parking strategy as periodically set out in the Local Transport Plan. consulting upon revised transportation guidelines and standards, prior to adopting up-dated SPG over the currency of the UDP. For example, it will be revisiting its Design Guide for Residential and Industrial Estate Roads 6.12. SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING to take on board inclusive design standards for ‘access for people with GUIDANCE – TRANSPORTATION disabilities’, and those good practice pointers for ‘transport and movement’ 6.12.1. The National Assembly for Wales in its guidance document Unitary contained in PPW (TAN) 12: Design (2002). It will similarly be revising, in Development Plans - Wales (2001)(para. 2.12 et.al.) advises Authorities association with other local authorities in South Wales, Guidelines on that while UDPs should contain policies and proposals which will provide Parking moving to the endorsement of ‘maximum standards of provision’ the basis for deciding planning applications, and for determining conditions as opposed to the current ‘minimum criteria’, thereby reflecting the to be attached to planning permissions, those policies should avoid guidance contained in PPW (2002). Similarly, it will be revisiting guidance excessive detail. Authorities should therefore consider the use of on ‘Development Briefs for Major Development Sites’ and ‘Developer Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) as a means of setting out more Contributions’, and thereby responding to any emerging national guidance detailed guidance on the way in which the policies of the Plan will be concerning ‘Development Tariffs’. applied in particular circumstances or areas. Such SPG can take the form of design guidance or area development briefs and should be clearly 6.12.4. All development proposals will be expected by the Council to cross-referenced to the relevant policies of the Plan which it supplements, have due regard to, and, wherever appropriate, conform with its up-to-date and/or adopted transportation guidelines and standards over the Plan Period of the UDP. The weight to be attached to its SPG guidance will become materially greater after due processes of consultation etc. are completed, Bridgend Railway Station and the relevant SPG has been adopted.
59 Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
60 Chapter RETAILING 7
7.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 7.1.1. Town centres are considered to be of particular importance because 7.1.5. Conversely, many town centres in the County Borough are 7.1.7. This approach should apply to all key town centre uses, not only UNITARY they fulfil a wider role than that simply of retail centres, and there is a topographically or physically restricted in some way which limits their retail, which attract a lot of people, including commercial and public offices, DEVELOPMENT PLAN recognition in Policy 8 of their importance to the community in potential for future growth especially as many retailers require large entertainment and leisure uses. Proposals for development on the sites accommodating a mixture of often interdependent land uses, of which unencumbered sites. This helps to explain the trend towards out-of-centre allocated for retail developments must be for the specified uses, otherwise ADOPTED retailing is only a part. development. Policy 9 seeks to establish criteria by which retail proposals proposals will have to demonstrate that they meet a need and the PLAN for sites away from existing centres (out-of-centre sites) will be evaluated. sequential preference test. This approach is reflected in other policies 7.1.2. In order for town centres to succeed, they need to retain and relating to these town centre uses elsewhere in the Unitary Development develop a wide range of attractions and amenities as well as providing an 7.1.6. In considering such proposals, government advice indicates that Plan. PART 2 attractive and safe environment. development plans should first establish a need (which can be quantitative WRITTEN or qualitative) for such developments and if this is demonstrated, adopt a 7.1.8. The only circumstances in which the policy will apply to existing STATEMENT 7.1.3. Vitality is reflected in how busy a centre is at different times and in sequential approach to site selection. This means that the first preference developments on allocated sites will be where proposals are for extensions different parts, attractiveness in the facilities and character which draw should be for town centre sites, where suitable sites or buildings for of floorspace and variation of goods types. In all circumstances, in order trade, whilst viability refers to the ability of a centre to attract investment conversion are available, followed by edge of centre sites, district centre to comply with the criteria of Policy 9, it will usually be necessary to to maintain the fabric. sites, then existing out-of-centre sites and allocations. Finally, new out- undertake some form of retail impact assessment if the proposed of-centre sites may be considered in locations that are accessible by a development is of a type that could be accommodated in a town centre. 7.1.4. Existing town centres tend to be more accessible to people who choice of means of transport. Developers will also be expected to have do not have ready access to cars and the protection and enhancement of considered mixed-use schemes when considering sites in town centres. existing town centres is important on grounds of social equity.
PART 2
7.2. INTRODUCTION 7.3. THE RETAIL HIERARCHY 7.2.1. Shopping is an important leisure and economic pursuit and the 7.3.1. The distribution of shopping facilities in the County Borough fits centre provides 655,500 square feet of retail floorspace, the majority of resulting patterns of retail activity are major forces shaping the future into a regional hierarchy, with the highest order centres at Cardiff and which is given over to comparison shopping (see FIGURE RET1). prospects of town centres. The national trend towards out-of-centre retailing Swansea being located outside the County Borough. Within Bridgend over the past two decades is now seen to have jeopardised the economic County Borough there is a traditional and evident hierarchy of town and 7.3.3. Bridgend town centre’s role extends beyond that of a shopping vitality of many older traditional town centres, and current government district shopping centres, each fulfilling its own niche in the overall provision centre as it provides a wide range of service and leisure facilities and its policy advice seeks to address these concerns. Town centres are now of retail facilities. diversity of uses also shown in FIGURE RET1 makes it an important the main focus for new retail activity. At the same time, the thrust toward destination for the whole of its catchment area. However, like many other sustainable development, stresses the need to reduce the reliance on 7.3.2. Bridgend occupies the position at the top of the County Borough similar sized towns in South Wales, Bridgend town centre has suffered the motor car as the principal mode of transport for shopping trips. This retail hierarchy and is defined as a sub-regional town centre. It contains from a relative under investment in new facilities together with increased mitigates against further out-of-centre development as the vast majority of the largest number and widest range of shops of any commercial centre competition from neighbouring centres and new out-of-centre retail shopping trips to these locations are made by private motor cars; whereas in the County Borough. Detailed analysis of Bridgend’s catchment area developments. As a consequence there is a perceived need to address town centres tend to be better served in terms of public transport. shows that it is the principal shopping centre for much of the County the problems of the town centre and the County Borough Council is Borough and for some communities outside.Currently Bridgend town implementing a number of important initiatives aimed at regenerating the 7.2.2. Within the local context, retailing is a significant source of jobs in town centre under the auspices of the Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration Strategy. the County Borough. Some 4200 jobs are provided in the retail sector FIGURE RET 1 which represents 9.5% of total employment in the County Borough. BREAKDOWN OF USES IN BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE Employment levels in this sector are in line with the Welsh average, and 7.3.4. Bridgend is supported by the smaller town centres of Maesteg and retailing provides proportionately more female jobs than male jobs. Porthcawl, both of which offer a wide range of shops and facilities including MISCELLANEOUS CONVENIENCE medium sized convenience stores to meet the needs of their immediate 7.2.3. Despite recent significant developments such as the construction catchment areas. New retail developments in Maesteg have strengthened of the Designer Outlet - Wales at junction 36 of the M4 motorway, it has SERVICE its position in the retail hierarchy, whilst Porthcawl also serves a large been established that a significant proportion of expenditure on comparison number of tourists, both long stay and day trippers, who visit the resort goods i.e. non-food, flows out of the County Borough to other centres, and surrounding area in the summer months. A regeneration strategy has principally Cardiff and Swansea. been commissioned for Maesteg to help ensure that it retains its vitality and attractiveness, whilst in Porthcawl a regeneration strategy has been running for a number of years, addressing most aspects of the town’s COMPARISON economic well being. At a level below in the hierarchy, there are a number of district centres distributed throughout the County Borough which usually 61 Chapter 7 RETAILING
contain a small supermarket and offer a range of convenience and 7.3.8. Policy R1 seeks to define as far as is practicable the acceptable 7.4. NON-RETAILING USES comparison goods as well as personal services such as sub-branches of limits of the commercial centres which constitute the retail hierarchy. It 7.4.1. Town centres need to maintain their diversity if they are to retain UNITARY banks, newsagents, sub-post offices etc. Their immediate catchment areas seeks to limit the spread of further new out-of-centre retail development their vitality and viability, but the range and variety of shops and services DEVELOPMENT PLAN tend to be more limited with a restricted range of convenience and and it also seeks to make existing commercial centres the primary focus has changed over time and will continue to evolve. However, there is also comparison goods. Their role is primarily that of ‘top-up’ or ‘walk-in’ centres for new retail development. Not all new retail uses are necessarily a need to ensure that commercial centres do not lose their ‘critical mass’ ADOPTED often providing essential goods on a daily basis as a supplement to those compatible with existing town centres due to factors such as scale, design of retail units to the extent that they can no longer function as viable PLAN provided in centres further up the hierarchy. and traffic considerations and there is a need to ensure that any new shopping centres. There is a danger that retail uses could be outbid by development is appropriate to its location, consequently:- other uses to the possible detriment of the commercial centre. Accordingly, PART 2 7.3.5. Over the last two decades the growth of out-of-centre supermarkets, there is a need to strike a balance between retailing and non-retailing PART 2 retail warehousing and retail parks has added a new dimension to shopping uses in commercial centres to ensure the optimum mix, and thus enhance 7.3.9. NATURE OF RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WRITTEN patterns in the County Borough which has placed the traditional retail the vitality and viability of those centres. IN COMMERCIAL CENTRES STATEMENT hierarchy under pressure. Out-of-centre retail developments have generally been confined to the Bridgend area with the development and extension POLICY R2 of the Bridgend Retail Park and Waterton Retail Park. Both of these 7.4.2. NON RETAIL USES IN PRIMARY SHOPPING AREAS developments house a variety of retail warehouse units generally selling NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL bulky goods such as DIY goods, carpets, furniture and electrical goods. CENTRES, AS DEFINED IN POLICY R1, WILL BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD:- POLICY R3 In addition, there is a large out-of-centre Tesco supermarket and a smaller SUSTAIN OR ENHANCE THE RANGE AND QUALITY OF SHOPPING Lidl supermarket on the Bridgend Retail Park whilst Sainsburys have 1 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF PROVISION AND THE VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF USE FOR NON-RETAIL* USES WILL BE PERMITTED AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL located out-of-centre at the Pines. More recently the development of land THESE CENTRES; AND, at junction 36 of the M4 for the Designer Outlet - Wales has added a new IN PRIMARY SHOPPING AREAS, ONLY WHERE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING dimension to out-of-centre retailing in the County Borough. Despite 2 BE IN KEEPING WITH THE SCALE AND CHARACTER OF THE CENTRE. CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:- competition from out-of-centre retail developments, the established retail 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT, BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE, DESIGN hierarchy has continued to evolve over many years and the existing AND SCALE, MATERIALLY DILUTE THE CONTINUITY OF THE PRIMARY commercial centres fulfil an important role in meeting not only the shopping 7.3.10. This policy seeks to ensure that as far as possible new retail SHOPPING FRONTAGE, needs but the cultural and leisure requirements of the residents of the development will be to the long-term benefit of existing commercial centres. area. This plan therefore seeks to protect the established retail hierarchy Whilst recognising that the position of centres in the hierarchy may change 2 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT EXACERBATE AN EXISTING, NOR CREATE A NEW, UNDUE CONCENTRATION OF NON-RETAIL* USES, of the area. over time, new development should be broadly in keeping with the character EITHER IN THE IMMEDIATE LOCALITY OR IN THE GENERAL STREET of the existing centre.Developers and retailers are expected to be flexible SCENE; 7.3.6. Policy R1 defines in more detail the nature of the hierarchy. and innovative about the format, design and scale of proposed development including the amount of car parking, in order to achieve new development 3 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT CREATE A DEAD WINDOW FRONTAGE, BUT RATHER BE OF A NATURE WHICH STIMULATES in harmony with existing centres. 7.3.7. PROTECTION OF THE RETAIL HIERARCHY PASSING TRADE AND MAINTAINS THE GENERAL INTEREST OF THE POLICY R1 SHOPPING PUBLIC; NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED IN 4 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO NEW, NOR ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES NAMELY:- MATERIALLY EXACERBATE EXISTING, LOCAL PROBLEMS DUE TO TRAFFIC GENERATION, CONGESTION, HIGHWAY SAFETY, NOISE, 1 THE SUB-REGIONAL TOWN CENTRE OF:- SMELL OR OTHER AMENITY CONSIDERATIONS; BRIDGEND FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS POLICY, THE PRIMARY SHOPPING AREAS 2 THE TOWN CENTRES OF:- ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:- MAESTEG PORTHCAWL BRIDGEND ADARE STREET 3 THE DISTRICT CENTRES OF:- CAROLINE STREET THE RHIW CENTRE, ABERKENFIG BLAENGARW BRACKLA WYNDHAM STREET, CAERAU NANTYFFYLLON NANTYMOEL NOLTON STREET [Nos. 4-24 EVEN Nos. ONLY AND NOLTON HOUSE] OGMORE VALE PENCOED PONTYCYMMER THE BRACKLA STREET CENTRE [Nos. 3-15 AND SUPERSTORE] PYLE/KENFIG HILL MAESTEG RETAIL DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE THESE CENTRES WILL ONLY BE TALBOT STREET PERMITTED WHERE:- War Memorial and Surrounding Area, Bridgend COMMERCIAL STREET [Nos. 1-21, 128-145 INCL.]
1 IN THE CASE OF LOCAL CONVENIENCE GOODS, IT IS INTENDED TO PORTHCAWL SPECIFICALLY SERVE AREAS OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OR JOHN STREET [Nos. 20-88, 1a-83 INCL.] WHERE THERE IS A DEMONSTRATED DEFICIENCY IN SHOPPING WELL STREET [Nos. 1-16 INCL.] FACILITIES IN EXISTING HOUSING AREAS; OR (* Non-Retail Uses are defined as any use other than those falling under Class A1 of the Town & Country 62 2 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES R9, R10 AND R11. Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987) Chapter RETAILING 7
7.4.3. Policy R3 recognises that the primary shopping areas of the town 7.4.7. The conversion of shop units often leads to the fragmentation of 7.5. KEY RETAIL RE-DEVELOPMENT SITES centres in the County Borough are in need of particular protection from commercial frontages but this is considered preferable to long term 7.5.1. The long term success of the commercial centres in the County competing uses and enforces strict criteria to protect their viability and vacancies and voids. The Council is committed however to underpinning Borough is dependent upon investment by private enterprise. Failure to UNITARY DEVELOPMENT vitality, however outside of the primary shopping areas a more relaxed the commercial viability of all commercial centres in the County Borough invest will lead to an inevitable decline. It is essential therefore that the PLAN approach is adopted. and offers grants to commercial properties in designated Commercial Unitary Development Plan identifies opportunities for such investment which Improvement Areas for environmental improvements. Town centres can will contribute to the regeneration of the established commercial centres:- ADOPTED 7.4.4. NON RETAIL USES OUTSIDE PRIMARY SHOPPING successfully accommodate other forms of employment generating PLAN AREAS IN COMMERCIAL CENTRES activities apart from retailing, and these activities can lead to a diversification of the centre giving it added attraction and hence vitality. 7.5.2. KEY RETAIL RE-DEVELOPMENT SITES POLICY R4 Nonetheless, these have to be kept in balance so that the primary shopping POLICY R8 PART 2 core of the commercial centres is not diluted unduly. Although activities WRITTEN PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF THE REGENERATION OF ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES falling within Class B1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) STATEMENT USE FOR NON-RETAIL* USES ON GROUND FLOORS OUTSIDE OF THE THROUGH THE REFURBISHMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT OF KEY SITES PRIMARY SHOPPING AREAS IN ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES, Order 1987 are by definition acceptable in residential areas in terms of AND BUILDINGS FOR RETAIL, OTHER COMMERCIAL AND COMPLE- AS DEFINED IN POLICIES R1 AND R3, WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED:- their environmental standards, the Council will not permit such uses at MENTARY LEISURE USES WILL BE FAVOURED, PROVIDED THAT THE ground floor level in the primary shopping areas nor where a proposal DEVELOPMENT IS IN KEEPING WITH THE SCALE AND CHARACTER OF THE PROPOSAL HAS NO UNACCEPTABLE EFFECTS ON THE 1 would result in the loss of existing retail floorspace elsewhere. Such uses THE CENTRE. THE FOLLOWING ARE IDENTIFIED AS KEY SITES; ENVIRONMENT AND AMENITY OF THE LOCALITY; may be successfully accommodated above ground floor level in primary 2 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO NEW, NOR shopping areas and in non-retail premises elsewhere in established R8(1) THE SURFACE CAR PARK AND ADJOINING LAND NORTH OF MATERIALLY EXACERBATE EXISTING, LOCAL PROBLEMS DUE TO commercial centres. BRACKLA STREET, BRIDGEND; TRAFFIC GENERATION, CONGESTION, HIGHWAY SAFETY, NOISE, SMELL OR OTHER AMENITY CONSIDERATIONS. R8(2) ELDER YARD, BRIDGEND;
(* Non-Retail Uses are defined as any use other than those falling under Class A1 of the Town & 7.4.8. B1 USES IN COMMERCIAL CENTRES R8(3) THE RHIW CAR PARK AND ADJACENT GARAGE, BRIDGEND; Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987). POLICY R6 R8(4) DOCK STREET, PORTHCAWL;
7.4.5. As expressed above, the Council aims to maintain the vitality and USES FALLING WITHIN CLASS B1 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY R8(5) HILLSBORO PLACE CAR PARK AND ADJOINING LAND, viability of the commercial centres in the County Borough. However, it is PLANNING [USE CLASSES] ORDER 1987, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT PORTHCAWL; recognised that in some older centres the prospects of attracting new GROUND FLOOR LEVEL IN THE PRIMARY SHOPPING AREAS, AS R8(6) LAND NORTH OF MARKET STREET, BRIDGEND; retail development are rather limited, this is particularly so in some of the DEFINED IN POLICY R3. ELSEWHERE, IN ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL valley settlements. Under these circumstances, there is a need to adopt CENTRES, AS DEFINED IN POLICY R1, SUCH USES MAY BE PERMITTED AT R8(7) LAND ADJACENT TO MAESTEG RFC GROUND, LLYNFI ROAD, a more flexible and pragmatic approach. In most of the valley settlements, GROUND FLOOR LEVEL PROVIDED THEY DO NOT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF MAESTEG; the commercial centres are interspersed with residential development, EXISTING RETAIL FLOORSPACE. R8(8) THE EMBASSY CINEMA SITE AND ADJACENT LAND AT BREWERY and indeed, many of the shops were once private dwellinghouses that LANE AND TONDU ROAD, BRIDGEND; have been converted. The Council would be concerned if, under these circumstances, shops remained vacant for a considerable length of time, 7.4.9. General industrial uses are not considered appropriate anywhere R8(9) THE ALLOTMENT AND COUNCIL DEPOT AREA SOUTH OF leading to a deterioration of their condition and to an environmental blight. in the commercial centres of the County Borough. The environmental BRACKLA STREET, BRIDGEND. It is therefore considered appropriate to develop criteria by which shop consequences of such uses are usually deleterious to other uses and units outside of the primary shopping areas can be converted to residential would prejudice the environmental amenity of the commercial centres. use.
7.4.6. RESIDENTIAL USES IN COMMERCIAL CENTRES 7.4.10. GENERAL INDUSTRIAL USES IN COMMERCIAL CENTRES POLICY R5 POLICY R7 PROPOSALS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF USE FOR RESIDENTIAL USES ON GROUND FLOORS OUTSIDE OF THE PRIMARY GENERAL INDUSTRIAL USES* WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ANYWHERE IN THE SHOPPING AREAS IN ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES, AS ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES AS DEFINED IN POLICY R1 DEFINED IN POLICIES R1 AND R3, WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED:- (* Use Classes B2 and B8) 1 THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN VACANT FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND HAS BEEN ACTIVELY MARKETED OVER THAT TIME;
2 THE PROPERTY DOES NOT FORM PART OF A CONTINUOUS FRONTAGE OF THREE OR MORE SHOPS;
3 THE PROPOSAL HAS NO UNACCEPTABLE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND AMENITY OF THE LOCALITY;
4 THE PROPOSAL HAS NO UNACCEPTABLE EFFECTS IN TERMS OF TRAFFIC GENERATION, CONGESTION AND HIGHWAY SAFETY. Caroline Street, Bridgend 63 Chapter 7 RETAILING
7.5.3. All of these are either town centre or edge-of-centre sites and thus 7.5.7. The same retail need assessment concluded that, in the Bridgend 7.6.3. This policy requires developers to prove to the Council that any accord with government advice in terms of the sequential test.The Catchment Area there was a need for 13,816 sq m gross of non-bulky and proposal for out-of-centre retail development is needed. Need is not an UNITARY successful redevelopment of these sites will lead to an improved shopping 42, 649 sq m gross of bulky comparison goods, in Bridgend Town, up to easily defined issue, but the Council would have to be satisfied that any DEVELOPMENT PLAN environment and an extended retail offer. These sites are served by public 2016. The LPA consider that this need can be accommodated in the town proposal fills a gap in the pattern of retail provision and that there is transport and should therefore be accessible to all groups within the and district centres of Bridgend, including the Key Retail Redevelopment adequate spending power to justify the development. Need should also ADOPTED community. Sites as allocated by Policy R8 above, the Broadlands and Parc Derwen address qualitative issues and developers should demonstrate that any PLAN Centres, and the remaining land on existing established out-of-centre proposed out-of-centre development is catering for a market currently not 7.5.4. A detailed analysis of food shopping patterns in the County Borough retail destinations (see Policy R10); no new out-of-centre allocations have adequately provided for. Qualitative need is defined primarily as offering by Colliers CRE in 2002 reveals that despite the current provision of in- been made. Developers will be required to demonstrate flexibility and the consumer greater choice, accessibility and the environmental benefits PART 2 town and out-of-centre food stores, there is additional potential for the innovation with regard to the format, design and scale of developments in associated with minimising reliance on the private car, but retailer needs WRITTEN development of further convenience floorspace. Deficiencies in food order to achieve this, before this opinion is set aside, and only then when and economic needs may also be material considerations. STATEMENT shopping provision have been specifically identified in Bridgend, Porthcawl the criteria of Policy R9 are fulfilled. and Maesteg. Indeed, many residents of Porthcawl and Maesteg travel to 7.6.4. Having established a need for any development, to the satisfaction Bridgend for their grocery shopping and in so doing generate a large number of the Local Planning Authority, developers are also required to of additional car journeys. The inclusion of the Hillsboro Place Car Park 7.6. NEW OUT-OF-CENTRE RETAILING demonstrate that they have followed the sequential approach to site and land adjacent to Maesteg RFC Ground, Llynfi Road sites for new 7.6.1. As previously expressed, this Unitary Development Plan echoes selection. Potential developers are reminded of government advice on the large scale convenience retailing, together with a smaller element of government advice in seeking to make town centres the primary focus for need to be flexible about proposals for new development and they should comparison goods will help to redress this imbalance. new retail development. Proposals for further new large scale out-of-centre demonstrate why they could not develop elements of the larger scheme development, which includes extensions to existing units and proposals on smaller sites in more central locations with less car parking. 7.5.5. Similarly, there is a gap in the existing food retail provision in to vary the kinds of goods sold from a store, will be resisted unless it Bridgend Town which is highlighted by the flow of expenditure to competing satisfies all of the criteria contained in Policy R9. 7.6.5. Crucially, the Local Planning Authority will need to be convinced stores outside the County Borough. Whilst Bridgend has both a reasonable that proposals for new development will not have an unacceptable impact quantity and quality of food stores, as indicated by their trading success, on established commercial centres in terms of trade diversion, not only in 7.6.2. CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING FURTHER the variety and range of operators is fairly limited. Additional research the County Borough but in neighbouring areas as well, such that they OUT-OF-CENTRE RETAIL DEVELOPMENT conducted on behalf of the County Borough Council by Colliers CRE in would jeopardise the vitality and viability of those centres. The Council December 2002 (updated in June 2004) indicates that there is need in POLICY R9 will need to be assured that any proposal is of a sympathetic design, and both quantitative and qualitative terms for more convenience goods that it does not generate unacceptable traffic flows. floorspace in Bridgend Town. The detailed need assessment indicates PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER LARGE SCALE OUT-OF-CENTRE RETAIL that Bridgend Town is capable of accommodating one additional large- DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING 7.6.6. Furthermore, any proposals should be accessible by a variety of scale foodstore up to 2016. CRITERIA ARE MET:- modes of transport, in keeping with the principles of sustainable 1 THERE IS A NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT; development. Land allocated for employment uses will be protected from 7.5.6. Given the recent planning permissions for the Asda Store at alternative uses such as retailing, and this issue is considered at more Cheapside, Bridgend and the scope for new convenience goods stores at 2 IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER OF PREFERENCE: THERE ARE NO SUITABLE length in the employment chapter of this plan. Finally, the Council will SITES AVAILABLE FOR THE PROPOSAL WITHIN THE TOWN Broadlands and Parc Derwen, the LPA consider that there is no further have to be convinced that any proposed development would not prejudice CENTRES , IN AN EDGE-OF-CENTRE LOCATION; IN A DISTRICT CENTRE, requirement for out-of-centre convenience goods store developments up OR WITHIN AN EXISTING RETAIL SITE OR ALLOCATION; the outcome or proposed course of action contained in any of its approved to 2016. The other retail policies in the Plan are considered to be sufficiently regeneration strategies. robust to accommodate any changes in circumstances which may arise 3 THE PROPOSAL, EITHER BY ITSELF OR CUMULATIVELY WITH OTHER during the Plan period. OUTSTANDING PLANNING PERMISSIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMMITMENTS, WILL NOT HARM THE VITALITY OR VIABILITY OF ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES; John Street, Porthcawl 4 THE PROPOSAL IS OF ACCEPTABLE SCALE, MATERIALS AND DESIGN AND DOES NOT HARM THE ENVIRONMENT OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY;
5 THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSAL CAN BE ACCOMMODATED SAFELY ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY NETWORK AND APPROPRIATE CAR PARKING AND SERVICING WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE SITE; 6 THE PROPOSAL IS SITED SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND LENGTH OF CAR JOURNEYS AND CAN SERVE NOT ONLY CAR-BORNE SHOPPERS BUT IS ALSO ACCESSIBLE BY A VARIETY OF MEANS OF TRANSPORT INCLUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT;
7 THE PROPOSAL IS NOT LOCATED ON LAND USED OR ALLOCATED FOR INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS AND REQUIRED TO MEET THE EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN;
8 THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT UNDERMINE AN ONGOING REGENERATION 64 STRATEGY. Chapter RETAILING 7
7.7. ESTABLISHED RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS 7.8. SIZE RESTRICTIONS ON OUTSIDE OF ESTABLISHED OUT-OF-CENTRE UNITARY COMMERCIAL CENTRES RETAIL UNITS DEVELOPMENT 7.7.1. Within the County Borough the established retail developments 7.8.1. Because the traditional retail warehouse parks at Waterton and at PLAN outside of the commercial centres are listed in Policy R10. Stores in the the Bridgend Retail Park are generally comprised of large warehouses two retail parks tend to sell bulky durable goods such as DIY goods, selling bulky durable goods all of the units on these parks are large buildings ADOPTED electrical goods and furniture; there is some, albeit limited, scope for when compared to shops in the established town centres. The nature of PLAN further development on Bridgend Retail Park. At Waterton Retail Park the retail warehouses suits the type of retailing they contain in terms of there is also some sport/leisure/fitness development. In addition, there ample storage facilities and extensive sales space capable of displaying PART 2 are two established supermarkets situated outside of the commercial a wide range of bulky products. The Local Planning Authority would resist areas, but within the urban fabric of Bridgend. any proposals which sought to sub-divide existing retail warehouse units WRITTEN into smaller units. In so doing there is a risk that the nature of these units STATEMENT and the type of goods sold would be altered and that they would be 7.7.2. ESTABLISHED RETAIL SITES OUTSIDE OF transformed into units more akin to those found in town centres, thus ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES competing directly with town centre uses. In new developments this will POLICY R10 be achieved by the use of conditions attached to a planning permission. Designer Outlet Village - Wales
THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE ALLOCATED FOR RETAIL ACTIVITY OUTSIDE THE ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRES:- 7.9. DESIGNER OUTLET VILLAGE – WALES 7.9.2. DESIGNER OUTLET VILLAGE – WALES 7.9.1. The development of the Designer Outlet - Wales at junction 36 of STORE ADDRESS LOCATION the M4 has added a new dimension to out-of-centre retailing in the County POLICY R11 R10(1)VARIOUS BRIDGEND RETAIL PARK OUT-OF-CENTRE Borough. Since its completion in 1998 this development has attracted R10(2)VARIOUS WATERTON RETAIL PARK OUT-OF-CENTRE over 2 million visitors per annum. The nature of the retailing permitted is LAND AT JUNCTION 36 OF THE M4 IS ALLOCATED FOR THE DESIGNER R10(3)SAINSBURY’S CEFN HIRGOED, OUT-OF-CENTRE controlled by a Section 106 agreement which makes it a very particular OUTLET - WALES. PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ON THIS R10(4)TESCO BREWERY LANE, EDGE-OF-CENTRE form of out-of- town retail centre. The Designer Outlet - Wales allows an SITE WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED PROVIDED:- opportunity for manufacturers to sell previous season’s stock, seconds, 1 THAT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE run-offs, over runs, slow selling goods and samples of brand name goods, SECTION 106 AGREEMENT COVERING THE SITE; 7.7.3. Policy R10 acknowledges the presence of these existing including fashion, sportswear, household, general apparel and accessories developments and commitments and seeks to restrict their extent in future, at discounted prices. The unique retail offer of Designer Outlet - Wales 2 THAT THERE ARE NO ADVERSE IMPACTS ON THE VITALITY AND in accordance with policy to sustain and promote established town and attracts visitors and shoppers from a wide area, and empirical evidence VIABILITY OF EXISTING TOWN CENTRES; district centres. obtained through surveys indicate that 25% of trade is derived from 3 THE PROPOSAL HAS NO UNACCEPTABLE EFFECTS IN TERMS OF consumers living more than 30 minutes drive-time away; indeed 12% of TRAFFIC GENERATION, CONGESTION AND HIGHWAY SAFETY. trade is derived from consumers living more than 1 hours drive away. The Designer Outlet - Wales can be considered as a form of shopping activity Waterton Retail Park that is separate from the normal retail hierarchy. The potential exists to promote the existing town centres to visitors to the County Borough through linked shopping trips to reinforce the vitality and viability of those town centres. However the Council is also aware that unrestricted out-of-centre retail development at this location could also undermine the role of existing town centres. The Council will need to be convinced that any further development at this location shall not undermine the vitality and viability of existing town centres, both within the County Borough and beyond.
65 Chapter 7 RETAILING
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
66 Chapter TOURISM & LEISURE 8
8.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICIES 8.1.1. Policy 10 recognises that tourism is one of the most successful 8.1.3. A well managed tourism industry can bring many benefits which 8.1.5. Policy 11 emphasizes that leisure uses can benefit town and UNITARY sectors of the UK economy. Some areas of the country are heavily include: underpinning economic activity; supporting public sector transport district centres. In considering such proposals, or in deciding whether to DEVELOPMENT dependent economically on tourism, which has the potential to grow rapidly. and service infrastructure; providing financial support for rural areas; support identify sites for leisure developments, however, PPW (2002) advises that, PLAN for agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries; underpinning in the first instance, local planning authorities should consider whether ADOPTED 8.1.2. The tourism potential of Bridgend County Borough is very important conservation of heritage sites and the countryside; fostering an exchange there is a need for additional provision. Such a need may be quantitive to and significant to providing continued economic and environmental benefits. of cultural experiences; improving the viability of town centres; and assisting address a provable unmet demand and / or qualitative – such as where it PLAN It is important to continue to encourage and increase the number of long the regeneration of depressed urban and rural areas. can be demonstrated that new provision will contribute to meeting the stay visitors. To assist in this, proposals for new tourism related policies set out elsewhere in the UDP. In order that further damage to PART 2 development will be supported by the Council. This should lead to the 8.1.4. The objective of encouraging tourism will, however, place pressure town and district centres may be avoided, major leisure uses such as WRITTEN widening of the range of attractions and facilities available, thereby on the County Borough’s environment. This will need to be managed in multi-screen cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys and theatres should be STATEMENT attracting more visitors and increasing income generation and employment such a way as to achieve a balance between favouring developments and located where sites or suitable buildings can be found in town and district opportunities. attractions which are environmentally sustainable, do not cause damage centres or otherwise on edge of town centre sites. Where this is not to the County Borough’s landscape and heritage, but conserve the tourism possible such development may be located on other sites which are well industry’s vital fabric for both residents and visitors of tomorrow. served by public transport.
PART 2
8.2. INTRODUCTION 8.3. THE VALUE OF TOURISM AND 8.2.1. Tourism plays an important role in the national economy and in the 8.2.4. The opportunities for recreation and leisure (of which tourism is a LEISURE TO BRIDGEND prosperity of many cities, towns and rural areas. As well as the annual core part) are central components for the functioning of a healthy society. 8.3.1. The value and volume of tourism and leisure is not totally understood family holiday tourism also includes a wide range of shorter visits, day Tourism developments enhance the image of the County Borough, making which limits a full analysis of its potential for demand and consequent trips and short or weekend breaks. It includes travel for business as well it attractive to potential industrial developers or those seeking relocation development. There are a number of reasons for this:- as for recreation. from other areas. Investment in tourism development as well as drawing increased numbers of visitors also provides better recreation and leisure The tourism industry does not have a discrete form and no single 8.2.2. A number of recent government publications providing guidance on facilities for the residents of the County Borough. Tourism will provide concept of the industry has been developed and accepted by all tourism, particularly sustainable tourism, emphasize the need for a properly opportunities for people who are less affluent and those with particular industry participants; managed tourism industry. The consultation paper on Tourism Towards needs e.g. families with young children, the disabled and the elderly. The Sustainability was prepared as part of a wider government consultation greater the number of visitors to the County Borough the more important Within the tourism industry’s key activities transportation, initiative - Opportunities For Change - A Review of the UK Sustainable the need for careful management. This must ensure that the benefits are accommodation and entertainment, each has developed its own Development Strategy. This was recently followed by a new strategy not outweighed by damage to the physical environment of the County definition, classification and methodologies for data collection. The document published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport entitled Borough on which they are based. result is that there is little commonly understood or useable Tomorrow’s tourism: a growth industry for the new Millennium. For Wales, communication for tourism. the Wales Tourist Board have produced a draft successor strategy to Tourism 2000 entitled A New Tourism Strategy For Wales to provide the Multi-screen cinema, The Pines framework to guide the development of the industry. The strategy confirms 8.3.2. Most attempts at defining tourism have revolved around the definition that tourism has made excellent progress in achieving ambitious growth “what is a tourist”. Each industry describes the user differently e.g. as a targets. Both documents identify the environment and sustainability as guest, customer, passenger, visitor, client etc. the fastest growing themes in tourism. The documents also recognize that environmental goods such as clean water, fresh air and beautiful 8.3.3. Because of these problems associated with data collection it is scenery are fundamental to a range of opportunities that both tourists and difficult to estimate precisely the value and volume of tourism in Bridgend. the tourist industry have a strong interest in preserving. South East Wales However, Bridgend County Borough Council has adopted the STEAM Authorities are also involved in the preparation of a Regional Tourism (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) methodology. It is a Strategy, which will provide a framework for tourism development and computer based analysis package which aims to quantify the value and marketing initiatives. volume of tourism in the County Borough. The assessment for Bridgend for 2003 indicates:- 8.2.3. For the purpose of planning and development plans the guidance on how tourism should be handled is provided in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2002) and the associated Technical Advice Note (TAN) 13 - Tourism. DETR Planning Policy Guidance Note 21: Tourism is also of relevance. 67 Chapter 8 TOURISM & LEISURE
Approximately 2,880 full time equivalent jobs are directly provided in 8.5. TOURISM AND LEISURE POLICIES 8.6.2. Opportunities exist for further improving and co-ordinating the range tourism with another 1,172 indirectly provided; 8.5.1. The following policies will contribute to the key objectives of of activities and attractions. The purpose of Policy TM1 is to encourage UNITARY enhancing, improving and developing the tourist potential of the County tourism development which increases the range of activities available to DEVELOPMENT Approximately 3,536,000 visitors to the County Borough of which there visitors, including support for major crowd drawing attractions in appropriate PLAN Borough whilst protecting and conserving the environment. were 3,002,000 day visitors; 144,000 visitors stayed in serviced locations. Tourism development projects are an integral part of town centre ADOPTED accommodation, 191,000 visitors stayed in non-serviced management and regeneration, and especially in the case of major new accommodation and 199,000 persons stayed with friends and relatives; 8.6. GENERAL POLICY PLAN tourism developments can make a very significant contribution to urban 8.6.1. DEVELOPMENT FOR TOURISM AND LEISURE regeneration. In the case of Porthcawl there is a recognized need for a The overall expenditure by visitors to Bridgend County Borough was critical mass of attractions in order for it to retain and expand its share of PART 2 about £200 million, of which £13.5 million went on accommodation, POLICY TM1 the tourist industry. Proposals for a heritage steam railway line between WRITTEN £27.6 million on food and drink, £8.6 million on recreation, almost Tondu and Pontycymmer centred on promoting tourist attractions at STATEMENT £50 million on shopping and £15.6 million on transport. £64.7 million NEW OR EXTENDED TOURIST AND LEISURE FACILITIES AND ATTRACTIONS various locations along the route is expected to draw a large number of was spent indirectly and £20.2 million on VAT; WILL BE PERMITTED IN URBAN AREAS WHERE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:- visitors. Such attractions will be expected, wherever possible to be located The largest amount of revenue to the area comes from day visitors within, or adjacent to urban areas. Policy TM1 ensures that those (£128.1 million), then those persons staying in the non-serviced 1 IT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGENERATION OF TOWN CENTRES proposals for tourist attractions, which seek appropriate countryside accommodation sector (£33.8 million) followed by serviced BY IMPROVING THEIR VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS locations will be related to and in keeping with the surrounding countryside. TO VISITORS, AND ENHANCE THEIR LEISURE ROLE IN THE EVENING The kind of attractions which may be acceptable in the countryside relates accommodation (£24.6 million) and finally persons staying with friends ECONOMY AND AT WEEKENDS; and family £13.7 million). to those activities which by their very nature require a countryside location 2 THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH, AND SYMPATHETIC such as golf, walking, cycling, fishing, appropriate equestrian activities, TO ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, and whose environmental impact is usually minimal. In certain cases, 8.3.4. In Porthcawl, which is the main holiday destination in the County EXTERNAL APPEARANCE, MATERIALS AND LANDSCAPING; tourist proposals relating to farm diversification schemes may be Borough the following figures have been provided by STEAM for 2002:- acceptable. Proposals for farm diversification schemes will also be 3 THE DEVELOPMENT IS WELL LOCATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, assessed under Policy EV1 and Policy E11, and justifying paragraphs THE NEEDS OF THE NON CAR TRAVELLER, AND THE MAIN ROAD 1,105 full time equivalent jobs are provided in Porthcawl directly and 3.5.4., 5.8.8. – 5.8.11. of the UDP refer. NETWORK, AND WOULD HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING; indirectly by tourism; 4 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE 8.6.3. With respect to criterion 4 of Policy TM1 relating to facilities located There were 912,000 visitors to Porthcawl, 696,000 of which were day TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN in the countryside, it is recognised that they may not be accessible by visitors; 129,000 stayed in non-serviced accommodation, 62,000 in UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, public transport. serviced accommodation and 25,000 stayed with family or friends; SAFETY, ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS.
The overall expenditure by visitors to Porthcawl was £59.2 million of 5 THE SITE IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA OF FLOOD RISK. 8.6.4. As well as the development of specific attractions, Policy TM1 which £12.2 million went on accommodation; should also relate to the implementation of environmental improvement NEW OR EXTENDED TOURIST AND LEISURE FACILITIES AND ATTRACTIONS schemes such as clearance, landscaping, paving, seating, tree planting The largest amount of revenue to Porthcawl comes from those persons IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF THE ACTIVITY BY ITS and building refurbishment particularly in urban areas. This is considered staying in non-serviced accommodation (£32.2 million) followed by NATURE REQUIRES A COUNTRYSIDE LOCATION, AND/OR THE PROPOSED an essential element in further enhancing the attractiveness of the County day visitors (£16.3 million). DEVELOPMENT IS PART OF A RURAL DIVERSIFICATION SCHEME. Borough to visitors. In this respect the Council is particularly keen to DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD SATISFY ALL THE FOLLOWING increase the number of visitors to Bridgend town centre and to improve CRITERIA:-
8.4. THE TOURISM AND LEISURE PRODUCT 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HARM OR ADVERSELY AFFECT THE 8.4.1. The County Borough’s tourism potential is high. It has a very FOLLOWING AREAS AND THEIR SETTINGS:- attractive coastline and offers a good range of informal outdoor recreation A) THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; The Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl opportunities provided by the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the Kenfig B) THE KENFIG cSAC; National Nature Reserve and the Bryngarw Country Park. C) THE STRATEGIC COALFIELD PLATEAU AND ASSOCIATED VALLEY SIDES; 8.4.2. The historical and industrial heritage product is strong providing D) SSSI’s AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS; fine examples of Norman castles, former mediaeval farm houses, and 2 THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH, AND SYMPATHETIC Victorian manor houses on the one hand and former ironworks, tram roads TO ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, EXTERNAL and related industrial archaeology on the other. Other activities available APPEARANCE, MATERIALS AND LANDSCAPING; in the County Borough include golfing, walking, cycling, angling, surfing and other water sports. 3 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, 8.4.3. The recently completed Designer Outlet Village at junction 36 of ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS. the M4 has increased the number of visitors to Bridgend. This success can be built on and developed further. For example, major visitor attractions 4 THE DEVELOPMENT IS ACCESSIBLE BY A CHOICE OF TRANSPORT could include the proposed heritage steam railway between Tondu and MODES AND WELL RELATED TO THE NEEDS OF THE NON-MOTORISED TRAVELLER. 68 Pontycymmer, which will be associated with activities at the various halts such as cycle routes, circular walkways and visitor centres, and proposed 5 THE SITE IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA OF FLOOD RISK. leisure, entertainment and accommodation developments in Porthcawl. Chapter TOURISM & LEISURE 8 the tourism and leisure provision in and around Bridgend. Tourism/leisure 8.7.5. The family market accommodation is centred in the Porthcawl 8.7.2. ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS and retailing development at the Designer Outlet Village at Sarn with its area where it is well catered for. There is, however, a deficiency of quality OUTSIDE URBAN AREAS shop units, multiplex cinema, themed restaurant and food court has hotels with conference facilities for the business market in the Bridgend UNITARY already resulted in increased visitors to the County Borough. This should POLICY TM3 area. The relatively large number of firms located in the area form a valuable DEVELOPMENT PLAN now be matched by improvements in the leisure facilities in Bridgend market for conference and business meetings. It is important, therefore, town centre, particularly with the increasing importance of shopping as a THE PROVISION OF PERMANENT SERVICED OR SELF-CATERING that appropriate facilities in terms of meeting rooms, leisure facilities and ADOPTED leisure and tourism activity. The implementation of pedestrianization, in ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS OUTSIDE THE DESIGNATED accommodation of appropriate quality is available. New accommodation BOUNDARIES OF EXISTING SETTLEMENTS WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE PLAN particular, should see a major improvement in the town centre’s projects and improvements in standards/facilities of existing providers IT INVOLVES THE RE-USE AND/OR CONVERSION OF DISUSED AND environment, as was the case with the pedestrianization of John Street REDUNDANT RURAL BUILDINGS OR IS PART OF A FARM DIVERSIFICATION specifically catering for the business market will therefore be favourably PART 2 and other environmental improvements in Porthcawl. SCHEME. THE DEVELOPMENT MUST ALSO SATISFY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING considered. Car parking provision should be consistent with reducing PART 2 CRITERIA:- reliance on car-borne travel, whilst avoiding harm to highway safety from WRITTEN parked cars. In this regard it must also satisfy the Council’s parking STATEMENT 8.7. TOURISM AND LEISURE ACCOMMODATION 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HARM OR ADVERSELY AFFECT THE guidelines. FOLLOWING AREAS AND THEIR SETTINGS:- 8.7.1. ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS IN URBAN AREAS A) THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; 8.7.6. Policies TM2 and TM3 are designed to support and encourage the B) THE KENFIG cSAC; POLICY TM2 development of appropriately located tourist accommodation (hotels, guest C) SSSI’s ; houses and farm houses), particularly in the Bridgend area. Proposals for THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW SERVICED AND SELF-CATERING accommodation in the countryside and designated areas such as the ACCOMMODATION, AS WELL AS THE EXTENSION, UPGRADING OR CHANGE 2 THE PROPOSED DESIGN, SCALE AND EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF THE Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the Kenfig National Nature Reserve and other OF USE OF BUILDINGS TO PROVIDE SUCH ACCOMMODATION, WITHIN DEVELOPMENT IS IN KEEPING WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS, AND IS environmentally sensitive areas will be strictly controlled. Proposals for EXISTING SETTLEMENTS WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT ALL OF THE SYMPATHETIC TO THE RURAL SETTING; tourist accommodation are therefore best located within existing FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE COMPLIED WITH:- settlements. However, in accordance with the guidance in TAN 13, the 3 IN THE CASE OF EXTENSIONS, THE PROPOSAL IS WELL DESIGNED AND conversion of redundant and disused farm buildings in the countryside 1 THE DEVELOPMENT IS COMPATIBLE WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS IN RESPECTS THE CHARACTER, ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC VALUE can be beneficial. The re-use of old farm buildings, in particular can TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, EXTERNAL APPEARANCE AND OF THE EXISTING BUILDING; LANDSCAPING; contribute to, and be in keeping with the character of the countryside. The re-use of such buildings can often be compatible with the protection 4 THE DEVELOPMENT IS ACCESSIBLE BY A CHOICE OF TRANSPORT 2 BUILDINGS OR AREAS OF HISTORIC OR ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST ARE of the countryside, but only if the design respects the original features of NOT HARMED; MODES AND WELL RELATED TO THE NEEDS OF THE NON-MOTORISED TRAVELLER; the building. In accordance with Policies EV1 and EV2, whilst initial 3 IT WILL HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING; consideration is given to farm buildings, the provision of sensitively designed 5 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE new accommodation may be considered where this forms part of a farm 4 THE DEVELOPMENT IS WELL LOCATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN diversification scheme on a working farm within existing farm complexes. NEEDS OF THE NON CAR TRAVELLER AND THE MAIN ROAD NETWORK; UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS; AND 8.7.7. With respect to criterion 4 of Policy TM3 relating to accommodation 5 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TRAFFIC in the countryside, it is recognised that they may not be accessible by GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN UNACCEPTABLE 6 EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AMENITIES ARE NOT COMPROMISED. EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, ENERGY USE OR public transport. OTHER EMISSIONS. 7 THE SITE IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA OF FLOOD RISK.
Bryngarw House and Country Park 8.7.3. Whilst there is a small number of hotels and guest houses located throughout the County Borough, Porthcawl with its large Trecco Bay Caravan site provides for most of the existing tourism accommodation. In order to increase the attractiveness of the County Borough to both tourists and the business market, an increase in the amount of good quality places to stay is considered vital.
8.7.4. Over recent years great emphasis has been placed on improvements to the range and quality of the self catering and serviced accommodation available, including new hotels and chalet developments. A grants scheme is available from the WTB to encourage hoteliers to raise the standard of their establishments, and to prevent the loss of serviced accommodation to other uses. In Porthcawl many properties have already benefited from the grant aid scheme which is complemented by the WDA and the County Borough’s Town Improvement Grant scheme and by WTB and County Borough’s Sense of Place bilingual signage scheme. 69 Chapter 8 TOURISM & LEISURE
8.8. CARAVANS, CHALETS AND CAMPING SITES 8.8.3. TAN 13 makes it clear that the development plan needs to ensure 8.9.2. There is a recognized deficiency in the provision of arts, cultural that there are sufficient facilities and choice of sites for the touring and and entertainment and leisure facilities in the County Borough, but more UNITARY 8.8.1. STATIC CARAVANS & CHALETS static caravaner. New sites should be well screened and will not be specifically within its main towns. This form of development is vital to DEVELOPMENT permitted in the coastal zone as defined in Policy EV15. attracting visitors, as it is linked to improvements in town centre PLAN POLICY TM4 environments and facilities. Tourism development projects are an integral ADOPTED NEW FREE-STANDING STATIC CARAVAN, CHALET OR CABIN 8.8.4. Ample provision of caravans exists in Porthcawl and the Coastal part of town centre management and regeneration. Policy TM6 provides PLAN DEVELOPMENTS, OR THE EXTENSION OF AN EXISTING SITE FOR SUCH Zone which is considered as being a sufficient supply. Therefore, because the impetus for projects, which may include the installation of CCTV, PURPOSES, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. of the highly intrusive nature of caravan sites, the criteria of Policy TM5 decorative lighting, street entertainment and improved signage. In addition, will be strictly applied. there may be suitable redundant and disused buildings in rural areas of PART 2 the County Borough where such a development could benefit the rural WRITTEN 8.8.2. CAMPING & TOURING CARAVAN SITES 8.8.5. It is, however, considered that there is room for the provision of economy of the County Borough. Policy TM6 provides the criteria against STATEMENT POLICY TM5 further camping and touring caravan sites. These will, however, need to which any proposal of this nature will be specifically assessed. The policy be carefully located and screened so as not to adversely affect the recognises that a choice of modes of transport, including on foot, by PROPOSALS FOR CAMPING, AND TOURING CARAVAN SITES WILL BE surroundings in which they are situated. cycle and public transport is important in reducing the reliance on car PERMITTED ONLY WHERE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:- based travel. Development must also satisfy the basic parking requirements 8.8.6. With respect to criterion 3 of Policy TM5 and the issue of as set out in Council’s approved parking guidelines. However, as in the 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HARM OR ADVERSELY AFFECT THE FOLLOWING AREAS AND THEIR SETTINGS:- accessibility, it is recognised that facilities in the countryside may not be case of any proposed development, all relevant policies of the UDP should accessible to public transport. be considered in the determination of individual proposals. In the case of A) THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; urban proposals, through the implementation of existing strategies the B) THE KENFIG cSAC; County Borough Council can capitalize on the many opportunities for C) SSSI’s; 8.9. TOURISM AND LEISURE ATTRACTIONS attracting new visitors and promoting the County Borough as an attractive 2 THE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO ITS destination. All tourism development should be based on the principle of SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF ITS SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, AND 8.9.1. VISITOR ATTRACTIONS equal opportunities. LANDSCAPING; POLICY TM6 3 THE DEVELOPMENT IS ACCESSIBLE BY A CHOICE OF TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL, ARTS, CULTURAL AND ENTER- 8.10. PORTHCAWL MODES AND WELL RELATED TO THE NEEDS OF THE NON-MOTORISED TAINMENT FACILITIES, INCLUDING RESTAURANTS, PUBLIC HOUSES 8.10.1. Porthcawl and the Coastal Zone represent the County Borough’s TRAVELLER; AND CAFES WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE EITHER:- main holiday attraction. Porthcawl should therefore be developed as a major tourist resort by enhancing its tourist potential which will be beneficial 4 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE A) IT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGENERATION OF TOWN CENTRES TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN BY IMPROVING THEIR VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS to the County Borough as a whole. A regeneration strategy exists for the UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, TO VISITORS, AND ENHANCE THEIR LEISURE ROLE IN THE EVENING resort and much has been done to implement its proposals, which has ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS; AND ECONOMY AND AT WEEKENDS; OR already resulted in major improvements to the physical fabric and infrastructure of the town. 5 THE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE ADEQUATELY SERVICED WITH WATER AND B) IT WILL INVOLVE THE RE-USE OR ADAPTATION OF REDUNDANT SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES; AND DISUSED BUILDINGS IN URBAN OR RURAL AREAS. 8.10.2. TOURISM & LEISURE ATTRACTIONS 6 THE SITE IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA OF FLOOD RISK. IN ADDITION, PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING IN PORTHCAWL CRITERIA:- POLICY TM7 1 IT WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE AMENITIES OF PEOPLE LIVING The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl IN THE AREA BY MEANS OF NOISE AND SMELLS, OR GENERAL USAGE INITIATIVES AND SCHEMES WHICH SUPPORT THE FURTHER DURING UNSOCIABLE HOURS; ENHANCEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF PORTHCAWL AS THE COUNTY BOROUGH’S MAJOR TOURIST RESORT WILL BE FAVOURED. 2 IT WOULD BE ACCESSIBLE BY A CHOICE OF MEANS OF TRANSPORT AND BE WELL RELATED TO THE NEEDS OF THE NON-MOTORISED TRAVELLER; 3 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK WOULD BE CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT AN UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, ENERGY USE, OR OTHER EMISSIONS;
4 IT WOULD HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING;
5 THE SITE IS NOT WITHIN AN AREA OF FLOOD RISK;
6 THE PROPOSAL CAN BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF ITS SITING, SCALE, DESIGN AND 70 LANDSCAPING. Chapter TOURISM & LEISURE 8
8.11. SERVICED ACCOMMODATION AREA 8.10.3. Proposals and projects under Policy TM7 for tourism development 8.11.1. PROTECTION OF EXISTING SERVICED UNITARY in Porthcawl will be supported where they contribute to fulfilling the DEVELOPMENT objectives of the regeneration strategy for the resort which are:- ACCOMMODATION PLAN POLICY TM8 To make the resort of Porthcawl more attractive to visitors and extend ADOPTED the season; THE LOSS OF SERVICED ACCOMMODATION WITHIN CLASS C1 OF THE TOWN PLAN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (USE CLASSES) ORDER 1987 TO NON-TOURISM To raise business confidence and encourage private sector investment; USES WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE DESIGNATED SERVICED ACCOMMODATION AREA OF PORTHCAWL, ONLY IF:- PART 2 WRITTEN To maximize visitor spend and job creation; 1 ANY CONVERSION WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE RANGE STATEMENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICED ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE; To market the resort effectively to its core family market, whilst developing new markets with growth potential; 2 IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE IS NO LONG TERM DEMAND FOR THE PROPERTY FOR SERVICED ACCOMMODATION; To improve the linkages between the key elements of the resort; 3 IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THE BUILDING IS NO LONGER SUITABLE OR VIABLE FOR THE RUNNING OF A QUALITY SERVICED To strengthen the appeal of the shopping centre and to improve its ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS; AND competitiveness; 4 THE PROPOSALS MEET THE COUNCIL’S APPROVED PARKING To improve access to the resort. GUIDANCE.
8.10.4. Key proposals completed to date include the pedestrianization of 8.11.2. The purpose of Policy TM8 is to resist the loss of hotel stock to John Street, the refurbishment of the Grand Pavilion, the refurbishment of other uses which can seriously weaken a resort’s ability to maintain its the sea front and Esplanade, the construction of a new lifeboat station status as a tourist destination. This is supported by advice contained in and the refurbishment of Jennings warehouse. Also the land between the TAN13 on tourism. The availability of a wide range of serviced Harbour and Trecco Bay has been allocated under Policy REG3 (2) as a accommodation benefits the economy in general and gives choice to key regeneration site. Its redevelopment for leisure/entertainment/ intending visitors. commercial/ accommodation purposes will play a crucial role in strengthening the resort’s position as a leading tourism attraction. 8.11.3. TAN13, however, advises that the planning system should not be used to perpetuate outdated accommodation for which there is no demand. The County Borough Council therefore accepts that instances may arise Porthcawl Harbour where conversion may be justified for one of the reasons stated under Policy TM8. In assessing applications for conversion to alternative uses, the Authority will take into account the length of time a property has been vacant for on the market, trends in occupancy rates and customer preferences, the suitability of the building in terms of size and floor layout for the provision of modern serviced accommodation.
8.11.4. The area to which Policy TM8 applies in Porthcawl is indicated on the Proposals Map. It is based on the core area of the resort where hotel and guest/boarding house uses are concentrated along the sea front and Esplanade. The area is also covered by the established Town Improvement Grant and Tourism Accommodation Grant schemes, which seek to improve the condition and appearance of the commercial buildings and guest houses in the area.
71 Chapter 8 TOURISM & LEISURE
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
72 Chapter SPORT & RECREATION 9
9.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 12 9.1.1. The health of a society is governed by the physical and mental well 9.1.2. The Government does not prescribe national standards for sport 9.1.3. National policy guidance recognises the importance of all kinds of UNITARY being of its citizens. At a local level this means ensuring that all in the and recreation provision given the varying circumstances between areas. sports and recreational facilities for all members of the community, including DEVELOPMENT PLAN community have access to the kind of recreation and leisure activities Local Authorities are, therefore, requested to formulate their own standards elderly people and those with disabilities. The planning system should which secure and improve the quality of their lives. in accord with guidance set out by the National Playing Fields Association ensure that adequate land and water resources are allocated both for ADOPTED (NPFA) and the Sports Council for Wales (SCW). organised and informal sport and recreation, taking account of the provision and protection of public open space, the multiple use of facilities and the PLAN impact on the location. PART 2 WRITTEN PART 2 STATEMENT
9.2. INTRODUCTION 9.2.1. Recreation can broadly be divided into two categories, formal and for recreation within urban areas. The relationship of the facilities to the 9.3.2. At the present time the Council is the major provider of recreational informal recreation. It is important that both forms are catered for. Formal transport system is vital, in particular the public transport network, as the facilities in the County Borough. It has limited funding however, and cannot recreation includes organised games requiring specialist facilities, most important factor influencing participation in recreational activities is provide for the full range of recreational facilities the community with its equipment and specific locations, whilst informal recreation such as access. Opportunities for participation will decrease progressively as the increasing leisure time demands. The Council therefore recognises that walking, and the enjoyment of the countryside, generally does not require distance from the facility increases. the private sector also has a significant and growing role to play in this specialist equipment and skills. The provision of such facilities directly area. Although any private sector proposal will be judged on its merits, contributes to the quality of life in an area and can have additional economic 9.2.7. In terms of facilities the Council currently operates or contracts a the provision of those facilities which may be considered to be benefit in terms of tourism. range of sport and recreational facilities that are used for community and complementary to facilities provided by the Council will be encouraged. individual development. These include:- Any private scheme to provide these facilities is expected to be of a high 9.2.2. There is considerable competition for the use of sites suitable for standard in terms of layout, scale and design. With respect to the provision development within the County Borough. It is the aim of the Unitary TABLE REC 1 of sport and recreation facilities:- Development Plan (UDP) to balance these various demands and to ensure SPORT & RECREATION FACILITIES USED FOR COMMUNITY & that sufficient land and other resources are allocated for recreational 9.3.3. SPORT AND RECREATION AND LEISURE DEVELOPMENT INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH purposes. FACILITY No. POLICY RC1(A)
9.2.3. The amount of additional land and facilities required in the County PROPOSALS FOR NEW INDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION AND SWIMMING POOLS○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 7 Borough for the various formal recreational activities has been calculated LEISURE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT in accord with guidance set out by the National Playing Fields Association BOWLING GREENS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○15 WOULD COMPLY WITH ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:- (NPFA) and the Sports Council for Wales (SCW), although demand can
SPORTS CENTRES ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○5
be difficult to evaluate, as the level of use of existing facilities is only a 1 THERE IS A DEMONSTRATED NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FACILITIES;
○○○○○○○○○ TENNIS COURTS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 18 potential indication of demand, and must be considered against the 2 IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER OF PREFERENCE, ALL SUITABLE TOWN
adequacy of these facilities and people’s ability to reach alternatives. DUAL USE SPORTS FACILITIES ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○3 CENTRE, EDGE-OF-CENTRE, DISTRICT CENTRE AND OUT-OF-CENTRE SITES HAVE BEEN ASSESSED;
CRICKET SQUARES ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○15
9.2.4. Sport and recreation within Bridgend County Borough is delivered, 3 THE PROPOSAL, EITHER SINGULARLY OR CUMULATIVELY WITH ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
PLAYING FIELDS ○○○○○○ 74 organised, coached and administered by the Council, voluntary clubs OTHER EXISTING OR PERMITTED DEVELOPMENTS, DOES NOT
and associations, schools, national governing bodies and private sector ATHLETICS TRACK ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○1 THREATEN THE VITALITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF TOWN AND organisations. To provide and facilitate effective sport and recreation DISTRICT CENTRES; COMMUNITY CENTRES
opportunities, it is essential that a partnership approach is fostered. ○○○○○○○○
(+ WIDE RANGE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES) ○○○○○ 21 4 IT IS WELL RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE NEEDS OF Essentially partnerships should focus on people development, facility THE NON-CAR TRAVELLER; upgrades and development, participation, resourcing and creation of quality standards. 9.2.8. Priority should be given to maximising use of existing facilities. 5 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSALS WITHOUT AN Any new developments should be compatible with strategic objectives 9.2.5. Much of the sport and recreation budget is committed to existing UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOW AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, and with identified community need. ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS; services and facilities. It is likely that some developments that benefit a specific locality will become the responsibility of Town and Community 6 IT WILL HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING; Councils. 9.3. GENERAL RECREATION 7 THE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO 9.3.1. Traditionally, recreation has tended to concentrate on sport, but it THE ENVIRONMENT IN TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN AND 9.2.6. Generally, recreational facilities need to be located within is important that both formal and informal recreation be catered for. A LANDSCAPING; AND reasonable proximity of the residential areas they serve, and to public wider range of recreational activities will contribute to improving the quality transport routes. Particular emphasis is therefore placed on maximising of life and will support other efforts in respect of housing and employment 8 THE FUNCTIONING OF OTHER USES AND THE EXISTING the use of existing recreational facilities and developing further opportunities opportunities in the County Borough. AMENITIES ENJOYED BY THE LOCAL POPULATION WOULD NOT 73 BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. Chapter 9 SPORT & RECREATION
criterion 1 of Policy RC1(B) relating to facilities in the countryside it is 9.3.10. There may be exceptional circumstances where a recreational 9.3.3. (CONTINUED) SPORT AND RECREATION recognised that they may not be accessible by public transport. facility is redundant due to an excess of provision (due for example to AND LEISURE DEVELOPMENT UNITARY population decline or general social change) and in such cases retention DEVELOPMENT 9.3.5. Sport and recreation developments in the countryside should would not be necessary. Similarly, there may be instances where the PLAN POLICY RC1(B) normally be limited to those for which such locations are appropriate. siting of a particular facility is no longer appropriate, and re-location might PROPOSALS FOR NEW OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES Uses such as golf courses, driving ranges, horse related activities, be beneficial. ADOPTED WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD COMPLY commercial leisure developments etc are subject to appropriate safeguards PLAN WITH ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:- in line with National Guidance and the Environmental Policies of the Plan. 9.3.11. Sport and recreational facilities are provided by a variety of different 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR The weight of any restriction will increase with the environmental importance agencies, with the Council playing a particularly important role. In the PART 2 POTENTIAL USERS, AND MEET THE NEEDS OF THE NON-CAR of the location within which the development is proposed. The conversion present economic situation, the opportunities for increasing the supply of WRITTEN TRAVELLER; and improvement of suitable redundant buildings to sport and recreational new facilities are very limited. However, some facilities owned or used by STATEMENT 2 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING usage will also be encouraged providing they do not conflict with Policy organisations are not open to use by the general public and are not used THE TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT AN RC1. to their full capacity. Joint provision and management can provide the UNACCEPTABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOW AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, opportunity to optimise the use of these facilities by making them available ENERGY USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS; 9.3.6. It is important that the needs of minorities are not overlooked; the to the community, and can be seen as a means of sharing the costs of disabled, the elderly and those without access to a car. By adapting running them. As such:- 3 IT WILL HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING; existing facilities, and by the careful design of new ones, the recreation needs of the disabled and the elderly can be met. Those members of the 9.3.12. MULTI-USE OF SPORT AND 4 THE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO community without cars obviously can only participate with ease in RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THE ENVIRONMENT IN TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN AND recreation where the facilities are close of their homes or to a public LANDSCAPING; transport route. However, even the latter alternative may involve prohibitive POLICY RC4 5 THE FUNCTIONING OF OTHER USES AND THE EXISTING costs, especially for family groups. Accordingly:- AMENITIES ENJOYED BY THE LOCAL POPULATION WOULD NOT BE SPORT AND RECREATION PROPOSALS WHICH RESULT IN THE WIDER ADVERSELY AFFECTED. COMMUNITY USE OF BUILDINGS AND LAND WILL BE FAVOURED. 9.3.7. SPORT AND RECREATION FOR THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY 9.3.4. Policy RC1(A and B) provides the criteria against which any proposed sport and recreation facilities will be assessed. Leisure facilities POLICY RC2 9.3.13. In this context, public multi-use of existing and proposed facilities has the double benefit of avoiding duplication of expenditure and protecting and indoor sport and recreation development will therefore be assessed SPORT AND RECREATION PROPOSALS WILL BE FAVOURED WHERE THEY other land from development. Given the overall shortage of suitable large under the terms of Part A of Policy RC1, whereas proposals for outdoor MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY: - sport and recreation will be assessed under Part B of the same Policy. flat sites particularly in the Valley areas, the Council considers it essential The Policy aims to encourage a diverse range of sport and recreation 1 BY ADAPTING EXISTING FACILITIES AND GIVING CAREFUL to make the maximum use of existing resources and facilities with regard facilities at appropriate locations within the County Borough whilst ensuring CONSIDERATION TO THE PROVISION OF NEW FACILITIES; AND to playing fields and ancillary facilities. Policy RC4 encourages wherever that proposed developments are of a high standard in terms of layout, possible, the provision of dual use facilities, thereby increasing recreation 2 BY TAKING DUE ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WHEN opportunities as well as economising on the uptake of development land. scale and design; and satisfy the Council’s approved guidelines on car CONSIDERING THE PROVISION OF NEW FACILITIES. parking requirements. The Council will encourage and adopt a positive approach towards the diversification of farm enterprises and the rural economy through appropriate sport and recreation uses. With respect to 9.3.8. Existing recreation facilities, such as playing fields, allotment 9.4. OPEN SPACE gardens, play areas etc, whether users of land or buildings built or adapted 9.4.1. ‘Open Space’ is a generic term that encompasses Public Open for recreational use, represent substantial investments. They can, however, Space (POS) and Outdoor Playing Space (OPS). Public Open Space Bridgend Recreation Centre come under pressure for replacement by, for example, housing, industrial (POS) is a useable green area where the public have a legitimate right of or retailing developments. Accordingly:- informal enjoyment. Outdoor Playing Space (OPS) consists of Outdoor Sport and Children’s Playing Space as defined by the NPFA. The NPFA 9.3.9. PROTECTION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES defines Outdoor Playing Space as “space which is available for sport, active recreation or children’s play, which is of suitable size and nature POLICY RC3 for its intended purpose, and safely accessible and available to the general public.” DEVELOPMENT WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECTS AN EXISTING OR PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITY, WHETHER FORMAL OR INFORMAL, 9.4.2. Policy RC5 sets out the basis upon which the Open Space WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE:- requirement of all new housing developments will be assessed. It will 1 THE DEVELOPER IS PREPARED TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE apply to sites identified in the Plan and other housing sites which may FACILITIES OF EQUIVALENT COMMUNITY BENEFIT; OR emerge over the Plan Period.
2 IN THE VIEW OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY THERE IS AN EXCESS OF SUCH PROVISION IN THE AREA; OR 74 3 FACILITIES CAN BEST BE RETAINED AND ENHANCED THROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF A SMALL PART OF THE SITE. Chapter SPORT & RECREATION 9
9.4.7. Outdoor Playing Space provision will normally be sought within the 9.5.4. Ideally, the Plan should satisfy the recommended advisory standards 9.4.3. PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE FOR development site. In certain circumstances where application of the by settlement in order to ensure a reasonable distribution of facilities. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS Council’s standards are impractical e.g. the site is too small to provide a However, playing fields and their ancillary facilities require large areas of UNITARY meaningful area of Outdoor Playing Space or perhaps where a site is flat land which is at a premium. In view of land opportunities and constraints, DEVELOPMENT POLICY RC5 PLAN adjacent or near to an existing area of Outdoor Playing Space capable, and of the need to ensure reasonable distribution of facilities throughout PROVISION OF A SATISFACTORY LEVEL AND STANDARD OF OUTDOOR by improvement, of satisfying the Outdoor Playing Space requirements of the County Borough:- ADOPTED SPORT AND CHILDREN’S PLAYING SPACE AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE the proposal, the Council may be prepared to negotiate off-site contributions PLAN WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS. directly related to the development. Furthermore, where a number of residential developments are proposed in one locality, consideration could 9.5.5. GENERAL PROVISION OF PLAYING FIELDS be given to combining their Outdoor Playing Space provision to form a & ASSOCIATED FACILITIES PART 2 9.4.4. The Council has become increasingly aware of the problems larger, more useable and more manageable area. POLICY RC6 WRITTEN associated with the lack of Open Space in residential areas. Although the STATEMENT Council plays a major part in the provision of these facilities, there is a 9.4.8. In all negotiations with developers the Council will satisfy itself need for developers to include these facilities in their proposed housing LAND WILL BE ALLOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS FOR THE that the Outdoor Playing Space benefits sought are reasonably related to PROVISION OF PLAYING FIELDS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES:- schemes. Policy RC5 is designed to ensure that as the size and the the development and that the need for them arises from the development. population of settlements increase, the provision of Open Space keeps RC6(1) PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLIERY RECLAMATION SITE, pace. In this respect, the Council will expect developers to enter into 9.4.9. The Council’s Policy and Strategy Document “Development and BLAENGARW; Planning Agreements/Obligations under Section 106 of the Town and Management of Children’s Play Areas” (Nov 1998) sets the parameters Country Planning Act, 1990, where contributions will be required to remedy for a review of the level and standard of the current service and provides RC6(2) PART OF THE FORMER CENTRAL WASHERY SITE, OGMORE VALE; local or strategic deficiencies in recreation provision, and thereby secure the framework for its future management and development. Periodic reviews the appropriate provision of such facilities; which shall be provided in of this policy will be carried out to ensure the continued evolution and RC6(3) PART OF FORMER CAERAU COLLIERY, CAERAU; accordance with NPFA standards, and the County Borough Council’s improvement in line with developments in children’s play. Supplementary Planning Guidance. RC6(4) SOUTH OF NEUADD DOMOS FARM, CWMFELIN;
RC6(5) WEST OF TUDOR PARK, YSTRAD CELIN, MAESTEG; 9.4.5. The Council’s proposed minimum standard of 2.4 hectares per 9.5. OUTDOOR SPORT (YOUTH & ADULT USE) 1000 population for ‘Open Space’ is derived from the NPFA’s 9.5.1. The NPFA recommended advisory standard for Outdoor Sport is RC6(6) FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY SITE, MAESTEG; recommendation for Outdoor Playing Space which includes Children’s 1.6 -1.8 hectares per thousand of the population. Outdoor Sport includes:- Playing Space and Outdoor Sport and an additional requirement for Public RC6(7) SOUTH PLATEAU OF FORMER COEGNANT COLLIERY, Open Space. This minimum standard should be met or exceeded wherever 1 Facilities such as pitches, greens, courts, athletics tracks and NANTYFFYLLON; possible in all new housing developments. Developers will be required to miscellaneous sites such as croquet lawns and training areas owned RC6(8) HEOL TY GWYN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, NANTYFFYLLON; secure the provision of open space and other recreational facilities in by the County Borough Council; accordance with planning conditions or through planning agreements/ obligations. The exact requirements for each proposal will, thereby, be 2 Facilities described in 1 within the educational sector and which, RC6(9) WEST OF GRASSHOLM WAY, REST BAY, NOTTAGE; subject to agreement with the Council, and will address any community as a matter of practice and policy, are available for public use; RC6(10) NORTH OF LOCKS LANE, NOTTAGE; loss and/or increased deficiency in recreation provision resulting from the 3 Facilities described in 1 which are within the voluntary, private, proposed development(s). Areas with existing deficiencies in recreation industrial and commercial sectors, and serve the leisure needs for RC6(11) NEWBRIDGE FIELDS EXTENSION, BRIDGEND; facilities are highlighted in the ensuing Policies of the UDP, and further outdoor recreation of their members, or the public. baseline information regarding deficiencies and proposed provision of RC6(12) HEOL WEST PLAS, BRIDGEND; facilities can be obtained from the Council’s published SPG on ‘Public Open Space and Development’. Together, these documents provide clear 9.5.2. Included within this standard is a specific allocation of 1.2 hectares RC6(13) BRYNCETHIN CLAY PITS, BRYNCETHIN; guidance to developers as to what will be reasonably expected of them per thousand population for pitch sports. Playing fields and their associated when the Council is considering open space provision in an area in relation facilities are the most extensive type of formal outdoor recreation facility, RC6(14) BRYNDU, KENFIG HILL AND PYLE; to their proposals. Also, detailed design guidance and information on the placing the greatest demand on the amount of land required. “Playing RC6(15) SOUTH OF WAUNBANT ROAD, KENFIG HILL AND PYLE; amount and type of open space preferences are set out in greater detail fields” in this context is used as a generic term for the space required for in the relevant SPG document(s). a number of organised recreational activities such as rugby, football, cricket, RC6(16) EAST OF CROWN ROAD, WAUN CIMLA, KENFIG HILL AND PYLE; hockey, tennis, netball, bowls etc. 9.4.6. In some circumstances the particular characteristics of the site or RC6(17) MAENDY FARM, YNYSAWDRE; of the development proposed may make a variation from the normal 9.5.3. The need to target scarce resources means that the upgrading of appropriate provision. For example, where development comprises or existing pitches is currently taking priority over provision of new ones. RC6(18) PANDY PARK EXTENSION, YNYSAWDRE; includes sheltered housing a more appropriate on-site amenity provision New pitches will be developed on the land identified as resources become will be sought in place of the normal recreational space appropriate to available, but this is likely to be limited within the plan period. More RC6(19) LAND BETWEEN HEOL FACH AND M4 MOTORWAY, NORTH family housing. Provision of Open Space for special needs groups housing importantly, Policy RC6 gives the land long-term protection. CORNELLY; will also be considered having regard to the needs of the occupiers of RC6(20) NORTH OF PENYFAI HOSPITAL, PENYFAI. those developments. 75 Chapter 9 SPORT & RECREATION
9.6. CHILDREN’S PLAYING SPACE 9.6.7. GENERAL PROVISION OF CHILDREN'S PLAY SPACE 9.6.8. GENERAL PROVISION OF KICKABOUT AREAS 9.6.1. The Council is of the opinion that the play areas to be provided by UNITARY Policies RC7 and RC8 in conjunction with those provided by Policy RC5 POLICY RC7 POLICY RC8 DEVELOPMENT will satisfy both the current under provision, and future demand, for this PLAN THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO REMEDY THE DEFICIENCY THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO REMEDY THE DEFICIENCY type of facility over the plan period. IN CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE DURING THE PERIOD OF THE UDP, IN KICKABOUT AREAS DURING THE PERIOD OF THE UDP, PARTICULARLY ADOPTED PARTICULARLY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- PLAN 9.6.2. The NPFA recommended advisory standard for Children’s Playing Space is 0.6 – 0.8 hectares per thousand of the population. Children’s ABERKENFIG ABERKENFIG Playing Space includes:- PART 2 BRACKLA BETTWS WRITTEN 1 Outdoor equipped playgrounds for children of whatever age; BRIDGEND BLACKMILL STATEMENT BRYNCOCH BLAENGARW 2 Other designated play facilities for children which offer specific opportunity for outdoor play, such as adventure playgrounds, ‘street’ BRYNMENYN BRIDGEND sport etc; BRYNTIRION BRYNCETHIN 3 Casual or informal playing space within housing areas. CAERAU CAERAU ROAD; BRYNMENYN CEFN CRIBBWR BRYNTIRION COYCHURCH 9.6.3. The requirement should be achieved where appropriate by the CAERAU provision of Local Areas of Play (LAP’s), Local Equipped Areas of Play GLYNOGWR CEFN CRIBBWR (LEAP’s) and/or Neighbourhood Equipped Areas of Play (NEAP’s) HEOL-Y-CYW COITY (including kickabout areas), in locations based upon walking time, and providing the balance as casual playing space within areas of amenity KENFIG HILL & PYLE BRYNDU ROAD; COYCHURCH open space within the overall development which are in ‘safe’ locations. LALESTON CWMFELIN Detailed information on design standards will be provided as supplementary LITCHARD EVANSTOWN planning guidance that accords with NPFA guidance. Over and above these classifications the Council has identified and provided a handful of LLANGEINOR CRAIGLAS; KENFIG Strategic Equipped Areas of Play (SEAP’s) which it seeks to manage for MAESTEG GARTH, NEATH ROAD, YR YSFA, BRYN CELIN, LALESTON its own purposes. LLWYDARTH RD; LLANGEINOR NANTYFFYLLON GARNWEN ROAD, CAVAN ROW; 9.6.4. Whilst the provision of adequate areas of playing space is a vital MAESTEG community requirement, its proper distribution and location, as well as NEWTON DANYGRAIG, BEACH ROAD, PWLL-Y-WAUN; NANTYFFYLLON ease of access, is also of great importance if it is to serve its purpose NORTH CORNELLY SOUTH & EAST; properly and to attract maximum use. NANTYMOEL NOTTAGE NEWTON 9.6.5. Children’s playgrounds can often be accommodated on plots of OGMORE VALE NORTH CORNELLY land whose shape, size, or topography would be unsuitable for other land PANTYRAWEL uses. They should be sited so that they do not adversely affect the amenity NOTTAGE PENCOED HENDRE ROAD, EAST PENCOED; of nearby residents and are not themselves affected by proximity to roads, OGMORE VALE railways or rivers which might cause danger to children. PENYFAI PANTYRAWEL / LEWISTOWN PORTHCAWL WEST DRIVE / ESPLANADE, LOCKS COMMON, 9.6.6. Ideally the Council would wish to achieve the NPFA standard PENCOED throughout the County Borough. However, in many residential areas there SANDY BAY; PONTRHYDYCYFF is an existing deficiency in play space and in some locations density of PONTRHYDYCYFF PONTYCYMMER development has meant that sufficient suitable space to construct an PONTYCYMMER OXFORD STREET; equipped children’s play area is no longer available. Areas which have PORTHCAWL been identified as being deficient in play areas are detailed in Policies SHWT PYLE RC7 and RC8 (also refer to paragraph 9.4.5 earlier). To attempt to achieve SOUTH CORNELLY the recommended standards:- SOUTH CORNELLY WERN FAWR TONDU WYNDHAM 76 WYNDHAM Chapter SPORT & RECREATION 9
9.7. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 9.8.4. It is considered that the potential for nature trails, signposting, Childrens Playground, Bridgend 9.7.1. Public Open Space is an important facility associated with picnic areas, scenic country drives, small car parks etc, is not being fully residential areas and should always be provided on-site however small realised throughout the County Borough and further development and UNITARY publicity of such facilities is required to encourage people to enjoy the DEVELOPMENT the housing scheme. It can make a significant visual and environmental PLAN impact in urban areas and in some instances can also provide for passive countryside. Therefore:- or informal recreation. Regardless of their scale and use, areas identified ADOPTED as Public Open Space have a major role to play in improving the quality of 9.8.5. GENERAL PROVISION OF INFORMAL PLAN urban life. RECREATIONAL AREAS 9.7.2. In view of the difficulty involved in measuring all Public Open Space POLICY RC10 PART 2 areas in practice and identifying demand for such facilities, it is not possible WRITTEN to propose a specific standard as Public Open Spaces are often associated THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE STATEMENT USE OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS FOR INFORMAL RECREATION:- with more formal recreational facilities such as playing fields and playgrounds. RC10(1) CWMDU BOWL & FORMER ST. JOHN’S COLLIERY; RC10(2) THE DARREN VALLEY; 9.7.3. Incidental parcels of land on, for example, residential development sites can be landscaped and provided with seating facilities to create RC10(3) CWM SYCHBANT; pleasant spaces to enjoy passive recreation. In addition, Public Open RC10(4) MYNYDD CAERAU; Space often adds to the visual and environmental quality of the built 9.7.5. In considering the development of land for residential purposes, RC10(5) GARN WEN; environment through contrast with adjacent development. It is therefore due account should be taken of the need to provide Public Open Space in RC10(6) BLAENOGWR; proposed:- accordance with Policy RC5 (and, where appropriate, Policy RC9). RC10(7) WAUN CIMLA; RC10(8) CRAIG Y PARCAU; 9.7.4. GENERAL PROVISION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 9.8. INFORMAL RECREATION RC10(9) Y CWM BLAENGARW; POLICY RC9 9.8.1. It is generally recognised that informal recreation is the most RC10(10) GARW FECHAN; popular form of outdoor leisure time activity in Britain and as leisure time THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE THE PROVISION RC10(11) CEFN MACHEN WOODS; increases, the demand for informal recreation facilities will also grow. OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WHEREVER SUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. RC10(12) CWM DIMBATH; IN THIS RESPECT, THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE SPECIFICALLY While many local people are aware of the informal recreational opportunities ALLOCATED:- in their area, they are often not aware of the facilities immediately beyond RC10(13) CWM Y FUWCH; their local environs. Accordingly, the potential for informal recreation is RC10(14) TONDU IRONWORKS; RC9(1) THE COED, MAESTEG; not being fully realised. The further development of existing and new RC10(15) VILLAGE FARM WOODLAND AND POND; facilities, as well as publicity, is therefore required to encourage more RC9(2) BLAENGARW AND PONTYCYMMER LINEAR PARK; members of the community and visitors to use and enjoy the natural RC10(16) FORMER GARW COLLIERY SITE, BLAENGARW; RC9(3) PART OF FORMER WESTERN COLLIERY SITE, NANTYMOEL; environment. RC10(17) PART OF FORMER COEGNANT COLLIERY SITE, CAERAU. RC9(4) OGMORE VALLEY LINEAR PARK; RC9(5) PART OF FORMER CENTRAL WASHERY SITE, OGMORE VALE; 9.8.2. The Council provides a number of recreational areas which allows the visitor the opportunity of enjoying the countryside at a number of RC9(6) DIMBATH AVENUE, GLYNLLAN, BLACKMILL; different levels from formally managed country parks to informal picnic RC9(7) THE COLLWYN, PYLE; sites and footpaths. Bryngarw House is the site of the only Country Park RC9(8) HEOL WASTAD WAUN, PENCOED; in the County Borough. It has forty six hectares of ground for recreational Community Route, Tondu RC9(9) NANT HEOL Y GEIFR, PENCOED; use in the form of walks and picnic sites through its varied woodland, gardens and along the banks of the Garw River. The Park has the role of RC9(10) PWLL-Y-WAUN, PORTHCAWL; acting as a “gateway” into the wider countryside and improving public RC9(11) LOCKS COMMON, PORTHCAWL; awareness of the countryside in general. Sites managed more specifically RC9(12) TREMAINS WOOD, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND; for another purpose, such as tourism and heritage sites, also offer informal RC9(13) BRACKLA RIDGE AND ASSOCIATED AREAS, BRIDGEND; recreational opportunities. Included in this category are the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, Coed Morgannwg Way, Craig Y Aber, Park Pond Nature Reserve RC9(14) LAND ADJACENT TO WORDSWORTH AVENUE AND HEOL Y and various sites along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, including Dunraven NANT, CEFN GLAS; Park. RC9(15) LAND WEST OF THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY CENTRE, PENYFAI; 9.8.3. For a great many people the ability to walk, sit, look at a view, to picnic or simply to visit places is their main enjoyment of the countryside RC9(16) LAND ADJACENT TO THE PHEASANT, PENYFAI; and forms a major part of their informal recreation activities. The most RC9(17) PART OF FORMER COITY SIDINGS, BRIDGEND; popular areas for this type of activity are the uplands, river corridors and RC9(18) LAND AT MAENDY FARM, YNYSAWDRE. forestry areas of the County Borough as well as the coastal regions and 77 the villages and countryside of the County Borough. Chapter 9 SPORT & RECREATION
9.9. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY 9.11.3. Suitably located cycle routes offer great potential for local journeys 9.10.2. GENERAL PROVISION OF COMMUNITY ROUTES 9.9.1. There is a significant and growing use of Public Rights of Way for to work, shopping, and safe routes to schools, as well as for recreational UNITARY recreational use. The Countryside Council for Wales regards the Right of POLICY RC11 use, and can have a wider potential use as a tourist attraction. In assessing DEVELOPMENT the potential of any proposed cycle route, the Council will consider the PLAN Way network as the single most important means by which the public can enjoy the countryside. Its document “Priorities in Action” identifies THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE following criteria:- the improvement of Public Rights of Way as a key task. The Council fully PROVISION OF COMMUNITY ROUTES BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING ADOPTED LOCATIONS: - PLAN supports the aim of the Countryside Council for Wales to create a Welsh ? Is the route accessible to the local community for journeys to work, network of Public Rights of Way, and will work with this organisation, the BLACKMILL AND EVANSTOWN; shops, school or recreation or for recreation itself? Ramblers Association, and Groundwork Bridgend in promoting an access BLAENGARW AND BRYNMENYN; PART 2 network within the County Borough. ? Can it be easily linked to the wider cycle path network? WRITTEN BRIDGEND AND BRYNMENYN; STATEMENT 9.9.2. The majority of paths in the County Borough have existed for at CAERAU AND BRYNMENYN; ? Will it take advantage of the opportunities presented by, for example, least one hundred years. Their purpose was to link communities together BRYNMENYN AND WERN TARW VIA HEOL Y CYW; land reclamation or highway improvement schemes? and often to provide routes from peoples homes to their place of work. KENFIG POOL AND BRYNMENYN, VIA WAUN CIMLA; The system of paths evolved in a vastly different social and economic era ? Does it have potential as a tourist attraction in its own right or provide and consequently bear little relationship to present land use patterns or NANTYMOEL AND BRYNMENYN. access to, or links between, sites of tourist interest? the demand, existing and potential, for their use.
9.9.3. There are over 300 miles of footpaths and nearly 100 miles of 9.10.3. The Council has the responsibility for identifying the location of 9.11.4. In the long term, in addition to the Community Routes detailed in bridleways in the County Borough. It is the responsibility of the Council to each route and will also examine the possibility of expanding the network Policy RC11, the Council intends to provide a variety of cycle paths keep these routes in reasonable repair and deal with landowners who of Community Routes throughout the County Borough, whilst Groundwork throughout the County Borough. During the timespan of the Plan:- wilfully obstruct or neglect the routes on their land. The Council will Bridgend will be involved in partnership with the Council to secure finance investigate the possibility of providing new Rights of Way in and develop the Community Routes. In this sense, the routes of all acknowledgement that these are very popular recreational facilities. Priority Community Routes designated under Policy RC11, as shown on the 9.11.5. GENERAL PROVISION OF CYCLE ROUTES will be given to those routes which are relevant to present day recreational Proposals Map, except those sections which have already been POLICY RC12 needs, in particular those within walking distance of residential areas and constructed, and/or have the benefit of planning permission, should be those areas of the open countryside which are readily accessible by car regarded as being ‘aspirational’ on the part of the Council. From the and public transport. Council’s viewpoint, the routes of all Community Routes, as shown on THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE the Proposals Map, are ‘indicative of their most desirable locations in PROVISION OF CYCLE ROUTES BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS principle’ on the basis of the best available information available to it when WHERE PRACTICABLE:- 9.10. COMMUNITY ROUTES the UDP was prepared. In due course, the final locations of all Community 9.10.1. Although the existing footpath network throughout the County Routes will reflect the outcome of planning applications for their proposed BRIDGEND AND PENCOED; Borough is extensive, the routes available for other forms of non-motorised development, which will reflect the Local Planning Authority’s decisions BRIDGEND AND BRYNMENYN; transport are limited both in number and distribution. Whilst a number of having taken into account all detailed material planning considerations, BRIDGEND AND PORTHCAWL; “Community Routes” are already in existence, the Council proposes that for example, local amenity considerations, drainage investigations, a further number of “Community Routes” will be created throughout the accessibility audits etc. It is the holistic approach taken by the Council to BRIDGEND AND THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN. County Borough to provide safe routes within, and between, settlements Community Route provision in the County Borough which the UDP seeks and points of interest. These routes have suitable gradients and surfaces to convey. to facilitate their use by all members of the community and will provide 9.11.6. The Council will prepare Planning Briefs indicating the precise the opportunity for linear green spaces to be created in urban areas. location of each route following close consultation with various bodies Where possible these routes will utilise the existing Rights of Way network, 9.11. CYCLE PATHS including the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council regarding the derelict land, river corridors and former transport corridors which include 9.11.1. Cycling as a means of transport and as a recreational activity is adjoining Cycle Route Network. In many cases there will be opportunities disused railway land. becoming increasingly popular. However, the increase in traffic has made to combine these cycle paths with community routes. the conditions on many roads less attractive through, for example, increased noise and pollution, and indeed dangerous for cyclists.
9.11.2. Most highway improvements over the last few decades have been designed either to speed up the flow of vehicles or increase the capacity of roads, both of which have had serious repercussions for cyclists. Of particular concern are roundabouts, gyratories, one way systems, and slip roads. Highway engineers should consider the needs of cyclists when designing road layouts. Ideally cyclists should have their own carriageway taken from the roadspace or their own paths, completely separated from 78 the highway. Chapter SPORT & RECREATION 9
Tracks Act 1984. Both Public Footpaths and Cycle Tracks are defined 9.14. INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES Allotment Gardens, Newton, Porthcawl as Highways in the Highways Act 1980. Where the route runs over land 9.14.1. Multipurpose indoor recreation centres have done most to influence which is Highway Verge Section 65 of the Highways Act 1980 enables the the public’s perception of expected and desired opportunities to play and UNITARY Council to construct a cycle track in or by the side of a highway DEVELOPMENT learn sport. They provide opportunities for both individuals and groups of PLAN maintainable at the public expense. It will not be necessary, therefore, to all ages and abilities to participate in a wide variety of recreational activities. make a Creation Order for that particular section of the route. Unmet demand for sports halls in the County Borough, as identified by ADOPTED the Education and Leisure Directorate, justifies the need for the PLAN identification of an additional facility at Brackla, Bridgend. Therefore:- 9.13. ALLOTMENT GARDENS 9.13.1. Allotments have the dual function of being an important form of PART 2 9.14.2. PROVISION OF A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL adult recreation as well as a useful source of fresh produce. WRITTEN AT BRACKLA STATEMENT 9.13.2. The provision of allotments in the County Borough is related to POLICY RC16 expressed demand. At present there is no evidence of any excess demand that cannot be met from the existing supply of allotments. Due to the DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL AT BRACKLA WILL BE uncertainty of the demand for allotments, actual sites for further allotment FAVOURED. gardens will not be allocated in the Plan. However:-
9.14.3. In addition to the main recreation centres, it is recognised that 9.12. NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK 9.13.3. PROVISION FOR ALLOTMENT GARDENS the smaller more localised Community Centres have an important role to 9.12.1. The Council are working in partnership with the South Wales POLICY RC14 play in the provision of recreational facilities. As their functions extend Cycle Route Consortium in order to implement and promote the National beyond the field of sport and recreation, all policies relating to this topic have been included in the Chapter relating to Social and Community Cycle Network Millennium Project in South Wales, where the route between THE PROVISION OF ALLOTMENTS ON SUITABLE SITES THROUGHOUT THE Kidwelly and Newport is known as the Celtic Trail/Lon Geltaidd. The Route COUNTY BOROUGH WILL BE FAVOURED WHEREVER A PROVEN NEED FOR Facilities. runs east to west across the County Borough, from the eastern boundary SUCH FACILITIES IS DEMONSTRATED. at Gilfach Goch through Blackmill, Brynmenyn, Tondu and Kenfig Hill. There will be significant tourism and economic benefits of implementing the route as well as benefits to the local community in providing a 9.13.4. Policy RC14 will operate, providing locational and detailed site sustainable transport and leisure route. Development proposals for and environmental considerations are satisfactory, and such sites are not accommodation or food and drink establishments associated with the otherwise required for any alternative specific use proposed in the Plan. needs of cyclists using the national cycle network will be supported in principle. However such proposals must also accord with other relevant 9.13.5. Given the progressive loss of ‘Private’ and ‘Temporary’ allotment policies of the Plan, in particular, the policies contained in the Environment, sites, every endeavour should be made to provide a replacement site. and Tourism and Leisure Chapters of the UDP, and any other pertinent This reflects the Council’s desire to ensure the availability of, and adequate development control criteria. protection for, good quality open spaces within our urban areas.
9.12.2. PROVISION FOR THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK 9.13.6. PROTECTION OF ALLOTMENT GARDENS POLICY RC13 POLICY RC15
THE COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALLOTMENTS FOR OTHER USES WILL NOT PROVISION OF THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING BE PERMITTED UNLESS ALTERNATIVE EQUIVALENT PROVISION, OF LOCATIONS WHERE PRACTICABLE: - SIMILAR SIZE AND QUALITY, CAN BE MADE IN THE VICINITY, OR IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THE ALLOTMENTS ARE SURPLUS TO BLACKMILL AND EVANSTOWN; LONG TERM REQUIREMENTS. BRYNMENYN AND BLACKMILL; KENFIG HILL AND BRYNMENYN; 9.13.7. Replacement sites are required to be not normally more than BRIDGEND AND BRYNMENYN; three quarters of a mile from the centre of demand, although this distance may be increased if the plot-holders are willing to travel further. BRIDGEND AND PORTHCAWL; KENFIG HILL AND PORTHCAWL.
9.12.3. Where land is owned by a third party it is the policy of the Council to secure an interest in the land by means of either Footpath Creation Agreements or Footpath Creation Orders. The newly registered public 79 footpaths are then converted to Cycle Tracks under the terms of the Cycle Chapter 9 SPORT & RECREATION
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
80 Chapter SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES 10
10.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 13 10.1.1. All viable communities need access to the required range, in type infrastructure and their siting requirements, need to be assessed to enable 10.1.2. It is important to safeguard existing facilities and secure new UNITARY and location, of basic social and community facilities and services. As them to meet the demands that will be placed upon them, and also to ones so that local needs are met. These services and facilities are largely DEVELOPMENT such, National Policy Guidance advises that the capacity of existing consider the environmental effects of such additional uses. provided by the public sector, but mostly by organisations beyond the PLAN control of Bridgend County Borough Council. ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN PART 2 STATEMENT
10.2. INTRODUCTION 10.2.1. Basic social and community facilities and services include shops, of many of these facilities on land use planning is not great. However, 10.3.2. PROVISION OF SOCIAL & COMMUNITY FACILITIES arts/culture/entertainment, education, health, recreation, religious meeting UDP policies may affect the forward planning of such services by bringing places, health and social services, post office services, library facilities, about locational and demographic changes in the population. Conversely, POLICY SC1 burial grounds and fire and police services. They can be considered as a social and community facilities are collectively important to the UDP, as group, with many common features, for land-use planning purposes they may influence the location of development and thereby affect the PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS WILL BE PERMITTED, PROVIDED THAT:- because there should be a strong orientation towards maximum nature of certain policies. Furthermore, Government planning guidance accessibility for potential users. It is important, therefore, to ensure that requires planning authorities to have regard to social considerations in 1 THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT PREJUDICE AN EXISTING social and community services are provided in locations that are readily land use policies, and ensure land is provided for schools and higher REGENERATION STRATEGY; accessible to the communities they serve and compatible with the local education, places of worship, and other community facilities. environment. 2 IT CAN BE SHOWN THAT SUCH A LOCATION IS APPROPRIATE TO THE PROPOSAL;
10.2.2. A wide range of public, private and voluntary sector agencies are 10.3. GENERAL PROVISION 3 THE PROPOSAL IS WELL LOCATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE involved in the provision of social and community facilities and services, 10.3.1. Whilst there is a general presumption in favour of social and NEEDS OF THE NON-CAR TRAVELLER AND THE MAIN ROAD many of which are beyond the control of the Council. The Council, however, community facilities in both residential and non-residential areas, such NETWORK; is the main provider of education, leisure, social services and cemetery provision is dependent upon the availability of sites and premises through services. Health services are as a whole provided by local health 4 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE new development sites coming forward, land becoming available for TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT AN UNACCEPT- authorities. The remaining services and facilities are provided by a mixture redevelopment, land or premises being declared surplus to requirements ABLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOWS AND PATTERNS, SAFETY, ENERGY of public, private and voluntary sector bodies. and through extensions and conversions to existing premises. Where USE OR OTHER EMISSIONS; the scale of new development is such as to require new facilities to be 10.2.3. The Council will encourage direct investment by the various provided then it is considered appropriate that the development should 5 IT WILL HAVE SATISFACTORY CAR PARKING; statutory and voluntary agencies concerned in providing services to improve contribute to their provision. the quality of life in the County Borough. Although the various organisations 6 THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT, NOR VISUALLY concerned with providing services have different time-horizons for their IMPINGE UPON, THE FOLLOWING AREAS AND THEIR SETTINGS:- Broadlands Primary School planned developments, the Council will expect, and encourage, the A) THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; commencement of these schemes within the time span of the UDP. B) THE KENFIG cSAC; C) THE STRATEGIC COALFIELD PLATEAU AND ASSOCIATED VALLEY 10.2.4. The responsible agencies have indicated that the provision of SIDES; social and community facilities within the County Borough are generally D) SSSI’s AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS; AND satisfactory with the possible exceptions of difficulties caused by the age THE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE SYMPATHETICALLY ASSIMILATED INTO and location of certain existing primary schools, together with the need 7 THE ENVIRONMENT IN TERMS OF SITING, SCALE, DESIGN AND to provide facilities for increased community care. LANDSCAPING. 10.2.5. The UDP is concerned primarily with the land use and development implications of the provision of these various social and community facilities within the County Borough. Notwithstanding the importance of major 10.3.3. It is important to safeguard existing facilities and secure new functions such as education and health and social services, the influence ones so that local needs are met. Existing social and community facilities represent substantial investments. Unless they are clearly redundant or badly located it makes sense to make maximum use of them and to resist proposals which would undermine their viability. 81 Chapter 10 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES
10.3.4. PROTECTION OF EXISTING SOCIAL 10.5. HEALTH SERVICES 10.5.7. PROVISION OF NEW HEALTH CLINICS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES 10.5.1. Health Services in the 1990’s have undergone changes in both UNITARY management and organisation. Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority POLICY SC4 DEVELOPMENT POLICY SC2 PLAN commissions health services on behalf of the residents of Bridgend County Borough. The main local provider of health services is Bro Morgannwg SITES WILL BE FOUND FOR NEW HEALTH CLINICS AT:- DEVELOPMENT WHICH RESULTS IN THE LOSS OF AN EXISTING SOCIAL ADOPTED AND COMMUNITY FACILITY WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE:- NHS Trust. At present the services and facilities provided are generally SC4(1) BRIDGEND, ADJACENT TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES HOSPITAL; PLAN considered to be satisfactory. 1 A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE LOCATION IS AVAILABLE AND A SC4(2) OGMORE VALE, PENLLWYNGWENT SOUTH (EXTENSION). FACILITY OF EQUIVALENT COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS PROVIDED BY 10.5.2. There have been significant changes in recent years in patterns PART 2 THE DEVELOPER; OR of care, particularly for those who, in the view of the Health Authority, WRITTEN 2 THE FACILITY CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW constitute national priority groups such as elderly, mentally ill and mentally STATEMENT DEVELOPMENT; OR handicapped. This has led to the emergence of new planning strategies 10.6. EDUCATION SERVICES in the Health Authority, e.g. emphasis in the care of the elderly has changed 10.6.1. The responsibility for education in the County Borough rests with 3 IN THE VIEW OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY THERE IS from a hospitalisation approach to one of active rehabilitation and a much the Council as the Local Education Authority (LEA). The concern of the ALREADY AN EXCESS OF SUCH PROVISION IN THE AREA. greater emphasis on community care. UDP therefore must be with the general provision of education in physical terms rather than with standards of attainment or administration of the 10.5.3. As with social services the major land use change experienced system. 10.4. SOCIAL SERVICES in recent years is the move towards care in the community, resulting in 10.4.1. The Council provides services in close collaboration with a number the release of hospital sites and the need for a network of Community 10.6.2. Schools need to be related to the communities they serve for two of statutory agencies including Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority and Hospitals. main reasons. In the first instance they have an important although the Bridgend Association of Volunteer Organisations. Independent subsidiary role to play as community buildings, and they also serve as Agencies, including those from the private sector, play an important part 10.5.4. In the acute services, continuing developments in medical practice practical and psychological foci for their communities. Secondly, as long in providing a range of services. and techniques coupled with a greater use of technology, have resulted in travel distances to school are expensive, inconvenient and non-sustainable reductions in the length of patient’s stay in hospital and more intensive in that it encourages unnecessary car travel or ‘bussing’, there is an obvious 10.4.2. Changes in legislation have seen a shift from an emphasis upon use of facilities. Consequently, the requirement for the traditional ward case to locate educational facilities as close as possible to the institutionalised care to the provision of general community services and type building has been reduced whilst the need for purpose built structures communities they serve. facilities on a more domiciliary basis. The Government’s commitment to to accommodate the new facilities has increased. As many hospitals “Care in the Community” was originally made clear in its White Paper, are located in areas where new development would not normally be 10.6.3. The educational requirements of any area are determined by the “Caring for People”, and led to the reforms brought in under the National permitted Policy SC3 has been included to support appropriate medical- number of children of school age in that area. In the Valley areas a high Health Service and Community Care Act, 1990. More recently, ‘Building related developments in these locations. The Council will closely assess proportion of schools were built in the nineteenth and early twentieth for the Future’ set out a vision for social services in Wales, encompassing development within existing hospital grounds. Proposals, which will benefit century. As a result of demographic changes, some schools are no longer best value and a new planning framework. The Children’s Act, 1989 has the provision of better medical care within hospital sites, will be supported. well located in relation to their catchment areas and this, combined with already provided for far reaching changes in the way children’s needs their unsatisfactory physical condition, means some schools will need would be responded to by the Council and other agencies. The ‘Children replacing. However, over the last few years the LEA’s Capital Building 10.5.5. PROVISION FOR MEDICAL First’ programme in Wales has developed a new safeguarding and Programme allocation has been such that scope for the replacement of RELATED DEVELOPMENTS performance management agenda for local authorities. The main land these schools has been very limited. use implications of these changes has been the closure of large residential POLICY SC3 institutions freeing sites for other uses, coupled with the need for reprovision 10.6.4. The Proposals Map indicatively shows the general location for in the community, such as small group homes, and day care centres. NEW MEDICAL-RELATED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN EXISTING HOSPITAL educational facilities. The exact land take and site boundaries, however GROUNDS WILL BE PERMITTED, PROVIDED THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD have not yet been specified. The general locations are as follows:- BRING BENEFIT TO HEALTH CARE. 10.4.3. Concern has often been expressed regarding the rate of growth of the private residential care sector. It should be noted that unless they are managed, or provided by a body constituted by an Act of Parliament or incorporated by a Royal Charter, all private and voluntary homes, except 10.5.6. Current national health policies stress the increasing role to be those with three or less bedspaces, have to be registered with the Council played by community health services both in the prevention of ill health or the Health Authority. From a planning viewpoint, however, the Council and in the care to be offered to many ‘patient groups’ who presently is mainly concerned with the impact a proposed institution or its loss will occupy long stay needs in hospital. The main thrust of the NHS and have on amenity and the environment; that is, land use planning issues. Community Care Act is that patients should live in the community in ordinary houses with access to those health and personal social services available to the remainder of their community. To achieve adequate coverage of community care facilities throughout the County Borough, the Health Authority intend to provide Health Clinics at Bridgend and Ogmore Vale. However the exact land take and site boundaries have not 82 yet been defined. To provide these facilities:- Chapter SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES 10
10.7.3. It is important that each centre is the focal point of the community 10.6.5. GENERAL PROVISION OF EDUCATION FACILITIES 10.7. COMMUNITY CENTRES 10.7.1. Although there appears to be an adequate supply of community it serves, where all sections of the community have the opportunity to POLICY SC5 centres in most areas of the County Borough i.e. 20 centres as at January meet and (within the limits of the building) pursue a wide range of sporting, UNITARY DEVELOPMENT 1997, various individual interests may be experiencing certain difficulties social, artistic, cultural, and creative activities. In addition it must be EDUCATION FACILITIES WILL BE PERMITTED AT THE FOLLOWING PLAN in securing the use of such facilities in particular settlements, especially ensured that those communities most needing Local Authority expertise LOCATIONS:- where they are in private ownership. It may be necessary to provide new and finance receive priority attention, taking into account levels of affluence ADOPTED SC5(1) BLAENGARW; alternative Local Authority owned centres or dual-use of existing Local and social deprivation. PLAN SC5(2) PENLLWYNGWENT, OGMORE VALE; Authority buildings in such locations. Additional community centres may be required in other locations due to new development and/or a growing 10.7.4. There is a certain amount of overlap between community and SC5(3) LAND ADJOINING PENLLWYNGWENT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, population. Broad locations for new centres have therefore been indicated indoor recreation facilities because community centres can often be utilised PART 2 OGMORE VALE; on the Proposals Map, although the exact land takes and site boundaries for both social and recreational purposes. Coupled with this the community WRITTEN SC5(4) CAERAU; have not yet been confirmed. use of schools ensures that the County Borough area as a whole is fairly STATEMENT SC5(5) SPELTER, NANTYFFYLLON; well provided for in terms of community centres within most villages and residential districts. SC5(6) ST MARY’S CRESCENT, GARTH; 10.7.2 GENERAL PROVISION OF COMMUNITY CENTRES SC5(7) LAND ADJOINING CWMFELIN PRIMARY SCHOOL, CWMFELIN; POLICY SC6 SC5(8) LAND ADJOINING NEWTON PRIMARY SCHOOL, NEWTON, 10.8. LIBRARY SERVICES PORTHCAWL; COMMUNITY CENTRES WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE FOLLOWING 10.8.1. This service, which is administered by the Council, is currently SETTLEMENTS:- based on a number of branch libraries within the main urban settlements SC5(9) LAND OFF GREENACRE DRIVE, PENCOED; and a mobile library service to the villages, smaller settlements and SC5(10) LAND EAST OF DISTRICT CENTRE, BRACKLA, BRIDGEND; SC6(1) BLACKMILL housebound individuals. The location of facilities is guided by two national SC5(11) SOUTH WEST BRIDGEND; SC6(2) NORTH EAST BRIDGEND standards. SC5(12) NORTH EAST BRIDGEND; SC6(3) SOUTH WEST BRIDGEND 1 Static libraries should be provided for all communities of over 3,000 SC5(13) LAND ADJOINING MAESTEG COMPREHENSIVE UPPER SC6(4) NEWTON population; SCHOOL, PONT RHYD-Y-CYFF; SC6(5) PENYFAI SC5(14) FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY, MAESTEG; SC6(6) OAKWOOD ESTATE, MAESTEG 2 No resident should live more than 20 minutes travelling time, by foot or public transport, or a combination of both, from a library facility. SC5(15) HEOL EGLWYS, PENYFAI. SC6(7) PONT RHYD-Y-CYFF SC6(8) PENDRE 10.8.2. The present provision of branch libraries meets national standards 10.6.6. Recently the Council has increasingly recognised the potential THE EXISTING FACILITIES AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WILL BE in terms of location but not in terms of the facilities provided. Bridgend, for extending the use of schools beyond normal daytime educational EXTENDED:- Porthcawl and Maesteg are each less than one third the size, in terms of purposes, especially where school buildings are the most suitable buildings floor area, stock etc., required by current standards. Replacements for for community and recreational uses. The need to achieve optimum use SC6(9) COITY these libraries on town centre sites are the main priorities for the service. of available facilities is particularly pertinent at the present time when SC6(10) SARN There will also be a requirement for improved library facilities for the Garw public expenditure restrictions reduces the opportunities for community SC6(11) WILDMILL Valley at Pontycymer. and recreational facilities. 10.8.3. Dual use facilities incorporating libraries with other Council services 10.6.7. In relation to new schools or alterations to existing schools, the have considerable potential for enhancing the service whilst reducing Council considers that possible community use of both buildings and Part of Brackla District Centre, Bridgend operating costs. It has already been identified that libraries at Pyle, playing fields should be investigated during the initial planning stages. Maesteg, Pencoed, Aberkenfig and Nantymoel will also serve as Central Information Points.
83 Chapter 10 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES
10.9. POLICE SERVICES 10.11. FIRE SERVICES 10.9.1. The police service is administered from the Bridgend District 10.11.1. The Fire Service is administered from the Western Division UNITARY Principal Police Station based at the South Wales Constabulary Headquarters of the South Wales Fire Service based at Celtic Court in DEVELOPMENT PLAN Headquarters at Bridgend. The whole of the County Borough is adequately Bridgend. The County Borough is adequately served by fire stations at served by police stations. Pontycymmer, Nantyffyllon, Ogmore Vale, Kenfig Hill, Pencoed, Porthcawl ADOPTED and Bridgend. At present it is not envisaged that there will be any fire PLAN service projects or policy changes which would affect this cover in the South Wales Police HQ County Borough in the foreseeable future. However, the standard of cover is constantly being appraised taking account specifically of major PART 2 development proposals. WRITTEN STATEMENT 10.12. BURIAL GROUNDS 10.12.1. Since the 1960s the use of cremation as a means of disposing of the dead has increased substantially, and now accounts for 70% of all disposals. This trend has resulted in the original life expectancy of some cemeteries being extended.
10.12.2. It is expected that the cemeteries at Maesteg and Bridgend, however, will run out of space for new graves in the early part of the UDP period. In the case of Maesteg Cemetery, the Council already owns land adjacent to the cemetery, which could be suitable for enlarging the cemetery subject to ground condition investigations, and biodiversity assessments. Favourable consideration will be given to this use. However, this is not the case at Bridgend cemetery, where no such suitable overflow area exists. The Council will assist in the identification of additional land 10.10. POST OFFICE SERVICES when necessary and as such:- 10.10.1. The Post Office considers that the future provision of the postal service in the County Borough is unlikely to be significantly different from the service currently provided. The Post Office has no proposals for 10.12.3. PROVISION FOR CEMETERIES additional post offices. POLICY SC8
EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING CEMETERIES WILL BE PERMITTED, PROVIDED THAT:-
1 USE OF THE SITE IS COMPATIBLE WITH SURROUNDING LAND USES;
2 THE SITE ALLOWS VISITOR ACCESS TO GRIEVE AND PAY RESPECT IN PEACE AND WITHOUT INTERRUPTION CAUSED BY NEAR-BY LAND USES; AND
3 ADEQUATE PARKING PROVISION CAN BE ACHIEVED.
84 Chapter MINERALS 11
11.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICIES 11.1.1. The County Borough has a long tradition of mineral working and resources will need to be allocated in the light of regional forecasts of extraction of sand and gravel deposits in the coastal area. Policy 16 will UNITARY provides a significant part of the region’s production of energy and aggregate future demand produced by Government or the South Wales Regional help to ensure that limestone resources likely to be required for aggregates DEVELOPMENT minerals together with substantial quantities of non-aggregate materials Aggregates Working Party guidelines. The provision for non-aggregate or industrial purposes will be safeguarded for future working by resisting PLAN for use in industrial processes. It is considered that adequate provision and energy minerals is more difficult to determine and depends on a permanent development on or near those resources. Opencast coal ADOPTED for such mineral extraction should be made to ensure that the County number of factors, such as the demand for the products for which the resources will not be safeguarded because of the lack of available Borough will be able to maintain its current contribution to regional demand industrial limestone is required and the future national energy policy. information about the economic viability of working different parts of the PLAN (Policy 14 refers). South Wales Coalfield and the uncertainty of the industry about future 11.1.4. A sustainable minerals strategy should ensure that mineral working areas. There has been only limited interest in extracting sandstone PART 2 11.1.2. The policies in Part 2 will provide guidance on the conditions that resources are used efficiently and that reserves likely to be suitable for from within the County Borough and it would be unreasonable to safeguard WRITTEN will be imposed on future mineral proposals to ensure that they are future working will not be sterilised by other permanent development. the sandstone resources where there is little likelihood of mineral working STATEMENT environmentally acceptable during active operations and that restoration Policy 15 will help to ensure that resources will be conserved by in the foreseeable future. These resources will be protected in effect by is undertaken at the earliest opportunity to facilitate a beneficial after use. consideration of the use of other materials such as marine dredged other policies in the Unitary Development Plan which resist major new aggregates, secondary and recycled materials, provided that the development in the countryside. Proposals for the working of minerals, 11.1.3. As regards provision for aggregates, the County Borough’s share implications of using such resources are fully investigated and considered which are not safeguarded for future working in the Plan, will be considered of regional production will be calculated on the basis of the average of the to be environmentally acceptable. in relation to criteria set out in Part 2 policies to guide the determination last three years production figures as production can fluctuate significantly of future development proposals. from one year to another. This calculation will indicate whether existing 11.1.5. Mineral resources are plentiful in the County Borough although permitted or allocated reserves are adequate or whether additional the extraction of certain resources are unacceptable, such as, the
PART 2
11.2. INTRODUCTION 11.4. NON-ENERGY MINERALS - AGGREGATES 11.2.1. Minerals are important natural resources and their exploitation increasing public concern about the impact of mineral development on 11.4.1. Limestone: Limestone resources provide the majority of makes a significant contribution to the nation’s prosperity and quality of the environment have been issued for England only. As an exception, a aggregates supply in the County Borough. Surveys of production and life. It is essential to the national, regional and local economy that there draft revised MPG 3: Coal Mining and Colliery Spoil Disposal was published reserves of aggregates sites are undertaken each year by the South Wales is an adequate and steady supply of minerals. for consultation purposes in December 1998. This, however, has now Regional Aggregates Working Party, and this data is used to determine been superseded by the issue of Mineral Planning Policy-Wales. the landbank by relating the current reserves to the average of the latest 11.2.2. Energy minerals such as coal, gas and oil are needed to generate three years production. The most recent information is for 2002 but power and home production of these minerals reduces the requirement to confidentiality prevents its release. import the materials. Aggregates are bulk materials including crushed 11.3. MINERALS IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH rock, sand and gravel which are needed for construction and are the pre- 11.3.1. Within the County Borough, limestone outcrops in the southern TABLE MIN 1 requisite for the building and infrastructure that society needs. Many half of the area and sandstone in the coal measures to the north of industries need minerals to provide basic raw materials, for example, Aberkenfig with sand and gravel deposits in the coastal zone. CRUSHED ROCK PRODUCTION AND RESERVES 1997-1999 limestone is used in cement manufacture and in steel making processes. (million tonnes) Minerals extraction generates ancillary industries, such as, brick and 11.3.2. Active limestone quarries at Cornelly, Gaens and Grove near AGGREGATE SALES RESERVES LANDBANK block manufacture and ready-mix concrete plant. South Cornelly form the largest concentration of active quarrying in South 1997 1998 1999 at 31/12/1999 at 31/12/1999 Wales producing about 1.75 million tonnes per year of aggregates and 11.2.3. Planning for minerals has to recognise certain special high quality limestone for steel manufacture. There is a sandstone quarry 0.900 1.093 0.902 28.02 29.00 years characteristics: extraction sites are limited by the availability of materials at Cefn Cribbwr which operates intermittently and a dormant quarry at Source: SWRAWP Annual Surveys 1995-97 depending on the geology of the area; mineral working often takes place Stormy Down. Coal is extracted at Park Slip West by opencast operations. over a long period of time but is not a permanent land use; working often All of the small mines in the area have ceased working. Since 1998, there has an adverse environmental impact on the surrounding community, and has been a growing interest in the exploitation of coalbed methane, although 11.4.2. Table MIN 1 indicates that there appears to be sufficient reserves at the completion of operations restoration and after-care are needed to no exploration operations have been implemented as yet. to satisfy recent levels of production of aggregates for the plan period and prevent dereliction. for many years beyond. Part of these reserves, however, are required for 11.3.3. The recycling of materials as a substitute for primary aggregates non-aggregate purposes. If half of the reserves are assumed to be non- 11.2.4. A strategy for minerals planning is guided by central government is undertaken within Cornelly Quarry and a site for recycling demolition aggregate reserves, the landbank of aggregates is reduced to policy and advice contained in Minerals Planning Guidance Notes (MPGs). materials has been approved adjacent to Gaens/Pantmawr Quarries but approximately 15 years. Furthermore, part of the reserves are located in Recent revisions of policy guidance to reflect sustainable issues and the is not yet operational. areas where it is considered that no more extraction should take place, 85 Chapter 11 MINERALS
a favourable ‘Government View’. Concern has been expressed about a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, defined two Cornelly Quarry possible link between dredging for aggregates and coastal changes which resource zones within which coals of potential economic interest may UNITARY are monitored as part of the conditions of the dredging licences. These occur. The primary zone forms the main target for opencast extraction DEVELOPMENT issues are considered in policies relating to the coastal zone and are relating to a closely spaced succession of thick coals while the secondary PLAN addressed in Policy EV15. zone represents coals which are generally thinner and less concentrated ADOPTED in vertical or area distribution but are nevertheless an important resource. PLAN 11.4.5. Secondary/Recycled Materials: The potential sources of Within the primary zone in the County Borough, nearly all the area has secondary materials in the County Borough are limited to mineral waste been already worked or is sterilised by major development. The Fernbank including colliery spoil, town ash, power station ash from the former Llynfi site, to the north of Pencoed, is the only remaining area in the primary PART 2 Power Station, road planings and waste from construction and demolition zone and is also the subject of a Coal Authority licence. This land has WRITTEN sites. Government policy encourages the increased use of these materials recently been sold off by the mineral operator/landowner and any future STATEMENT in order to reduce demand for primary materials and minimise the landfill opencast mining is considered remote. Planning permission has not been of waste. This policy is fully supported but at the present time it is granted for working and there is likely to be strong environmental objections acknowledged that the overall impact of alternative materials on demand to any proposal for opencast coal extraction in this area. Within the for aggregates is limited but further research is being carried out to fully secondary zone, again much of the land has been previously worked or is investigate this issue. Most colliery tips have been restored in the County developed except for certain areas in the Llynfi and Ogmore and Garw Borough and it may be unacceptable to extract material unless significant Valleys. There are no known proposals or existing licences in these areas environmental improvements would be achieved. Secondary materials have except for land at St Johns Colliery, Maesteg, where no suitable vehicular been imported from outside the County Borough for construction projects access is currently available. No coal extraction is anticipated in this including the highway improvements at Heol-y-Splott, South Cornelly, which area within the plan period. and therefore, it is necessary to allocate land for extensions to active used slag from Port Talbot Steelworks as a surfacing material. Policies quarries to replace these reserves. It is not considered to be necessary are included to identify sources of material which may be suitable for for new quarries to be permitted in order to maintain aggregate supplies. recycling and for the provision of sites for aggregates recycling which 11.7. ENERGY MINERALS - OIL AND GAS would assist the use of construction and demolition wastes. 11.7.1. Government policy encourages exploration for and production of 11.4.3. Sandstone: The Pennant Sandstone of the Upper Coal Measures oil and gas reserves to achieve the maximum economic exploitation of in the northern part of the County Borough has been assessed as having the resources consistent with good practice and the protection of the significant development potential for use as High Specification Aggregates 11.5. NON-ENERGY MINERALS - NON AGGREGATES environment. Until the last two years, it appeared unlikely that the (HSA) because of its natural durability and suitability as road surfacing 11.5.1. Approximately half of the crushed rock produced in the County development of on-shore oil or gas reserves would have any impact on the materials with high levels of skidding resistance. The current policy for a Borough is processed to provide fluxing stone for steel manufacture at County Borough. A number of applications have been approved recently more sustainable transport policy has resulted in reduced road the British Steel Works at Port Talbot, mainly from Cornelly Quarry. It is for exploratory boreholes for coalbed methane in the Brynmenyn, construction with a consequent decrease in demand for HSA materials. of national importance to maintain supplies of high purity limestone of the Bryncethin and Wern Tarw areas but no exploration has been undertaken There have been no proposals to extract sandstone in the County Borough required quality for the industrial market. to date. for this purpose in recent years. At the present time, it is considered that there is no evidence of any demand for HSA material in the County Borough, and therefore, no sites are allocated in the plan. If demand should change 11.6. ENERGY MINERALS - COAL in the future, there are sufficient resources in the County Borough to 11.6.1. Half of the County Borough, north of the line between Cefn Cribbwr, review the need to safeguard land for future extraction and these areas Sarn and Pencoed, lies within the South Wales Coalfield. Considerable are unlikely to be sterilised permanently because of other policies which areas of the County Borough have been worked historically by opencast protect against development in rural areas. Temporary permission was and deep coal mining operations. Deep mining has now ceased, including Opencast Coal Operations granted to commence extraction of blockstone from stockpiles at Darren- all small mines, although one is awaiting final restoration. Opencast mining y- Bannau Quarry, near Caerau, for use in the Caerau Colliery reclamation is being undertaken currently at Park Slip West where operations are scheme but this has now expired.Cefn Cribbwr Quarry operates moving westward into Neath Port Talbot County Borough. Major investment intermittently to produce sandstone for crushing for silica sand but does is proposed in the new Margam Drift Mine which will be constructed in the not produce HSA material. vicinity of the extension of opencast working within Neath Port Talbot County Borough. Part of the underground take and part of the surface 11.4.4. Sand and Gravel: There is very little land-won sand and gravel area containing the overburden mounds will remain in Bridgend County extraction in South East Wales. Nearly 85% of regional demand for sand Borough during the life of the Mine. and gravel for construction is met from marine dredged operations in the Bristol Channel, significantly from Nash Bank, off the Porthcawl coast. 11.6.2. Mineral Planning Guidance (MPG 3) (1998) [applicable in England Recent research and policy reports advise that reliance on this source only] states that areas where coal extraction is likely to be acceptable should be reduced in the next 5-10 years to avoid any significant adverse should be indicated in the Unitary Development Plan. The Welsh Mineral impact on the Bridgend coastline. The resources of sand and gravel within Planning Guidance also endorses such an approach. The coal industry the County Borough are located in the coastal area which is protected by has been unable, however, to provide a forward programme of sites to environmental designations where any applications for extraction would assist mineral planning authorities with their development plans. The recent be the subject of rigorous examination. Licences for extraction are issued research project, “Mineral Resource Information for Development Plans 86 by the Crown Estate, provided the National Assembly for Wales has given South Wales” undertaken by the British Geological Survey for the Chapter MINERALS 11
11.8. MINERAL EXPLORATION 11.9.2. Minerals extraction can have an adverse impact on the environment and Cornelly where it would be undesirable for further working to take and other land uses. Although the individual characteristics of mineral place because of the proximity of dwellings and where extraction of deeper UNITARY 11.8.1. MINERAL EXPLORATION workings may vary, there are many common factors which need to be reserves may adversely affect groundwater systems and water supplies. considered in assessing proposals for mineral operations. Policy M2 will Additional reserves may be released to replace permitted areas where no DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY M1 be used to assess proposals for new development and applications to further working should be undertaken. An extension of Cornelly Quarry PROPOSALS TO CARRY OUT MINERAL EXPLORATION WILL BE review existing planning consents, both initial and for periodic reviews. into the former Airfield will require the diversion of Mount Pleasant Road ADOPTED PERMITTED UNLESS THERE WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE ADVERSE around the future working area. PLAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR OTHER SENSITIVE LAND USES. 11.10. LANDBANKS 11.12. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PART 2 11.10.1. MAINTENANCE OF APPROPRIATE LANDBANKS -AREAS OF SEARCH- WRITTEN 11.8.2. Planning legislation enables certain small scale and temporary STATEMENT mineral exploration to be undertaken as permitted development provided POLICY M3 that trees are not damaged and that sites are restored as far as practicable 11.12.1. FUTURE MINERAL EXTRACTION to their former state. Longer periods are allowed but only if prior notification A LANDBANK OF PERMITTED RESERVES OF CRUSHED ROCK FOR POLICY M5 is given to the Council. When proposals for mineral exploration are being AGGREGATES WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING THE LIFE OF THE PLAN AND FOR 10 YEARS BEYOND 2016 TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION considered, the Council will seek to ensure that there will be no adverse AREAS OF SEARCH AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP WILL OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH’S SHARE OF REGIONAL AGGREGATES BE SAFEGUARDED FROM ALL PERMANENT BUILDING DEVELOPMENT effects on residential amenity or other sensitive land uses such as schools, PRODUCTION. hostels and hospitals. SO THAT RESOURCES MAY BE PRESERVED FOR THE FUTURE SHOULD A DEMONSTRABLE NEED BE PROVEN AT:- 11.8.3. Any permissions granted to carry out mineral exploration does 11.10.2. The County Borough currently produces about 7% of the South M5(1) LAND TO THE NORTH OF CORNELLY QUARRY AND TO THE EAST OF not carry any presumption in favour of permitting any subsequent Wales region’s total crushed rock sales for the aggregates market. As GAENS QUARRY; AND development to exploit the reserves found as a result of that exploration. explained in 11.4.1. there are sufficient reserves with permission to continue the current level of production for the next 40 years but part of these M5(2) LAND AT THE FORMER STORMY DOWN QUARRY. reserves will be needed for non-aggregate production and other areas 11.9. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT - GENERAL may not be suitable for further development. 11.12.2. It should be stressed that there is no presumption in favour of 11.9.1. MINERAL EXTRACTION CRITERIA 11.10.3. It should be noted that individual authorities need to contribute release of any land within the areas of search for mineral extraction at the to the regional landbank for SE Wales where they have appropriate present time. It is not yet known whether there will be a need to release POLICY M2 resources and there is a proven need. any of the land within the areas of search for future limestone extraction PROPOSALS FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION AND ASSOCIATED or whether all of the land shown will prove to be acceptable for mineral DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING MINERAL WASTE TIPPING, WILL BE working. The land to the north of Cornelly Quarry is confined by woodland PERMITTED ONLY WHERE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE 11.11. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT which is protected by Tree Preservation Orders and it will be necessary SATISFIED:- -SAFEGUARDED AREAS- to maintain an open area of land between future quarrying and the woodland to prevent any adverse effects caused by mineral extraction. It 1 MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO REDUCE DAMAGE OR DISTURBANCE TO is considered necessary, however, to safeguard these areas to prevent THE ENVIRONMENT TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS WITH SPECIFIC 11.11.1. CONSERVING LIMESTONE FOR FUTURE USE sterilisation by permanent development if the need for additional land should REFERENCE TO:- POLICY M4 arise in the future. a) POLLUTION OR DISTURBANCE TO GROUND OR SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OR DRAINAGE; LAND SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, WILL BE SAFEGUARDED b) THE IMPACT ON THE LANDSCAPE OF THE AREA; FROM ALL PERMANENT BUILDING DEVELOPMENT FOR FUTURE Park Slip West - Opencast Coal Site c) THE EFFECT ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND WILDLIFE INTERESTS LIMESTONE EXTRACTION AS FOLLOWS:- OF THE SITE AND ADJOINING LAND WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO SITES DESIGNATED FOR PROTECTION; M4(1) EAST OF CORNELLY QUARRY AT STORMY AIRFIELD; d) THE EFFECT ON AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS PARTICULARLY ON HIGH QUALITY AGRICULTURAL LAND; M4(2) NORTH EAST OF CORNELLY QUARRY INTO THE CAR e) THE EFFECT ON SITES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE; AND DISMANTLERS YARD; AND f) THE IMPACT ON THE STABILITY OF ADJOINING LAND. M4(3) EAST OF GAENS QUARRY. 2 MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO REDUCE DAMAGE OR DISTURBANCE TO NEIGHBOURING LAND USES TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS INCLUDING:- a) THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE NOISE, DUST, VIBRATION ARISING 11.11.2. Extensions to Cornelly Quarry are needed to ensure that long FROM THE METHODS OF WORKING; AND term reserves of high purity limestone will be available for steel manufacture. b) THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC GENERATED TO AND FROM THE SITE. All reserves of stone at Cornelly have potential use as aggregates but only certain areas have stone suitable for use as fluxing stone. The extent 3 PROPOSALS FOR THE DURATION AND PHASING OF OPERATIONS, of reserves to be released at any time will depend on the output prevailing RESTORATION, BENEFICIAL AFTER-USE AND AFTERCARE ARE at the time or proven future output levels, together with an assessment of 87 ACCEPTABLE. reserves already permitted. There are reserves already permitted at Gaens Chapter 11 MINERALS
11.13. SAND AND 11.15. MINERAL WORKING 11.17. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GRAVEL DEPOSITS AND IMPROVEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 11.13.1. EXTRACTION OF LAND-WON SAND & GRAVEL 11.15.1. EXTRACTION OF MATERIAL FROM MINERAL 11.17.1. CONDITIONS TO PROTECT & IMPROVE POLICY M6 WORKING DEPOSITS THE ENVIRONMENT ADOPTED POLICY M8 POLICY M10 PLAN PROPOSALS FOR LAND-WON SAND AND GRAVEL WILL BE EXAMINED AGAINST CRITERIA IN POLICY M2. EXTRACTION IN STATUTORY PROPOSALS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF MATERIAL FROM MINERAL WHEN GRANTING OR REVIEWING PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINERAL PART 2 DESIGNATED AREAS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN EXCEPTIONAL WORKING DEPOSITS WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE THEY ARE DEVELOPMENT, WHERE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES, FOLLOWING THE MOST RIGOROUS EXAMINATION OF ACCEPTABLE IN RELATION TO CRITERIA IN POLICY M2 AND WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT, THE MINERAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL IMPOSE WRITTEN THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PROPOSAL MAINTAINS OR IMPROVES TIP SAFETY. CONDITIONS AND/OR AGREE SECTION 106 OBLIGATIONS TO:- STATEMENT AND SCOPE FOR MITIGATION. 1 VARY THE DURATION OF THE PERMISSION;
11.13.2. The demand for fine aggregates is likely to be met by continued 11.15.2. Spoil tips from old mineral workings sometimes contain 2 REGULATE THE HOURS OF WORKING OF THE OPERATION; marine dredging from the Bristol Channel. In view of increasing concern economically workable deposits of material. There may be quantities of 3 IDENTIFY MEASURES TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND CONTROL TRAFFIC about the implications for continued dredging because of a possible link small coal which can be recovered by screening/washing the tip material MOVEMENTS; with coastal changes, there may be a need to consider land-won extraction whereas other tips can provide large quantities of secondary aggregates of sand and gravel to maintain supplies for construction purposes. There which could substitute for primary materials and conserve resources. The 4 REQUIRE OPERATIONS TO BE DESIGNED TO MITIGATE NOISE LEVELS would be objections to the working of known resources near the coast of extraction of some mineral working deposits may be deemed permitted TO SPECIFIED LIMITS; the County Borough where those resources that have not been sterilised development subject to the provisions of Part 23 of the Town and Country 5 REQUIRE THE MONITORING OF BLASTING OPERATIONS, TO CONTROL by development are the subject of statutory designated areas i.e. Kenfig Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. BLASTING OPERATIONS TO SPECIFIED TIMES OF THE WORKING DAY NNR and Merthyr Mawr SSSI. AND TO LIMIT THE EFFECTS OF VIBRATION IN RELATION TO SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT;
11.14. BORROW PITS 11.16. ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS 6 MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF DUST; 7 REQUIRE THE MONITORING OF THE IMPACT OF WORKINGS ON 11.14.1. TEMPORARY MINERAL EXTRACTION 11.16.1. ENCOURAGING THE RE-USE OF MINERALS GROUNDWATER RESOURCES AND MAKE PROVISION FOR THE POLICY M7 POLICY M9 PROTECTION OF THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER FEATURES; PROPOSALS FOR BORROW PITS WILL BE CONSIDERED AGAINST THE PROPOSALS FOR FACILITIES TO RECYCLE MATERIALS WHICH WOULD 8 REQUIRE AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SITE AND CRITERIA IN POLICY M2 AND ALSO IN RELATION TO THE NEEDS OF SUBSTITUTE FOR PRIMARY AGGREGATES WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE ENSURE THAT FEATURES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST PARTICULAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, THE LIFE OF THE EXCAVATION THEY ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ACCEPTABLE HAVING ASSESSED THE ARE RECORDED AND, IF NECESSARY, PROTECTED AND PRESERVED IN AND PROPOSALS FOR RESTORATION. DEVELOPMENT AGAINST CRITERIA IN POLICY M2. SITU;
9 REQUIRE LANDSCAPE WORKS OR OTHER SCREENING OPERATIONS TO 11.14.2. A ‘Borrow Pit’ is a temporary quarry or similar site opened to 11.16.2. Construction and demolition materials are often recycled as REDUCE THE VISUAL IMPACT OF THE OPERATIONS TO AN ACCEPTABLE supply aggregate minerals to a particular construction project, usually part of a new construction project and re-used on site. Considerable LEVEL; AND highway contracts over a limited period. These sites are usually located quantities of such material are, however, disposed of to landfill sites 10 within or adjacent to the project, and the mineral is supplied direct without because there are inadequate local facilities to process the waste products. PROVIDE APPROPRIATE RESTORATION, LAND USE AND AFTERCARE TO SECURE LONG TERM BENEFIT PARTICULARLY FOR NATURE using public roads. The mineral can be supplied, therefore, at low cost It is important that suitable facilities are established to encourage further CONSERVATION INTERESTS. and with minimum disturbance to road users. The impact of the borrow pit re-use of this material in order to achieve the minimisation of waste. can be similar to more permanent quarries and have a significant impact 11 REQUIRE A DETAILED EVALUATION OF THE NATURE CONSERVATION on neighbouring land uses although over a shorter period. VALUE OF THE SITE. WHERE NECESSARY, MEASURES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANY HABITATS, SPECIES OR FEATURES OF INTEREST, OR MITIGATION MEASURES, AS APPROPRIATE.
88 Chapter MINERALS 11
11.18. MINERAL PROTECTION ZONES
11.19.2. Some of the land permitted for quarrying many years ago is UNITARY Gaen's Quarry 11.18.1. PROTECTION OF LOCAL AMENITY considered to be unsuitable for further working because they are located DEVELOPMENT POLICY M11 close to residential properties or provide a screen to existing working PLAN areas. Some of the land the subject of historical permissions are currently ADOPTED MINERAL PROTECTION ZONES ARE IDENTIFIED AROUND EXISTING being updated with new planning conditions, as part of a review of old QUARRIES TOGETHER WITH CONSENTED RESERVES AND LAND PLAN ALLOCATED FOR FUTURE WORKING AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS mineral permissions required by the Environment Act 1995. That exercise MAP. WITHIN THESE ZONES, NEW DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING MINERAL will impose modern up-to-date planning conditions which will control future DEVELOPMENT WILL BE RESTRICTED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT quarrying operations. In addition, the Mineral Planning Authority may seek PART 2 CURRENT AND FUTURE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE INHIBITED additional agreements as part of planning applications for additional mineral WRITTEN BY ITS IMPACT ON NEW DEVELOPMENT. PROPOSALS FOR extraction on currently unpermitted land (reference UDP policies M4/5) STATEMENT DEVELOPMENT OTHER THAN MINERALS WITHIN THE ZONE WILL TAKE which would seek the agreement of operators to relinquish the right to ACCOUNT OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF QUARRYING ON THE work defined areas, and consider the replacement of reserves in more DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED AND A MINIMUM BUFFER OF AT LEAST 200 suitable locations, as identified in policies M4/5. METRES WILL BE SECURED BETWEEN QUARRYING OPERATIONS AND SENSITIVE LAND USES, UNLESS SITE CHARACTERISTICS LEAD THE COUNCIL TO DETERMINE OTHERWISE. 11.19.3. It is acknowledged that the strip of land to the west of Mount Pleasant road between Cornelly Quarry and the former Stormy Down Airfield could only be retained if proposals to extend the quarry into the former 11.18.2. Mineral working can have an adverse impact on the amenity of airfield do not proceed. In addition, it is recognised that the strip of land sensitive land uses, such as, residential development, hospitals, hostels along Heol-y-Splott between Cornelly Quarry and Pant Mawr Quarry could 11.17.2. There are a number of issues which need to be addressed in and schools. Mineral Protection Zones have been identified around existing only be retained if Cornelly Quarry does not extend laterally into Pant determining applications for mineral development in order to ensure that quarries and their future working areas to prevent conflict between mineral Mawr. In the event of such an expansion, the need for screening from the development will not have an adverse impact on surrounding areas, working and other land uses by providing a buffer around active and future Heol-y-Splott would be unnecessary, as the existing potential viewpoints particularly if there are residential properties in close proximity to the quarrying areas. In some instances, there is existing residential would be removed. site. Planning legislation contains a provision that all mineral review sites development already located within the Mineral Protection Zones. It would which enjoy the benefit of a planning permission which is not time limited, be unreasonable and difficult to resist infilling development within built up will automatically expire in 2042 but there may be instances where a areas even though there may be some effect from quarrying operations. shorter time period is essential to enable an otherwise unacceptable The Council will, however, judge each case on its merits. In all other Grove Quarry proposal to proceed. It is important to control issues, such as, visual cases, the Council will seek to secure a buffer of at least 200 metres impact, hours of working, noise, dust and vibration from mineral working between new development and mineral operations. in order to protect the amenity of the surrounding area. Traffic generation from mineral workings can have a significant impact on other land uses both in the immediate vicinity and over a wide distance from the site as 11.19. RETENTION OF LAND some minerals are transported considerable distances from their source. The carboniferous limestone in the County Borough is a most important 11.19.1. RETENTION & CONTROL OF LAND aquifer and mineral extraction can have a significant effect on it, particularly POLICY M12 if deeper workings below the groundwater table are exploited. The advice of the Environment Agency will be considered in order to assess the THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO SECURE THE RETENTION OF IDENTIFIED future impact of deeper and lateral extensions of mineral operations and EXISTING TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS proposed water treatment facilities. The possible effect of future mineral MAP THAT SCREEN MINERAL OPERATIONS. IT IS, HOWEVER, RECOGNISED development on known sites of archaeological and historic interest should THAT THE IDENTIFIED AREAS ENJOY PLANNING PERMISSION FOR be taken into account so that the need to record or, where necessary, QUARRYING, AND ANY RELINQUISHMENT OF THE RIGHT TO WORK THE preserve sites can be decided when the proposal is determined. Lastly, it RESPECTIVE AREAS WOULD NEED TO BE WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE is important to maximise the opportunity that mineral working creates to OPERATORS. THE IDENTIFIED AREAS ARE:- achieve long term beneficial after-use and aftercare. Mineral sites are M12(1) LAND ALONG HEOL-Y-SPLOTT; often very large and the nature of operations can provide important habitat creation consistent with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Bridgend. M12(2) LAND ADJACENT TO MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD; M12(3) LAND TO THE SOUTH WEST OF GROVE QUARRY; M12(4) LAND TO THE NORTH OF MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD ADJACENT TO GROVE QUARRY; M12(5) LAND FORMING THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN RIM OF GAENS QUARRY; AND M12(6) LAND FORMING THE EASTERN PART OF STORMY DOWN QUARRY. 89 Chapter 11 MINERALS
11.20. RESTORATION AND AFTERCARE 11.21. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
UNITARY 11.20.1. SECURING HIGH QUALITY & PROMPT DEVELOPMENT 11.21.1. CONSERVING LAND-WON PLAN RESTORATION & AFTERCARE SAND AND GRAVEL POLICY M13 POLICY M14 ADOPTED PLAN WHEN GRANTING OR REVIEWING PERMISSION FOR MINERAL WORKING, SAFEGUARDING AREAS ARE IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP AS THE MINERAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL REQUIRE A SCHEME TO BE POTENTIAL RESOURCES OF SAND AND GRAVEL. PROPOSALS FOR PART 2 SUBMITTED TO SECURE HIGH QUALITY, PROMPT AND WHEREVER PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT WITHIN ANY PART OF THESE AREAS WILL BE PART 2 POSSIBLE, PHASED RESTORATION AND AFTERCARE AND TO PROVIDE FOR STRONGLY RESISTED. THE RESOURCES ARE LOCATED AS FOLLOWS:- WRITTEN A BENEFICIAL AFTER-USE OF THE SITE CONSISTENT WITH THE LOCAL STATEMENT BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN. WHERE DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE M14(1) SOUTH OF SOUTH CORNELLY COUNCIL, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT CONSULTEES, AN M14(2) MERTHYR MAWR EXTENDED AFTERCARE PERIOD BEYOND THE STATUTORY 5 YEARS WILL M14(3) ISLAND FARM, BRIDGEND BE REQUIRED PARTICULARLY FOR SUCH AFTER-USE AS NATURE M14(5) EAST OF PENCOED CONSERVATION.
11.20.2. Mineral working is a temporary operation even though sites may 11.21.2. The purpose of the Policy is to protect the areas from permanent be active for long periods. One of the most important aims of minerals development that would sterilise or hinder the extraction of the potential control is to ensure that the land used for mineral working will be restored mineral resources if the need for the resources should be proven. It does once operations have ceased and that the reclaimed land is capable of not indicate an acceptance of the working of any of the sites identified. beneficial use. The location and size of the final excavation will often This Policy should be read in association with Policy M6. dictate the end use to which the site may be put. In view of the long life of some sites, it is not always easy to determine the future after-use at the outset of working and schemes of working may need to be revised as the operation proceeds. A statement of broad objectives for enduse or a restoration strategy does not give sufficient detail on which to base decisions on progressive restoration including the cost to the operator. Experience has shown that operators frequently underestimate the full cost of restoration and aftercare and consequently it is important that as much detail as possible should be incorporated in proposals at the outset. In the event that site circumstances change significantly, a formal variation can always be sought.
11.20.3. Careful stripping and storage of soils will always assist restoration and such operations needs to be strictly controlled including the retention of features, such as, existing trees and hedgerows. It is essential that developers are able to demonstrate that they have adequate control of the land which is the subject of an application. Without such control, there is no guarantee that long term benefits from restoration can be realised.
11.20.4. Where deemed appropriate by the Council, financial guarantees may be sought from operators to cover the cost of restoration and aftercare in the event of default by the operator. Such guarantees will normally be required for coal related development only, unless particular circumstances dictate otherwise.
90 Chapter WASTE 12
12.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 17 UNITARY 12.1.1. Government advice requires that development plans should make Borough’s waste arisings will continue to be exported to sites outside the that facilities are available to provide for sustainable waste management DEVELOPMENT provision for an adequate network of waste management facilities while County Borough boundary. Arrangements for waste management will be practices as set out in the waste hierarchy of reduction, re-use, recovery PLAN taking into account environmental considerations and having due regard reviewed in relation to future proposals for sub-regional disposal in order and recycling and lastly, safe disposal. ADOPTED for the waste disposal plan for the area. In view of the difficulty in finding to achieve a more sustainable strategy for waste disposal. Sites for land suitable for a landfill site, it is likely that the majority of the County collecting and recycling waste material will have to be found to ensure PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT PART 2
12.2. INTRODUCTION 12.2.1. The County Borough Council is responsible for waste collection 12.2.4. The Regional Waste Plan for the South West Wales Region was 12.2.5. The Landfill Directive requires the UK to:- and disposal and for waste planning, but not for waste regulation which is issued in February 2004. Bridgend County Borough Council is a constituent the function of the Environment Agency. The Unitary Development Plan member of this group and has agreed to endorse the plan and it’s (i) introduce a ban running from July, 2004, to cease the co-disposal of needs to set out the land use strategy for waste disposal and make recommendations. The Plan concluded that of the six options, option 6 hazardous /non-hazardous waste; provision for waste management facilities in accord with central government was preferable in principle subject to a number of modifications to certain (ii) reduce the volume of biodegradable waste going to landfill; guidance and advice. The development of the Materials Recovery and elements of the waste facilities. This option comprises a mixture of transfer/ (iii) introduce a ban on the landfill of tyres; and Energy Centre (MREC) at Crymlyn Burrows, Port Talbot, incorporates anaerobic digestion/landfill/inert reprocessing/energy from waste/ (iv) introduce a ban on the landfill of liquid waste, infectious clinical composting facilities and should achieve government targets. Hence, a mechanical biological treatment/compost plants/and materials recycling waste and other specified hazardous wastes phased in from 2001 separate composting strategy is not being developed although individual facilities. The main objective of the Plan is to indicate what type of facilities onwards. proposals for green waste composting will be assessed under Policy W9. will be required throughout the region within the Waste plan period i.e. up In addition initiatives such as the sale of composting bins at reduced to 2013. For Bridgend the following infrastructure requirements are 12.2.6. “Wise about waste”; the Welsh Assembly Governments’ strategy prices for residents are being promoted. A recycling plan is being prepared considered necessary to deal with the estimated waste tonnages for 2013. (June 2002) sets out the options in order of priority as follows:- by the Council. In brief TABLE WAS 1 shows the type and number of facilities required. (i) reduction of the waste generated; (ii) re-use of materials; 12.2.2. It is necessary for a waste plan to consider all types of waste: TABLE WAS 1 (iii) recovery which can reduce demand for aggregates or energy from household waste; commercial and industrial waste; special waste; fossil fuels through recycling or composting; construction and demolition waste; sewage and agricultural waste. There ESTIMATED WASTE PLAN FACILITIES FOR BRIDGEND 2013 (iv) energy recovery when recovery is not possible; and is also mining and quarrying waste and policies to cover this are included TYPE OF No. OF FACILITIES (v) disposal to landfill only as a last resort for waste which cannot be in the Minerals Section. FACILITY (rounded up) FOR 2013 further treated, including residues from heat treatments. 12.2.3. In Wales, the consultation paper ‘Managing Waste Sustainably’ Primary Source & Treatment/MRF's 6 12.2.7. Technical Advice Note 21 on Waste sets out guidance on was produced in 2001 with the final waste strategy for Wales ‘Wise about Compost/Open Windrow 1 sustainable waste management. One of the requirements is that a Regional Waste’ being produced in 2002. The primary objectives of the strategy are Compost/Municipal Solid Waste 2 Compost/In Vessel 2 Waste Plan (RWP) be prepared and adopted by the regional group of two-fold:- MBT 2 authorities by November, 2003. The RWP is intended to identify areas of Thermal Plant 1* 1 To make Wales a model for sustainable waste management by need and search for potential sites and indicate predicted tonnages of Inert/Re-use Processing 10 each type of waste likely to be generated and the facilities required. Each adopting and implementing a sustainable, integrated approach to waste Landfill 1 LPA is then required to transpose their requirements into the UDP and production, management and regulation (including litter and fly tipping) Transfer/Civic Amenity 1 which minimises the production of waste and its impact on the Transfer/OTS 2 any subsequent reviews. environment, maximises the use of unavoidable waste as a resource, and maximises where practicable, the use of energy from waste and TOTAL 28 12.2.8. All waste development proposals will not only need to have regard landfill; to BPEO, but also Sustainable Waste Management Options (SWMO) and Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Guidance on the latter process is 2 To comply with the requirements of relevant European Council (EC) Planning authorities are obliged by EC Directives on Waste to establish a available in the Welsh Assemby Governments’: Developing Health Impact waste directives and UK legislation. network of waste disposal installations, and to ensure that waste is Assessment in Wales 1999. recovered or disposed of without harming the environment, without The strategy focuses on a hierarchy of reduction; re-use; recovery; and endangering human health or causing a nuisance through noise, or safe disposal which should respect the proximity principle of disposing adversely affecting the countryside or places of interest. waste as close to its source as possible. This policy encourages the transportation of waste by rail/water rather than by road. 91 Chapter 12 WASTE
UK levels estimated at 5 to 6% but well below the Government target of West is the subject of a temporary consent. This site is not suitable for a Waste Recycling at Heol Ty Gwyn, Maesteg recycling 25% of household waste by the year 2003. The Plan considered permanent facility as it is not in a central location, there are access UNITARY the problem of finding reliable markets for recycled materials and problems and the adjoining landfill site is being restored. An alternative DEVELOPMENT PLAN recommended working towards a reduced target of 12% through a “Bring” site at Tondu is preferred as it would be in a central location in the County collection system. It is considered that this target may be achieved by a Borough and have the possibility of a rail link for bulk transportation to ADOPTED significant number of local authorities but fluctuations in the market for avoid the need for movement by road. The provision of other facilities at PLAN recycled materials are likely to be experienced which may hamper target this site will be considered later, such as a further civic amenity site or achievement. recycling centre.
PART 2 12.3.4. Waste minimisation forms an important part of the County WRITTEN Borough’s Environmental and Sustainable Development Policy which 12.5. LANDFILL SITES STATEMENT states with regard to waste management:-
“This Authority will make every effort to minimise and avoid waste where 12.5.1. PROVISION OF WASTE DISPOSAL SITE practicable within its own buildings and promote sustainable waste and POLICY W2 management practices including conservation, re-use and appropriate recycling of all resources throughout the County Borough.” WASTE DISPOSAL WILL BE FAVOURED FOR DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND NON-HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIAL WASTE AT TYTHEGSTON QUARRY. At the present time the Welsh Assembly Government are providing some funding for new waste facilities. Provision has been made for such facilities 12.3. WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT in the plan. 12.5.2. The main landfill site for the disposal of domestic, commercial IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH and non-hazardous industrial waste was at Tythegston Quarry, but this 12.3.1. The former Ogwr Borough Council approved a Waste Disposal 12.3.5. Tipping of inert waste from construction and demolition sites has has recently reached capacity. The domestic waste produced in the County Plan in 1985 which established the waste disposal arrangements for the continued within the County Borough mainly on small sites, many of Borough will be transported to the new facility near Swansea within Neath following ten years. It was concluded that controlled landfill would be the which were allocated in the Ogwr Borough Local Plan. These are often Port Talbot County Borough. The remaining sites are smaller and are preferred method of waste disposal within the former Borough for the short term and have provided a means of restoring land which was incapable permitted to accept inert waste only. It is anticipated in the future that foreseeable future. Stormy West Quarry, near Pyle, was used as the of beneficial use. Since the introduction of the Landfill Tax in 1996, there recycling facilities for inert waste will become established and therefore it main tipping site and received the majority of the waste arisings for the has been a rise in the number of proposals for land reclamation and is likely that there will be a diminishing need to provide landfill sites once next ten years. Landfill operations have now ceased and the site is being agricultural improvement through the landfill of inert materials. Such alternative facilities become available. restored. The Waste Disposal Plan anticipated that Stormy Down Quarry materials are currently the subject of a landfill tax of £2.00 per tonne and would be used on the completion of Stormy West Landfill site to provide general waste to landfill being subjected to landfill tax at a rate of £14.00 continuity of tipping. per tonne. This inert material could be re-used in construction works if facilities were available to sort and process the waste products. Until 12.3.2. Policies relating to waste disposal were included in the Ogwr adequate facilities are established, there will be a need to provide sites Borough Local Plan which was adopted in 1995. By this time, it was for inert tipping. Once facilities for inert recycling are established, further evident that there were significant problems in safeguarding groundwater landfill should be resisted so that waste minimisation can be encouraged in relation to proposals for waste disposal at Stormy Down Quarry. There together with conserving the natural resources which would otherwise be was a need for an alternative arrangement as no other major site was extracted for aggregate materials. considered to be suitable for landfill except for inert material. In 1996, a contract was completed with a private waste contractor to manage and dispose of the waste collected by the County Borough from the Stormy 12.4. WASTE TRANSFER STATION West Transfer Station for a five year period. It is possible that this site will be the subject of further applications for planning permission/licence to 12.4.1. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION continue operations in the future. Since 1996 the majority of the municipal OF BULK WASTE waste has been landfilled at a site in the Cynon Valley within Rhondda POLICY W1 Cynon Taff County Borough and a site in Neath and Port Talbot CBC. At the end of this contract, waste will be transported from Bridgend County A SITE FOR THE COLLECTION AND TRANSFER OF WASTE FOR BULK Borough to Neath Port Talbot where a new joint installation has been TRANSPORTATION OUT OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH SHALL BE constructed which will incorporate recycling, composting, and waste to ALLOCATED WITHIN THE FUTURE REGENERATION SITE AT TONDU. Waste Transfer Station - Stormy Down energy facilities.
12.3.3. A draft Recycling Plan was produced in 1993 by the former Borough Council which was reviewed in 1995. This plan is currently being updated. 12.4.2. The agency arrangements being developed with Neath Port Talbot The Recycling Plan estimated that 3.4% of household waste was being County Borough Council will make provision for municipal waste arisings 92 recycled and these levels had risen to 4.7% in 1995, and to 5.6% in 1997- generated within the County Borough to be transported to a new treatment/ 98. These levels are similar to recycling rates in South East Wales and disposal facility near Swansea. The existing transfer station at Stormy Chapter WASTE 12
12.6. FUTURE LANDFILL 12.7. RECYCLING FACILITIES 12.9. CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE
12.6.1. REDUCTION & CONTROL OF LANDFILL SITES 12.7.1. PROVISION OF SITES FOR THE 12.9.1. RE-USE & RECYCLING OF MATERIALS UNITARY DEVELOPMENT RECYCLING OF MINERAL WASTE POLICY W3 POLICY W6 PLAN POLICY W4 PROPOSALS FOR LANDFILL OF WASTE WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY ANY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE DEMOLITION OF ADOPTED WHERE THE RECYCLING OF THE MATERIAL IS NOT FEASIBLE. SUCH FACILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING OF MINERAL WASTE MAJOR STRUCTURES OR REMOVAL OF SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES OF PLAN PROPOSALS WILL THEN BE FAVOURED ON:- MATERIAL SHALL BE PROMOTED AND ENCOURAGED PROVIDED THAT WASTE MATERIAL DURING CONSTRUCTION SHALL IDENTIFY THE MEANS BY WHICH THE WASTE MATERIAL SHALL BE REUSED, RECYCLED OR i (DERELICT, CONTAMINATED OR SIMILARLY DESPOILED LAND; THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ACCEPTABLE PART 2 IN RELATION TO NEIGHBOURING LAND USES WITH PARTICULAR DISPOSED OF EITHER WITHIN OR OFF THE SITE. PART 2 ii CURRENT OR FORMER UNRESTORED MINERAL SITES; AND REFERENCE TO RESIDENTIAL AMENITY AND SITES DESIGNATED FOR WRITTEN iii BROWNFIELD LAND; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. IN THIS RESPECT THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT SITES ARE IDENTIFIED:- 12.9.2. In order to conserve natural resources, it is important to maximise PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED: - the re-use and recycling of materials wherever possible within the proposed W4(1) HEOL-Y-SPLOTT, SOUTH CORNELLY; development itself or in other local construction schemes. 1 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT AREAS OF W4(2) CORNELLY QUARRY, SOUTH CORNELLY; IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION; W4(3) GROVE QUARRY, SOUTH CORNELLY. 2 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT CAUSE UNACCEPTABLE 12.10. SPECIAL WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION FROM DUST, NOISE, VIBRATION, 12.7.2. The waste industry is constantly changing in relation to market LEACHATES, WATER OR GAS EMISSIONS, INCLUDING ANY EFFECTS 12.10.1. CONTROL OVER THE DISPOSAL ON QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE; trends. Facilities for collection, sorting and processing of waste materials OF SPECIAL WASTE may be proposed by private industry, by recycling organisations or by the 3 THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT OR HAVE AN POLICY W7 UNACCEPTABLE VISUAL IMPACT ON AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL Council itself, for example, through the construction of civic amenity sites. IMPORTANCE; A new civic amenity site has recently been opened at the Tythegston Landfill Site. Subject to adequate funding being made available by the DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DISPOSAL, STORAGE OR DISTRIBUTION 4 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT INTERESTS NAW, new civic amenity sites will be established in appropriate areas in OF SPECIAL WASTES WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE THE OF ACKNOWLEDGED IMPORTANCE TO AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, the County Borough. Other recycling proposals will be considered in ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ACCEPTABLE IN OR THE WINNING AND WORKING OF MINERALS; relation to their impact on other land uses and sites which are designated RELATION TO NEIGHBOURING LAND USES, IN PARTICULAR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY AND SITES DESIGNATED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL for protection for nature conservation, as areas of archaeological or historic 5 THE ACCESS IS SATISFACTORY IN RELATION TO THE HIGHWAY PROTECTION. NETWORK, BOTH DURING ITS WORKING LIFE AND IT’S SUBSEQUENT interest, or as Landscape Conservation Areas or Green Wedges. RESTORATION, WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO LOCAL AMENITY; 12.7.3. Recycling facilities for inert materials have already been approved 6 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT GROUND at Heol-y-Splott and Cornelly Quarry. Active quarrying areas are often 12.10.2. Special waste, often requires special treatment facilities where STABILITY; considered to be suitable for such proposals provided that there is no it can be processed to make it acceptable to deposit. Such facilities have 7 THERE IS AN AGREED PROGRAMME OF SITE MANAGEMENT FOR THE residential development in close proximity and the access is satisfactory the potential to cause significant adverse effects and therefore need to be DURATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT; for this purpose. Such facilities could be suitable similarly at Grove Quarry located in areas which have been carefully assessed to minimise in view of its location and close proximity to the strategic highway network. environmental impact. 8 THERE IS AN AGREED PROGRAMME OF PROPOSALS FOR SITE RESTORATION, AFTERCARE AND BENEFICIAL AFTER-USE INCLUDING 12.10.3. Within the South West and South East Wales regions there is SATISFACTORY LAND PROFILES IN RELATION TO THE SURROUNDING 12.8. WASTE FACILITIES FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS a need to identify for hazardous waste facilities but it is extremely difficult TOPOGRAPHY AND APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPE WORKS. for individual authorities to justify site provision within their own areas to meet regional need. The Regional Waste Plans have identified the capacity 12.8.1. WASTE MINIMISATION & RECYCLING requirement for such waste per unitary authority but have not given 12.6.2. Until a full range of recycling facilities are established to serve the POLICY W5 adequate guidance on this issue to-date to enable the sustainable waste County Borough, there will be a limited need to provide sites for the landfill management planning of such sites within the region. Whilst the need for of waste material, particularly for inert waste mainly generated by ALL PROPOSALS FOR MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD such sites is acknowledged the issue will need to be discussed further construction and demolition activities. Once alternative facilities are INCLUDE PROVISION FOR THE COLLECTION AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, by technical working parties as part of the regional waste planning process, available however, the landfill of such material will become undesirable in TREATMENT OF WASTE LIKELY TO BE GENERATED BY THE FUTURE and monitored and reviewed under the formal UDP review procedure. view of policies to minimise waste production and to resist the landfill of USE OF THE LAND. products which could be safely re-used in order to conserve natural resources of aggregate materials. 12.8.2. Proposals for major development, such as retail, industrial, 12.6.3. Policy W3 reflects guidance contained in Technical Advice Note commercial or housing development should include details of the means 21 entitled Waste, and also the requirements of the South West Wales of waste collection and proposals for waste minimisation and recycling. Regional Waste Plan (issued January 2004). Further research will be Collection banks are often provided through the goodwill of developers but necessary to inform the waste planning process before allocations are such arrangements should be promoted in all major development proposals 93 made in the development plan. in order to maximise recycling possibilities. Chapter 12 WASTE
12.11. CIVIC AMENITY SITE PROPOSALS 12.12. GREEN WASTE 12.13. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT 12.11.1. PROVISION OF CIVIC AMENITY SITES 12.12.1. GREEN WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITIES 12.13.1. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE FACILITIES PLAN POLICY W8 POLICY W9 POLICY W10 ADOPTED PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIC AMENITY FACILITIES TO PROPOSALS FOR GREEN WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITIES WILL BE PLAN HANDLE DOMESTIC WASTE OTHER THAN THAT COLLECTED BY DOOR PERMITTED PROVIDED THEY MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: - PROPOSALS FOR THE TREATMENT, PROCESSING, AND DISTRIBUTION TO DOOR COLLECTIONS (EXCLUDING WASTE DISPOSAL/TRANSFER) OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE SUCH AS: - PART 2 WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE:- 1 THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF LOCAL PART 2 RESIDENTS THROUGH NOISE, DUST, VIBRATION, SMELLS OR i MATERIAL RECYCLING FACILITIES (MRF) WRITTEN 1 THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF LOCAL VERMIN; ii MECHANICAL BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT (MBT) OR STATEMENT RESIDENTS THROUGH NOISE, DUST, VIBRATION, SMELLS OR VERMIN; 2 THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE ACCOMMODATED SAFELY ON THE iii IN-VESSEL / ANAEROBIC DIGESTION COMPOSTING FACILITIES 2 THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE ACCOMMODATED SAFELY ON THE EXISTING HIGHWAY NETWORK; EXISTING HIGHWAY NETWORK; WILL BE PERMITTED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS WITHIN INDUSTRIAL 3 SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO PREVENT ESTATES WITH SPECIFIED USE CLASS B2 PROVIDED THEY MEET ALL OF 3 SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO PREVENT POLLUTION OF SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND WATER; THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: - POLLUTION OF SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEMS/ SUPPLIES; 4 NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS WOULD BE PROTECTED OR 1 THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF LOCAL SUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES IMPLEMENTED; RESIDENTS OR ADJOINING INDUSTRIAL USERS THROUGH NOISE, 4 NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS WOULD BE PROTECTED; DUST, VIBRATION, SMELLS OR VERMIN; 5 THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE VISUAL IMPACT OR IT CAN BE 5 VISUAL IMPACT CAN BE MITIGATED BY APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPING MITIGATED BY WAY OF LANDSCAPING/SCREENING TO AN ACCEPTABLE 2 SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO PREVENT THE AND SCREENING; AND DEGREE; AND POLLUTION OF SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND WATER;
6 THE PROPOSALS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH SURROUNDING LAND 6 THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT CONFLICT WITH SURROUNDING LAND 3 THE TRAFFIC GENERATED CAN BE ACCOMMODATED SAFELY ON USES. USES. THE EXISTING HIGHWAY NETWORK; AND
4 A PROGRAMME OF SITE MANAGEMENT IS AGREED FOR THE DURATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT. 12.11.2. In order to meet the provisions of the Environmental Protection 12.12.2. Green waste composting is considered to be an essential Act 1990, the Council will need to provide opportunities for civic amenity component of sustainable waste management. Such facilities, especially site(s) to be strategically placed within the County Borough. This will open green waste composting, otherwise referred to as ‘windrow’, can be 12.13.2. A significant part, approximately 50-60% of the total waste hopefully encourage people to dispose of their household waste, including likened to an agricultural operation in many respects, and can be located generated comprises commercial and industrial waste which takes a garden materials, in a satisfactory manner. Three sites have recently been in the countryside as an appropriate exception to Policy EV1 in terms of number of forms. Such waste may be glass/paper/metal/wood/or plastic granted planning permission in Maesteg, Brynmenyn and Ogmore Vale farm diversification. It is essential that such operations are physically which are suitable for recycling and facilities that handle and process which should be implemented in 2004/5. divorced from occupied dwellings and other sensitive landuses so that them are usually termed materials recycling facilities (MRF’s). Other the effect of emissions of bioaerosols are minimised. wastes, termed residual wastes, are derived from other recycling processes 12.11.3. It is considered inappropriate and impractical to make specific and may require pre-treatment using mechanical and biological processes allocations for such sites given the need to give careful consideration to 12.12.3. One of the key issues to be considered in relation to such to stabilise the waste. Typical plants generate three main material streams such proposals taking into account the nature of the development and the facilities in the countryside is traffic generation and the ability of rural road i.e. recyclable material comprising mainly ferrous/non-ferrous metals; a surrounding area. Proposals will, however, be generally encouraged networks with narrow and twisting lanes to accommodate traffic. There is bio-stabilised stream suitable for landfill cover; and a residual stream that towards existing areas or allocations for general industry, unless it can also the ability of such roads to absorb the movement of heavy vehicles can be landfilled or converted into a secondary fuel. In-vessel/anaerobic be demonstrated that they could be located elsewhere without causing without detriment to the safety of highways users who may include walkers/ digestion is a process where biodegradable material is encouraged to unacceptable environmental impact. cyclists enjoying the quiet character of such rural areas. Each application break down in the absence of oxygen, in an enclosed vessel. It produces will, therefore, be required to give careful assessment to such issues. carbon dioxide, methane and solids/liquors known as digestate, which 12.11.4. Suitable sites within the County Borough need to be located in can be used as fertiliser and compost. areas which are central to main settlement areas to reduce unnecessary vehicle movements. Hence, it is considered that industrial sites such as 12.13.3. This policy is consistent with and should be considered in Brynmenyn, Litchard, and Village Farm, Pyle, would be deemed acceptable association with Policy E7 which allows sui generis employment uses in in principle for such use. appropriate locations on industrial land. Waste treatment uses are normally classed as sui generis for the purposes of the Use Classes Order. 94 Chapter UNSTABLE LAND 13
13.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 18 UNITARY 13.1.1. Where relevant information is available, the development plan mine and landfill gas emissions, landslips and rock falls, that development Where there is uncertainty about stability, the responsibility for determining DEVELOPMENT should indicate areas where land instability should be taken into account does not take place in unstable locations or where expensive public the implications of such constraints remains with the developer. PLAN to ensure that new development would not be at risk from subsidence, engineering operations would be necessary to safeguard the development. ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT 13.2. INTRODUCTION 13.2.1. Unstable land can be caused by natural or man-made processes. 13.3.5. Guidance on development affecting unstable land can be found 13.3.7. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS The most common form of naturally occurring unstable land is landslips. in the draft Technical Advice Note (TAN) - Wales, dated November 1996, ON UNSTABLE LAND Coastal erosion also accounts for some instability in certain areas of the and parts of Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Note No.14 (1990). UK but fortunately there are no significant examples within the County POLICY UNS1 Borough. Other natural causes can be caused by an increase or decrease 13.3.6. In view of the foregoing, the following policy is considered in groundwater; ground compression caused by landfill operations; and appropriate for proposals which affect unstable land within the Borough. WHERE PROPOSALS AFFECT LAND WHERE INSTABILITY IS SUSPECTED extreme climatic conditions. ANY PLANNING APPLICATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A STABILITY REPORT WHICH:-
The Bwlch, Nantymoel 1 IDENTIFIES AND ASSESSES THE DEGREE OF INSTABILITY; 13.3. UNSTABLE LAND IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH 2 IDENTIFIES THE MEASURES REQUIRED TO MITIGATE AGAINST ANY 13.3.1. Within the County Borough, most known landslip areas are located RISK IDENTIFIED IN 1 (ABOVE); in an area north of a line drawn between Garth, Maesteg and Ogmore Vale. In general, such landslips vary considerably in size and nature, and 3 STIPULATES ROUTINE MONITORING WHERE APPROPRIATE; AND it is fortunate that most are relatively isolated from settlement. Some 4 ADDRESSES THE NEED FOR FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT landslips, however, do abut some areas of housing and could cause ARISING FROM ANY STABILISATION WORKS. physical damage to property. It must be stressed, however, that the majority of landslip areas will not be active in terms of movement on a regular basis.
13.3.2. In order to maximise the use of land for development, it is essential that the physical constraints on the land are taken into account at all stages of planning. Any scope for remedial, preventative, or precautionary measures must also be fully explored so that land is not sterilised unnecessarily.
13.3.3. It is important to acknowledge that the responsibility for determining the extent and effects of instability or other risk remains that of the developer. The Council’s role is therefore to highlight known or potential risk in order that any development is carried out in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner.
13.3.4. If instability cannot be overcome satisfactorily, the Council may refuse planning permission. Alternatively, permission may be granted subject to conditions which may require specialist investigation, assessment, and mitigation by the developer. 95 Chapter 13 UNSTABLE LAND
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
96 Chapter ENERGY & UTILITIES 14
14.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICIES 14.1.1. The Land Use Strategy for the UDP seeks to ensure that the not be allowed to outweigh the need to conserve the environment as a 14.1.4. Improved energy efficiency should be a key component of all new UNITARY area’s requirements for energy and utility services are fully satisfied, while whole. Individual and/or cumulative impacts of developments should also developments and redevelopment schemes in the County Borough. DEVELOPMENT PLAN the potential from local renewable sources is optimised, each consistent be taken into account in the national, regional and local interest. Policy 20 provides the strategic planning context for Part 2 policies which with the need to conserve the environment of the County Borough. address the layout, design, materials and construction of new, and the ADOPTED 14.1.3. Policy 19 provides a strategic planning perspective for development refurbishment or redevelopment of existing, buildings or sites. It will assist PLAN 14.1.2. Telecommunication and utility service developments (including associated with telecommunications and utility services including the County Borough Council to fulfil its statutory duties under the Home energy generation by renewable means) are the subject of specific national renewable energy development. It not only takes into account the Energy Conservation Act 1995, and “A Better Quality of Life” - the National planning guidance. Basically the Government wishes people to have a favourable economic location of the County Borough astride the M4 corridor Sustainable Development Strategy (May 1999). PART 2 greater choice and range of telecommunications services, whilst society’s in South East Wales, but also the physical and environmental capacity of WRITTEN need for energy should also be satisfied. Each aspiration should, however, the area to accommodate development, the intervisibility of development STATEMENT be consistent with the aims of sustainable development. This means that (especially proposals for the exploitation of renewable energy) in the sub- economic considerations, logistical interests, and matters related to the region, the need to avoid flood risks, and the hierarchical importance of technology of the service and/or the location of the energy resource, should the location of proposals in planning and environmental terms.
PART 2
14.2. INTRODUCTION 14.2.1. The concept of sustainable development emphasises that distributors and providers, to the consumer. All of the Regulators have 14.3.3. In preparing its UDP, the Council acknowledges that its actions protection of the environment, and the conservation of the natural resources regional control over their respective services. can influence investment and development activity not only through proposed of our planet, must be balanced against the need for development. land-use change, but also by the provision of infrastructure for energy and 14.2.6. In addition, following the Environment Act 1995, the Environment utilities. Similarly, the Plan must be influenced significantly by Central 14.2.2. The Brundtland Report, World Commission on Environment and Agency - Wales (EAW) was established which brought together the Government’s environmental policies and its international commitments Development, Our Common Future (1987) focused on the threat to the responsibilities of the former National Rivers Authority (NRA), Her Majesty’s towards promoting sustainable development. On the 31 July 1996, the security of life and the erosion of the quality of life by human actions. In Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP), Waste Regulation Authorities, and some County Borough Council resolved:- particular, it highlighted the fact that energy and resources were being technical units of the former Welsh Office. It is the function of the EAW to misused, ecosystems altered, and pollutants and wastes released, which monitor the activities of all service providers and developers; to take a That the concept of Sustainable Development be embraced by the Council have undermined the future ability of our planet to support life. To counter proactive approach towards its involvement in the planning process; and and that support be given for the integration of its aims into the Council’s this, by adopting the principle of sustainable development we must accept to see that this as an integral part of its work to protect and enhance the Policies and activities. that to protect the environment, limitations must be placed on certain environment in Wales. aspects of human behaviour. 14.3.4. The Council had previously resolved:-
14.2.3. For development to be sustainable it must therefore respect the 14.3. THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES That approval be granted for the setting up of a Local Agenda 21 Working need to reduce the use of energy and resources (such as water, gas, oil 14.3.1. The publication of the Government White Paper This Common Party and supporting working groups to formulate corporate environmental and other raw materials), reduce the production of wastes (and thereby Inheritance (Cm. 1200) in 1990 was a landmark with respect to the future aims, to produce an Environmental Policy, and to set targets for improved cut the potential for pollution), and to protect the diversity of life. Economic exploitation of the nation’s resources, including energy generation, in environmental performance based on the principles of the Eco- growth need not necessarily be in conflict with environmental aims, but, that it was the first survey of national policies which took an holistic view, Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). rather the aim should be one of coexistence, thereby improving incorporating an overview of environmental issues. A wider assessment of environmental efficiency and developing more ‘environmentally-friendly’ that White Paper and the subsequent development of the published UK 14.3.5. The latter Scheme formally came into operation on 12 April 1995 industrial and social attitudes to the use of resources. Strategies for Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Biodiversity, (WO Circular 9/95 refers) and the County Borough Council endorsed its and Sustainable Forestry following on from the ‘Rio Earth Summit’ in objectives in January 1996. This has significant implications for the 14.2.4. At the national level, the provision of utility services in the UK 1992, have already been considered in the Environment Chapter of the sustainable development of energy resources, and provision of the relevant changed considerably during the 1980’s. All of the main service agencies UDP. This Chapter acknowledges, and extends, the principle of good infrastructure for utilities in the County Borough. - providing water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications - were formerly stewardship of our environment to the exploitation of the County Borough’s administered by public authorities (or ‘statutory undertakers’), which were sources of energy and provision of utility services. largely independent of normal planning control. Since the end of that decade, each of those services is now either the responsibility of, or has 14.3.2. The White Paper introduced two principles which have particular been largely contracted out to, private companies. importance for the formulation of planning policies dealing with Energy and Utilities, notably the ‘precautionary principle’, and the ‘polluter pays’ 14.2.5. There are publicly appointed Regulators for each service industry principle. Welsh Planning Guidance reiterates those principles, advising who must take any reasonable measures to ensure satisfactory service that they should be applied when planning for energy, telecommunications, delivery in the public interest, e.g. the Office of Electricity Regulation and utilities in development plans. 97 (OFFER) oversees the electricity industry from its generators, through its Chapter 14 ENERGY & UTILITIES
14.4. ENERGY PROVISION 14.5. ENERGY CONSERVATION 14.4.1. The Energy White Paper - Energy Sources for Power Generation 14.4.4. The Government’s Consultation Paper - New & Renewable Energy: UNITARY (October 1998) sets out the Government’s key aims for energy which are Prospects for the 21st Century (March 1999) confirms that renewables 14.5.1. THE EFFICIENT USE OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PLAN to ensure secure, diverse and sustainable supplies of energy at competitive are not only important in generating jobs and developing future industries, POLICY U1 prices, but within a strong policy context which is also flexible enough to but will also play a crucial role in enabling the UK to meet its environmental ADOPTED respond to changing national needs and international obligations for a targets of reducing greenhouse gases by 12.5% by 2008-2012, and DEVELOPMENT WHICH ENCOURAGES THE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF PLAN cost-effective climate change programme. In this respect, the Department reducing its emissions of Carbon Dioxide by 20% by 2010. In addition, ENERGY AND/OR WHICH CONSERVES ITS SUPPLY WILL BE FAVOURED. of Trade & Industry (DTI) has primary responsibility for energy policy, reforms are continuing with a view to improving the operation of energy PART 2 licensing of new generating capacity, and control of supplies within the markets and to enable renewables to compete more effectively in the PART 2 UK, under the provisions of the Energy Act 1976. market-place, e.g. by the development of ‘green electricity’ options for 14.5.2. The performance of the local construction industry towards energy WRITTEN customers, and the promotion of ‘environmental credit vouchers’ to conservation by promoting integrated energy efficiency and management STATEMENT 14.4.2. In view of their nature, fossil fuels will inevitably run out. consumers of energy. through innovative design, layout and materials in new developments (as Consequently, the exploitation of new and renewable energies will become advocated by Policy EV45 will be appraised and audited under the increasingly important as energy sources for the new millennium. National 14.4.5. These national policies have been taken on board by the South Council’s LA21 Strategy through its Eco-Management and Audit Scheme energy policy is therefore .....to stimulate the exploitation and development East Wales Strategic Planning Group in preparing Strategic Planning (EMAS). The realisation of a site’s renewable energy generation potential of renewable energy sources wherever they have a prospect of being Guidance for the preparation of UDPs in South East Wales. The Guidance and/or through mutual economy with the development of other sites, economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. Renewable energy investigated the current problems evident in the supply and demand for development proposals which encourage or support urban regeneration sources are defined as:- energy in the sub-region and has identified five key issues to be addressed and consequently reduce the need to travel by private car to sites on the by its constituent authorities:- edge of built-up areas, can all potentially contribute to more sustainable .....those which are continuously and sustainably available in our forms of development, and will therefore generally be supported by the environment. 1 To reduce the need for energy by encouraging improved efficiencies Council subject to those proposals satisfying the other aims, objectives in its local use; and policies of the UDP. Renewable Energy sources therefore include: the wind, waste combustion (including anaerobic digestion and landfill gas production), active solar 2 To achieve self-sufficiency in supply of energy in the short term by systems, energy crops and wood fuel (or biomass), and water (including supporting the development of new generating capacity, while resisting 14.6. RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES hydro-power, wave, and tidal generation). the loss of existing generating capacity which can be sustainably 14.6.1. The UDP takes into account the fact that many renewable energy and economically up-graded; resources may only be exploited where they occur, and in this respect, 14.4.3. The Government has set a key priority for renewable energy the County Borough has potential for resources to be developed both on sources to provide 10% of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible or 3 To support the NAW in its future efforts to set realistic ‘target needs’ land, and off-shore. Although those potential renewable energy resources by 2010 (which entails providing for 5% of national electricity needs by for energy in Wales (in general), and SE Wales (in particular) and range across most of the generation options already stated (para.14.4.2), 2003 compared with the current figure of 2% in 1999). However the aim those urgent changes needed to current planning guidance; nevertheless, with a very few exceptions, such as local waste to energy does not stop there, rather it is seen as an initial step towards the longer projects, only the exploitation of land-based wind power has stimulated 4 To support growth in the local exploitation of renewables, as a term objective which envisages renewables generating power to heat and substantive commercial interest to date. The potential off-shore wind component of a future sustainable energy strategy for South Wales; transport homes, industry and commerce for centuries to come. resource to the County Borough has also been acknowledged in public and forums, and is currently the subject of more intensive commercial scrutiny. 5 To assist the sub-region in becoming a net exporter of energy in the 14.6.2. The Council encourages the renewables industry and potential longer term by encouraging the development of its renewable energy Bristol Channel - Porthcawl developers to seek its early views on the likely future uptake of renewable potential subject to the appropriate environmental safeguards being energy resources in the County Borough. The sharing of knowledge with applied to future locations. neighbouring authorities is similarly valuable and will continue to be pursued, as the economics of pursuing a particular renewable source in one area might be overcome by co-operation in order to realise its potential 14.4.6. The above national policies and key strategic issues have been elsewhere. With respect to sources such as wind and water, the location taken into account by the Council in the preparation of the following Policies of development will generally be fairly fixed, however, other renewable of the UDP. It therefore recognises the need for renewable energy to be resources may enjoy greater locational flexibility, whilst retaining identifiable locally exploited where environmentally acceptable, and acknowledges requirements such as proximity to, or good connections with the area the contribution such development can make to meeting the future demand which is to be served. The proximity of suitable connections to the national for energy at local, regional and national levels. electricity grid however, will continue to be a key factor in the future location of new development which will exploit renewable energy sources. 98 Chapter ENERGY & UTILITIES 14
mean wind speeds are to be found, but off-shore locations are also being Windfarm near Pencoed 14.6.5. DETAILED CONSIDERATIONS TO BE ASSESSED currently explored. Consequently, it is expected that such locations will IN EXPLOITING WIND ENERGY continue to be sought by developers for this type of development in the UNITARY POLICY U3 DEVELOPMENT County Borough, its neighbouring authorities and off-shore. PLAN
PROPOSALS FOR WIND TURBINES AND WIND FARMS WHICH DO NOT 14.6.8. Whereas the Council exercises its planning powers over the CONFLICT WITH POLICY U2 WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT: ADOPTED location of land-based renewable energy developments (including wind PLAN 1 THEY WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, turbines), decisions on any future off-shore renewable proposals, i.e. INCLUDING ANY BIODIVERSITY INTERESTS, TAKING ACCOUNT OF beyond mean high water mark, will fall within the purview of other PART 2 ANY AVAILABLE MITIGATION MEASURES; Government Departments and Crown Agencies, but they must take into PART 2 account the policies and views of the Council. Notwithstanding this, the WRITTEN 2 THE AVAILABILITY OF IDENTIFIED MINERAL RESOURCES OR RESERVES Council retains powers over land-based ancillary structures which will be STATEMENT WILL NOT BE STERILISED; needed for connections to be made to the terrestrial electricity grid, and it will therefore be necessary for such proposals to be carefully considered 3 APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE in the context of the UDP’s policies - especially as they will be situated in SATISFACTORY PRESERVATION AND/OR RECORDING OF FEATURES the defined Coastal Zone and its setting. OF LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST; 14.6.9. The Council considers that, wind turbine developments should be 4 THEY CAN BE SAFELY ACCESSED TO PERMIT REGULAR MAINTENANCE assessed with regard to their effects on residential amenity, and any WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT OR THE PUBLIC electromagnetic disturbances which they may cause e.g. upon the RIGHTS OF WAY NETWORK; 14.6.3. EXPLOITING WIND ENERGY IN PRINCIPLE communications of the emergency services. This is also important with respect to any future off-shore installations, where electromagnetic effects 5 POLICY U2 THEY WILL NOT DETRIMENTALLY AFFECT LOCAL AMENITY BY REASON must not be allowed to endanger public safety in the form of marine and OF NOISE EMISSION, VISUAL DOMINANCE, SHADOW FLICKER, air navigation. Similarly, location will be a material factor. The Council, in PROPOSALS FOR WIND TURBINES AND WIND FARMS WILL BE REFLECTED LIGHT, THE EMISSION OF SMOKE, FUMES, HARMFUL GASES, DUST, NOR OTHERWISE CAUSE POLLUTION TO THE LOCAL taking its decisions, will balance the fact that these developments need ENCOURAGED IN THE INTERESTS OF PROTECTING VALUABLE ENERGY open, exposed locations with high wind speeds against the need to protect SOURCES AND LIMITING EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES. ENVIRONMENT; the sensitive landscape areas where these criteria are often fulfilled. The DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED IF:- 6 THEY WILL NOT LEAD TO ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE TO criteria contained in both Policies U2 and U3 reflect this rationale. 1 THE SITE DOES NOT LIE WITHIN THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; EXISTING TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING SYSTEMS (WHICH INCLUDES NAVIGATION AND EMERGENCY SERVICES), THEREBY 14.6.10. The form and pattern of the landscape of the County Borough is 2 BY VIRTUE OF ITS SIZE, DESIGN AND SITING, THE DEVELOPMENT PREJUDICING PUBLIC SAFETY; AND such that it is relatively urbanised, and no part of its countryside lies WOULD NOT BE VISUALLY INTRUSIVE IN A DESIGNATED SPECIAL more than 4-5 miles from a main urban settlement. Therefore most ‘upland’ 7 PROPER PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE (IF NECESSARY, BY LANDSCAPE AREA, OR A DESIGNATED HISTORIC LANDSCAPE, PARK THE CONCLUSION OF APPROPRIATE PLANNING OBLIGATIONS/ wind farm proposals are likely to be visible from a settlement(s). All such OR GARDEN; AGREEMENTS WITH THE COUNCIL), FOR THE REMOVAL OF ALL proposals are to be the subject of an EIA. When determining proposals 3 BY VIRTUE OF ITS SIZE, DESIGN AND SITING, THE DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE FROM, AND REINSTATEMENT OF THE SITE, under Policies U2 and U3 of the UDP, the Council will also continue to be WOULD NOT BE HARMFUL TO THE SETTING OF A LISTED BUILDING FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF THE USE. guided by the South Wales Renewable Energy Study and will apply it as OR THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF A CONSERVATION AREA; Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG).
4 THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT BE DEMONSTRABLY HARMFUL 14.6.6. Policies U2 and U3 recognise the national need for the generation TO THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST OF THE KENFIG cSAC OR A Main Electricity Grid near Heol-y-Cyw SSSI; of renewable energy, and the contribution which the County Borough’s resources can make to meeting local, regional and national demands. In THE CUMULATIVE, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL, IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT this sense, provided that a proposed development has satisfied Policy PROPOSALS ON SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS WILL BE ASSESSED. U2, it should then be assessed upon its merits, against the detailed criteria contained in Policy U3. All forms of development associated with the exploitation of wind energy and their ancillary facilities are subject to 14.6.4. The County Borough contains landscapes, areas, sites, parks, scrutiny under the above, and any other relevant Policies contained in the gardens, and buildings of national and international importance for their UDP. In view of the presence of physical conditions and wind speeds intrinsic qualities (including their undeveloped character, landscape, nature favourable to its exploitation, the Council expects that wind power will conservation, archaeological, scientific, architectural and historic continue to be the renewable resource most likely to be favoured and significance). It also shares a coastline on the Bristol Channel and an pursued locally. attractive seascape with adjoining authorities in Wales, and off-shore areas of South West England. Therefore, in accordance with the precautionary 14.6.7. Wind turbines can differ in appearance and height and can be principle, the Council will seek to protect the above areas from all intrusive sited individually, or collectively as ‘wind farms’. Until recently, land-based or harmful development, which will have an adverse impact on those locations on uplands, the coast, and particularly exposed locations have interests detailed in the criteria contained in Policy U2. been favoured by the industry, i.e. where the highest and most consistent 99 Chapter 14 ENERGY & UTILITIES
14.7. GAS SERVICES, ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES AND OTHER UTILITIES UNITARY 14.7.1. Nationally, the provision of gas services and electricity supplies DEVELOPMENT damage and disturbance to the environment, especially where this would 14.7.7. HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES PLAN are no longer mutually exclusive industries, as the private companies lead to important environmental conflicts being resolved. The Council AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT which supply those utilities are now able to commercially compete for acknowledges, however that owing to the cost, technical and maintenance ADOPTED domestic and industrial consumers of their products. There has been a difficulties associated with environmental disturbance, it would be unusual POLICY U5 PLAN “dash for gas” in recent years to fuel the burgeoning demand for electricity for major power lines to be placed underground except in exceptional which was previously generated mainly by the other ‘fossil fuels’ of oil and circumstances, e.g. in Conservation Areas, where services and lines A DEVELOPMENT OF NEW UNDERGROUND OR OVERHEAD HIGH coal, and to a lesser degree by nuclear power and renewables. Households should always be placed underground wherever practicable in the interests VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES (OF 275 kV AND ABOVE AND THEIR PART 2 RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE) WHICH HAS REGARD TO:- PART 2 in the County Borough already have a selection of private gas and electricity of conserving the built heritage. Measures should also be taken wherever WRITTEN suppliers from whom they can choose their services, and this choice is feasible to rationalise service provision and reduce its visual impact. 1) THE AMENITY OF THE OCCUPIERS OF RESIDENTIAL PREMISES; AND STATEMENT likely to widen over the next few years. However, the different companies Effective services to new developments should be ensured by means of will share existing and proposed infrastructure to distribute their products/ an orderly and co-ordinated programme of provision in order to minimise 2) THE NEED TO MITIGATE ANY VISUAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED services to residents of the County Borough. In the case of gas services, any further environmental disturbances. TRANSMISSION LINES (INCLUDING THEIR TOWERS AND the pipeline network is provided and maintained by Transco plc, whereas INFRASTRUCTURE); electricity is transmitted by The National Grid Company plc, and is 14.7.5. The ‘service companies’ themselves also have statutory duties to WILL BE FAVOURED. distributed by Infralec (formely SWALEC) which is part of the Hyder Group. have regard to features of the environment, and to mitigate any effects of their proposals. The President of the Board of Trade is required to examine B DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN THE VICINITY OF EXISTING how far the utility companies have complied with those duties in considering UNDERGROUND OR OVERHEAD HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION 14.7.2. UTILITY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT proposals. Such compliance can normally only be achieved by careful LINES (OF 275 kV AND ABOVE) WHICH HAVE REGARD TO:- AND THE ENVIRONMENT routing of lines to minimise their impact on the environment. 1) THE AMENITY OF FUTURE OCCUPIERS OF NEARBY RESIDENTIAL POLICY U4 PREMISES; 14.7.6. The Council is also a consultee on new high pressure gas lines, DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF NEW, OR FOR THE which, after they have been laid, become notifiable for the purpose of any 2) ANY RELEVANT ELECTRICITY COMPANIES’ REQUIREMENTS REINFORCEMENT OF EXISTING GAS SERVICES, ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES future developments. There is a clear need to ensure that adequate FOR ACCESS TO THEIR LINES; AND ANY OTHER UTILITY SERVICES, WHICH DO NOT HAVE AN restoration and replacement of habitats etc. takes place to remediate the 3) ANY STATUTORY SAFETY CLEARANCE THAT MUST BE ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH effects of the provision of such underground services which can have an MAINTAINED BETWEEN, FOR EXAMPLE, OVERHEAD LINES (AND/ WILL BE FAVOURED. environmental impact over a much wider area. In addition, the provision of OR THEIR TRANSMISSION TOWERS) AND THE GROUND, ROADS, duplicate or back up facilities in the strategic networks can be an important TREES, AND OTHER PERMANENT STRUCTURES ON WHICH PEOPLE MAY STAND; AND WHICH INCORPORATE 14.7.3. The provision of major strategic overground and underground utility consideration in ensuring continuity of supply. However, as this may also service networks is not directly within the control of the Council as the result in further visual intrusion, unnecessary additional provision should 4) THE NEED TO MITIGATE ANY VISUAL IMPACTS OF EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINES (INCLUDING THEIR TOWERS AND ‘service companies’ are ‘statutory undertakers’ under the Town & Country be avoided and networks rationalised, when feasible, to minimise any ongoing environmental disturbance. INFRASTRUCTURE) THROUGH THE CAREFUL USE OF LANDSCAPING Planning (GPD) Order 1995. The Council, however, is a statutory consultee AND DESIGN WITHIN THEIR OVERALL LAYOUT; on a wide range of proposed developments by the ‘Gas Suppliers and Electricity Undertakers’ who also have a statutory duty to have regard to WILL BE FAVOURED.
features of the environment, and to mitigate any effects of their proposals. Penybont Sewage Treatment Works, Policies U4 and U5 will therefore guide the Council’s response on such Merthyr Mawr Warren consultations and those of any other providers of utility services e.g. cable 14.7.8. Bridgend CBC is a statutory consultee (‘relevant planning operators. Similarly, all service companies are expected to fully consult authority’) on applications for new overhead high voltage power lines and the Council prior to commencing their statutory operations, e.g. the its necessary infrastructure. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry excavation of new services and lines, as a matter of Good Practice and in considers these applications, any observations made by the Council and order that the local planning authority can properly advise the companies others, and determines them under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. concerned of any environmental constraints which may be present within, As with other development, any such proposals coming before the Council or be affected in the vicinity of the ‘operational land’ concerned. will be considered with due regard to all relevant policies contained within the UDP and to any other material planning considerations. However, it 14.7.4. In applying Policy U4, the Council will expect the ‘service should be noted that the Council will be particularly concerned to protect companies’ to route all above-ground service lines in a manner which will those areas of the greatest landscape and/or nature, urban or historic minimise damage or disturbance to the environment, and reduce any conservation importance (as identified within the relevant policies of the potential sterilisation of identified mineral reserves or resources to an UDP), and it will in all cases seek to achieve sustainable solutions to acceptable level. Where economically and technically feasible, and, where such utility service provision. However, proposals for other development, desirable on environmental grounds, services should be placed which fall to the Council as LPA to determine, in the vicinity of existing underground, and adequate restoration measures taken to minimise underground or overhead high voltage transmission lines (of 275kV and above), will similarly be expected to comply with the relevant electricity companies’ requirements for access to their lines and infrastructure, and 100 to fully meet any statutory safety clearances which may be applicable and in force, otherwise they will not be permitted. Chapter ENERGY & UTILITIES 14
14.9. SEWERAGE FACILITIES AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL 14.7.9. High voltage overhead transmission lines (275kV and above), supplement current supplies without detrimental environmental impact 14.9.1. Domestic and industrial sewage disposal in the County Borough their carrying towers and other infrastructure can have a dominant visual i.e. that water resources should be sustainably managed in order that takes place at the main sewage treatment works (STWs) upstream from UNITARY DEVELOPMENT impact on the landscape. However, the careful design, layout, and future changes in climate and resultant changes for water demand can be the River Ogmore estuary (the Penybont STW), and in the Llynfi Valley PLAN landscaping of new development could mitigate such effects. The Council met in the urban areas of Wales. Therefore:- (at the Lletty Brongu STW). recognises that some concern has been raised over the perceived health ADOPTED risks associated with overhead power lines (or Electro-Magnetic Fields), 14.8.5. WATER SUPPLY DEMAND AND DEVELOPMENT 14.9.2. There remains substantial capacity for further input into the PLAN and it will have particular regard to any relevant advice of the National Penybont STW even after the connected improvements and Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and/or any competent UK/EU Public POLICY U6 reinforcements, which have been carried out during the last 15 years to PART 2 Agency (which may be advised in any future Planning Regulations and the strategic sewerage facility network (at Porthcawl, Pencoed and Kenfig PART 2 national guidance), when it considers any new underground or overhead DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD RESULT IN DEMAND FOR WATER THAT Hill/Pyle), have been incorporated. WRITTEN CANNOT BE MET WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO EXISTING USERS, AND/ HVP lines of 275kV and above. Where it is not technically feasible and/or STATEMENT OR WHICH WOULD CONFLICT WITH POLICY EV17, WILL NOT BE prohibitively expensive for power lines to be diverted or placed underground, PERMITTED. 14.9.3. Improvements are also underway in the Llynfi Valley sewerage careful layout, design and landscaping of proposed development co- and water catchment area where the Lletty Brongu STW (which has a ordinated with appropriate building orientation should be used to minimise close relationship with the nearby ‘Fort James’ Paper Mills) is to be up- any adverse impact of towers and cables. All proposals for development 14.8.6. As in the remainder of Wales, land-use and water resources are graded, and a number of schemes (which include the upgrading and will be expected to comply with the relevant electricity companies’ closely linked in the County Borough. Development in rural areas and its replacement of sewers in places, and the construction of new combined requirements and to fully meet any statutory safety clearances which economy require local water supplies to be available, however land storm water overflow structures, storage tanks etc. at locations progressing may be applicable and in force. drainage, urbanisation and afforestation can all have a significant impact down the valley from Caerau in the north) is already underway. The former on the flow of rivers, ultimately affecting reservoir catchments and Marlas STW at Pyle was abandoned in 1992, and foul sewage from that groundwater sources. Similarly, any increases in levels of water abstraction area is now dealt with at the new Afan Waste Water Treatment Works 14.8. WATER SUPPLIES can have a direct impact on biodiversity and the natural environment. It is and associated outfall in the neighbouring Neath/Port Talbot County 14.8.1. Following the privatisation of the water industry, the management the duty of the EAW to balance these needs by means of their licensing Borough. of water supplies and sewerage services in the County Borough are now regimes, and water efficiency is seen as an essential element in achieving the responsibility of Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru, (WW) now owned by Glas that aim. The EAW are therefore seeking to promote water efficiency by Cymru a new ‘not for profit’ organisation. The Council continues to act in both urban and rural users, in order that they abstract only the quantities 14.9.4. SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND DEVELOPMENT its capacity as an agency of the company, and with respect to its delegated of water which they ‘really do need’. POLICY U8 responsibilities from the Environment Agency - Wales (EAW). 14.8.7. Housing and industry will remain the major urban consumers of DEVELOPMENT WHICH CANNOT BE ECONOMICALLY AND ADEQUATELY 14.8.2. Strategic water supplies to the County Borough are provided by water supplies, therefore the Council will continue to direct new SERVED BY EXISTING, OR PROPOSED MAINS SEWERAGE AND/OR means of a trunk main which abstracts from the Llyn Brianne Reservoir development in the UDP primarily to the existing urban areas of the County TEMPORARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. which is situated in the Afon Tywi catchment in West Wales. However, Borough, where the strategic network can provide the most efficient this is supplemented from local groundwater sources and rivers especially economies of distribution and supply. for industrial purposes. The licensing and subsequent enforcement of water 14.9.5. In order to protect the environment and local amenities from abstractions from surface and groundwater sources is the responsibility 14.8.8. ENHANCING WATER SUPPLIES potential pollution and detrimental impact, the Council considers that all of the EAW. The latter also have a duty to secure the proper use of water new development should seek locations which utilise existing and proposed resources, including assessing the need for related developments and POLICY U7 sewerage infrastructure provision where there is sufficient spare capacity ensuring that the most appropriate schemes are licensed. The EAW may in the system to accommodate its needs. Proposed development at sites, also enter into, and maintain operating arrangements with WW, and collate DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL REINFORCE STRATEGIC OR LOCAL WATER or in areas, where neither mains services nor temporary sewage disposal SUPPLIES WITHOUT HAVING A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON THE and publish information from which assessments of actual and prospective facilities can be economically and adequately provided, will not therefore ENVIRONMENT WILL BE FAVOURED. demands for water and available resources are co-ordinated. ‘Droughts’ be favoured. Policy U8 will particularly apply to housing proposals in rural are managed using a system of ‘Drought Permits, Drought Orders and areas (except those which have been proved to be necessary for agricultural Environmental Drought Orders’ which are designed to optimise water supply 14.8.9. In rural areas of the County Borough, the agricultural industry is or forestry purposes) in rural areas where problems of permanent at times of shortage, while protecting the water environment. the main user of water, and permitted development rights extend to connection to the mains sewerage network of the County Borough may ‘structures and excavations which are reasonably necessary for the not be economical, or would present long term pressures on public 14.8.3. The functions of the EAW with respect to protecting the water purposes of agriculture, within an agricultural unit of 5ha. or more’. A resources. environment, minimising flood risk and ensuring water quality are addressed reservoir for irrigating farmland would generally be regarded as reasonably in the Environment Chapter (Sections 3.8 and 3.10 refer) which also necessary for this purpose, however, the classification of an on-farm contains appropriate planning policies (Policies EV16 and 17 refer). reservoir as an ‘excavation’ or a ‘building, structure or works’ would reflect the physical form of the development. Where a planning application is 14.8.4. In general terms, it is the view of the EAW and WW that the required for the construction of an on-farm reservoir the Council will therefore planned overall growth in demand for water in the County Borough should generally favour it, provided that it will not adversely affect interests of not be so great as to lead to any future shortages in supplies. However it acknowledged environmental importance, that the necessary safeguards is important that any further new development continues to be encouraged are observed throughout its construction, and it is appropriately landscaped to seek locations which maximise existing provision and/or which to maintain local visual amenity. 101 Chapter 14 ENERGY & UTILITIES
14.10. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES 14.10.1. It is the Government’s policy that people should have access to Werfa Telecommunication Mast, 14.10.6. CONSTRAINTS ON THE LOCATION OF UNITARY a greater choice of provider and range of telecommunications services, DEVELOPMENT Mynydd Llangeinwr TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENTS PLAN provided that the environmental impact of that industry’s infrastructure is minimised. The latter can be achieved through mast and site sharing, POLICY U10 ADOPTED sensitive design, location, and securing sites for shared use by operators. PLAN Pre-development discussions with the local planning authority, reference BEARING IN MIND THE TECHNICAL AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Code of Best Practice on Mobile THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY, PROPOSALS FOR NEW PART 2 Phone Network Development (2003), and consideration of land-use TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES SHOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT:- PART 2 planning and electromagnetic field data will also assist in achieving these 1 THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST; WRITTEN aims. STATEMENT 2 THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST OF THE KENFIG cSAC; 14.10.2. The Council acknowledges that up-to-date telecommunications facilities are increasingly important to the well-being of local services and 3 THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST OF SSSIs; the economy of the County Borough; and due to advances in technology may reduce the need for physical journeys. Therefore, it will continue to 4 THE CHARACTER, APPEARANCE OR SETTING OF CONSERVATION facilitate the growth of new and existing telecommunications systems AREAS, ANCIENT MONUMENTS OR LISTED BUILDINGS. through its planning policies, which assess the provision of suitable sites for proposed installations, having had regard to the technical and operational considerations of the industry, while taking into full account any intrusion or impact of development upon the environmental amenity 14.10.4. The installation of many telecommunications systems is covered of neighbouring areas. by permitted development rights, which may be subject to the Council’s prior approval of details of siting and appearance. Nevertheless, it will expect all new developments for telecommunications purposes to be sited 14.10.3. DEVELOPMENT FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS and designed, subject to technical and legal limitations, in a manner PURPOSES IN PRINCIPLE which will retain the environmental quality, character and appearance of POLICY U9 the landscape or townscape in which they are proposed, and without detrimental impact or harm locally to the environment either during DEVELOPMENT FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS PURPOSES WILL BE construction or in the post-development/maintenance periods. Similarly, PERMITTED ONLY WHERE:- proposals should not diminish the visual amenity of those areas when they are viewed from elsewhere. 1 SUBJECT TO TECHNICAL AND LEGAL LIMITATIONS, ITS SITING AND DESIGN WOULD MINIMISE ANY HARM TO THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE TOWNSCAPE OR LANDSCAPE OF THE 14.10.5. Telecommunications operators are encouraged to investigate SURROUNDING AREA OR TO VIEWS FROM ELSEWHERE; all options to share existing facilities and sites in order that visual intrusion into the natural and built environment is minimised. Notwithstanding this, 2 ALL PRACTICABLE POSSIBILITIES OF SHARING EXISTING FACILITIES proposals for shared facilities whose cumulative impact on existing (INCLUDING MASTS) AND SITES HAVE BEEN FULLY EXPLORED AND buildings or structures would create visually obtrusive features will be DEMONSTRATED TO BE UNSUITABLE; firmly resisted by the Council. Conversely, masts, dishes and antennae which blend in with their backgrounds, and/or which are sited as far as 3 WHERE NECESSARY, IT CAN BE ADEQUATELY LANDSCAPED AND/ practicable to minimise their impact on the amenity and external OR SCREENED; AND appearance of buildings will be encouraged. Sensitive landscaping or 4 IN THE CASE OF TV/RADIO MASTS AND SATELLITE DISHES, THERE screening of infrastructure (which may incorporate innovative designs in ARE NO ACCEPTABLE OPTIONS FOR ERECTING ANTENNAE ONTO keeping with their localities) will also be favourably considered. The Council EXISTING BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES OR SITES. is compiling a list of sites in the County Borough which are currently occupied by telecommunications’ facilities. The National Land Use database also contains similar information.
102 Chapter REGENERATION 15
15.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 15.1.1. A Regeneration Strategy provides a mechanism whereby the public support through a process of participation and community confidence; the attraction of new investment; the redefinition of an UNITARY policies and proposals of the UDP can be implemented in a involvement. area’s image; and the revival of public interest and pride in the locality. DEVELOPMENT PLAN comprehensive and focused way in a defined location. Often, it is most effectively promoted through a partnership of public sector and 15.1.2. In this respect, a Regeneration Strategy can have a long lead- 15.1.3. It can, however, be easily compromised by inappropriate ADOPTED private/commercial interests, with a significant amount of financial and in time and implementation period. It will deal with such matters as development which runs counter to, or destroys future options for, resource investment by all parties based on agreed funding improvements to the physical and cultural environment; community planned developments. Policy 21 is designed to prevent this. PLAN programmes. A Regeneration Strategy will also have received general development; the building-up, and longer term maintenance, of business PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT PART 2
15.2. INTRODUCTION 15.2.1. Regeneration is concerned with both urban and rural areas 15.2.5. Key objectives include:- and can be defined as a process of investing in an area where there is, or has been, an identified decline to improve and enhance the physical, STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE EXTERNAL CO-ORDINATION economic and social fabric. Investment in transport, employment, 15.2.6. It is vital that the Council maintains a strategic framework for 15.2.8. Successful regeneration requires a suite of investments that housing, retailing, tourism and the environment can all lead to the regeneration within which individual area-focused and thematic no single agency or sector can provide. In order to tackle the range of regeneration of an area. Regeneration therefore also falls to be programmes can be pursued. Any strategic framework should seek problems and to bring sufficient resources to the table, the County considered under the various landuse topics of the UDP which impact to:- Borough Council will work in partnership with other agencies. This will on it. In addition, investment in employment and educational skills and involve:- human resources can also lead to the regeneration of an area. Promote a holistic approach to regeneration addressing the broad range of economic, social and environmental issues facing local The identification of the Council’s “strategic” partners; 15.2.2. Regeneration is often most effectively promoted through a communities; partnership of public sector and private/commercial interests, with a The development of a partnership approach; Identify strategic objectives and priorities; significant amount of financial and resource investment by all parties The involvement of developers, investors, landowners and the based on agreed funding programmes. In this respect, capital Integrate other key Council strategies and plans (including the voluntary sector in regeneration strategies; investment programming is the budgeting tool used to schedule the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy, the Education construction and financing of regeneration works, although it must be Strategy, Children’s Services Plan, the Social Care Plan, the Housing Co-ordination with neighbouring Councils. borne in mind that the availability of such finance is often heavily Strategy & Operational Plan and Crime Reduction Strategy); dependent upon grant aid from European and national sources. Build on existing regeneration activities; COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 15.2.3. The establishment of a strategic partnership between public, 15.2.9. Community involvement is increasingly being recognised as a Take account of the changing demands and requirements of external private and voluntary agencies is again often the key to the realization key ingredient in successful regeneration. This involves:- funding programmes; of area based regeneration initiatives. Community participation and involvement in the planning and regeneration of an area is important Establish agreed action plans matched to resources and with clear Establishing what is meant by ‘community involvement’ in different for initiatives to engender public acceptance. timescales for implementation and review. contexts;
15.2.4. Finally, physical regeneration involving the reuse of previously Identifying who represents the community; INTERNAL CO-ORDINATION developed land is viewed by the government as a key objective in Involving disadvantaged/excluded groups; creating a more sustainable pattern of development. The government 15.2.7. The County Borough Council will organise and co-ordinate supports the concentration of development for uses which generate a regeneration activities internally across its Directorates and traditional Sustaining long-term involvement by the local community; large number of trips in locations supported by good public transport service areas by:- facilities, for example in town centres. The overall preference is for the Reconciling the community’s and Council’s agenda; development of land within urban areas, especially on previously Targeting of finite resources, including staff time, on strategic Identifying the time and resource demands on the Council in seeking developed ‘brownfield’ sites, before considering the development of priorities, particularly in relation to geographic areas; to involve local communities actively in regeneration initiatives. greenfield sites. Managing the level of resources, range of expertise and time required to maintain a high level of activity on regeneration initiatives; Controlling budgets to facilitate inter-directorate working and to ‘draw down’ external funding. 103 Chapter 15 REGENERATION
15.3. REGENERATION STRATEGIES 15.5. BRIDGEND M4 CORRIDOR STRATEGY 15.7. GARW VALLEY REGENERATION STRATEGY IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH 15.5.1. In May 1996 Planning and Development Consultants EDAW 15.7.1. Here the strategy is firmly based on the implementation of major UNITARY 15.3.1. For Bridgend County Borough a number of strategies have produced an economic development strategy for the M4 corridor area. and minor schemes aimed at steadily enhancing the environment. DEVELOPMENT PLAN been drawn up with the aim of regenerating specific areas. This is It covers an area stretching from Pencoed in the east along the M4 seen as an essential element in improving the quality of life by enhancing corridor and ending at Pyle/Cornelly in the west. The study focuses on 15.7.2. The major planks of the strategy are:- ADOPTED the overall attractiveness of the Borough as a place in which to live, the industrial sector and associated projects and programmes. The PLAN work, shop and relax in the security of one’s chosen environment. strategy is based on a wide range of programmes covering:- Completion of the Garw Valley reclamation scheme - this major land reclamation scheme which is WDA funded with an estimated Industrial sites and estates; PART 2 cost of 14 million pounds. Its purpose is to completely restore the PART 2 15.4. BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE Business development and training; valley and mountainside; WRITTEN REGENERATION STRATEGY Tourism; and the Implementation of the Garw Valley Green Strategy - a strategy for STATEMENT 15.4.1. In 1995, in response to the opportunities afforded by an Bridgend town centre and neighbourhood centres. environmental improvements in the Garw Valley which involves the improved highway network and to concerns that the town centre was identification of projects that will enhance and green the valley not achieving its full potential, Ogwr Borough Council and Mid environment; Glamorgan County Council commissioned Ove Arup and Partners to 15.5.2. The strategy makes recommendations and identifies projects carry out a comprehensive review of its economic and regeneration for implementation between 1996-2006 with key partners in the private, Implementation of the Betws Green strategy - environmental potential. public and voluntary sectors. Realizing the potential of the M4 corridor improvements initiative specifically directed at Betws Village; areas depends upon ensuring that an appropriate implementation Promotion of leisure and tourism schemes based on the heritage 15.4.2. The study was inherited by Bridgend County Borough Council programme is in place to manage and coordinate the strategy. Proposed of the Garw Valley, including the introduction of a steam railway by in 1996. The results confirmed that there is potential to promote the initiatives are in the areas of industrial sites and estates, human and the Bridgend Valley Railway Company, with links to Bryngarw regeneration of the town centre. Ove Arup therefore drew up a broad company resources, tourism and improvements to neighbourhood Country Park; regeneration strategy embracing the development of new sites, centres including Pencoed, Aberkenfig, Pyle and Kenfig Hill. proposals for the management of traffic, environmental improvements Extension of commercial improvement area grants for upgrading and a cultural approach. 15.5.3. The recommended initiatives and issues arising out of the of environmental and retail premises. strategy are considered further under the relevant topic chapters, 15.4.3. It was felt that the promotion of the centre requires a coordinated especially industry and employment. 15.7.3. As with other strategies, proposed initiatives with landuse programme of public and private sector investment whose objectives implications are detailed under the relevant topic chapters. are to:- 15.6. PORTHCAWL RESORT REGENERATION STRATEGY Improve the town centre environment; 15.6.1. In July 2003, CDN Planning, in association with Halcrow and Sustain business confidence; Alder King, were appointed by the County Borough Council to prepare a Development Brief for the Porthcawl Regeneration Area, as allocated Attract new investment; by Policy REG3(2) of the UDP. The purpose of the Brief will be to guide and inform the comprehensive development of the whole site and to Redefine the town centre’s image. ensure there is a framework for implementation, within the policy framework as set out in the UDP. The Council intends to adopt the 15.4.4. An implementation and funding plan was produced. The success Brief as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the UDP. The of the regeneration programme requires a partnership approach to objectives of the Brief will be to:- ensure a wide range of funding sources together with co-ordination of Provide detailed guidance on planning and related matters within resources and approach to Town Centre regeneration in Bridgend. This the Porthcawl Regeneration Area; through a Masterplan; is evidenced in the appointment in September 2002 of a Regeneration Projects Officer for Bridgend Town Centre which is a post jointly funded Establish planning and urban design guidelines; and to by BCBC and the Welsh Development Agency. Provide context for developing and determining planning applications in due course. 15.4.5. The proposed development strategy for the town centre comprises the development of strategic sites, Elders Yard, Nolton Street 15.6.2. The Brief will set out the requirement for the Regeneration Bridgend Town Centre Pedestrianisation area, British Telecom site, and Allotment Gardens. Other projects focus Area to be comprehensively developed with a phased approach; on cultural and environmental projects, including the creation of a incorporating Policy R8(5) of the Plan, which allocates land for a pedestrian environment and the management of traffic. The foodstore at Hillsboro Place Car Park; and a housing allocation under development sites and proposed projects are detailed further under Policy H1(58). These are expected to complement the overall aim of the relevant topic chapters particularly retailing, transportation and Policy TM7, to enhance and develop Porthcawl as the County Borough’s regeneration. major tourist resort. 104 15.6.3. The draft Development Brief will undergo extensive public consultation both during and after its preparation, and it is envisaged that it will be adopted by the Council in late 2004. Chapter REGENERATION 15
15.8. LLYNFI VALLEY REGENERATION STRATEGY 15.10. CYNFFIG COMMUNITY ECONOMIC 15.11. MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE 15.8.1. The strategy is mainly targeted at community education, social REGENERATION STRATEGY REGENERATION STRATEGY development and employment initiatives. 15.10.1. The strategy area covers the three neighbourhood 15.11.1. In 2000, Bridgend County Borough Council and the Welsh UNITARY DEVELOPMENT communities of Kenfig Hill, Pyle and Cornelly. The strategy aims to Development Agency commissioned a Town Centre Strategy and Action PLAN 15.8.2. There are 5 strategic themes set up as an agenda for action:- provide a comprehensive response to the complex problems of high Plan for revitalising Maesteg town centre. The URBED report contains unemployment, deprivation and social problems which exist in those a strategy for recovery based on 5 development programmes as follows:- ADOPTED Development of the educational skills base for the valley inhabitants; communities. PLAN 1 High accessibility, including reducing congestion, simplifying Development of local industrial/commercial sites and the 15.10.2. The strategy’s primary objectives are to:- parking and assisting walking and cycling in town and making the PART 2 establishment of partnerships with local industry in line with the most of the rail link to Cardiff and Bridgend; PART 2 Sustainable Economic Development Strategy; Combat social exclusion, particularly amongst disaffected young WRITTEN people; 2 Pride of place, including greening of the streets, designation of a STATEMENT Development of community capacity within local neighbourhoods; conservation area and environmental enhancements which exploit Improve the skills base of the local population, and the the town’s Edwardian character; Development of an action plan to address the social problems of competitiveness of local SMEs; the valley and in particular in respect of disaffected young people; 3 Heart of the town, focusing improvements on key buildings and Create new and sustainable employment opportunities for local people; and including the town hall and market; Development of justifiable pride in housing and the environmental Improve the physical environment of the Village Farm Industrial 4 Business Development; and landscape both urban and rural. Estate. 5 Community Enterprise. 15.8.3. A number of initiatives are proposed, some of which are currently 15.10.3. The strategy provides an integrated response to a defined underway, to progress the strategic themes. Project finance is based local need - training and employment opportunities. It seeks to integrate upon the opportunities available to the area for partnership bidding for a wide range of community initiatives, to provide the foundations for a 15.11.2. Since the publication of the report efforts to resource the Welsh Office and European funding. As the initiatives of the strategy regeneration strategy for the area. physical improvements highlighted in the Strategy have been successful, are mainly of a social nature, issues arising with landuse implications and have led to the appointment of a dedicated Regeneration Project are addressed in the Social and Community Facilities chapter. 15.10.4. It is expected that the strategy will generate economic and Officer for Maesteg Town Centre in 2002. Working in partnership with employment benefits by:- the Welsh Development Agency, the Welsh Assembly Government, Cadw and the Heritage Lottery, the County Borough Council is 15.9. OGMORE VALLEY REGENERATION STRATEGY Establishing local training infrastructures, developing a package of improvement projects which demonstrate an 15.9.1. On 4 June 1997, the Council approved delegated Strategic integrated and holistic approach to the physical regeneration of the Constructing a community enterprise centre, Development Scheme monies to the amount of £10,000 for an Ogmore town. Valley Regeneration Strategy Study. The Authority commissioned Upgrading the Village Farm Industrial Estate to make it an attractive 15.11.3. In 2003 a Public Realm Strategy and Masterplan were produced Groundwork Bridgend to produce a draft study to include the following location for SMEs. issues:- which outline proposals for improvements to streets and spaces throughout the town centre. Implementation of the first phase of public Nature conservation; The strategy brings together key partners and has the support of a realm improvements – the Greening of Commercial Street - is planned wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organizations. to commence in the spring of 2004. A range of financial incentives are Landscape conservation and enhancement; in place to encourage businesses and other town centre occupiers to invest in their properties. Feasibility studies into the potential of key Access and recreation; Garw Reclamation Scheme sites and building groups with a view to securing their sustainable future Economy and land management; are also underway.
Traffic transport issues;
Village centre regeneration; Social issues;
Environmental awareness and education.
15.9.2. A draft structure for the preparation of the study based on community involvement has now been prepared by Groundwork Bridgend. The structure contains a programme for public consultation. A stated objective of the strategy is to direct the actions of the partnership agencies. 105 Chapter 15 REGENERATION
15.12. IMPLEMENTATION 15.12.1. In addition to specific topic related policies, the following are 15.12.7. The above key sites offer opportunities for comprehensive 15.12.4. DEVELOPMENT OUT OF ACCORD UNITARY considered necessary to aid the implementation of proposals, schemes schemes which will enhance the environment and economy of the DEVELOPMENT WITH A REGENERATION STRATEGY PLAN and projects contained in the various regeneration strategies for the County Borough by creating jobs, attracting visitors or providing areas County Borough:- POLICY REG2 for recreation. Some sites may require land assembly and the relocation ADOPTED of existing uses, others will require comprehensive land reclamation. DEVELOPMENT LIKELY TO HAVE AN UNACCEPTABLE OR PLAN 15.12.2. REGENERATION SCHEMES Their potential is best promoted by the preparation of a development DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REGENERATION brief or appropriate highway/planning agreement, which are the most STRATEGY PROGRAMME WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. POLICY REG1 appropriate way of resolving planning issues, such as access, mix of PART 2 uses, urban design, biodiversity or the preservation of historic buildings WRITTEN DEVELOPMENT WHICH ASSISTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 15.12.5. The regeneration strategies form a comprehensive vision for and areas. STATEMENT REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES WILL BE PERMITTED PARTICULARLY WHERE IT WILL RESULT IN:- the future of the areas concerned. Proposals for development or actions which are contrary to the objectives and aims of a strategy, or hinder FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY SITE AND ADJACENT LAND 1 THE RE-USE AND REHABILITATION OF VACANT, UNDERUSED the implementation of a programme will be resisted. Examples of 15.12.8. This site is located immediately to the north-east of the AND DERELICT ‘BROWNFIELD’ LAND AND BUILDINGS; unacceptable proposals are development which results in increased Maesteg town centre. The western and southern boundaries of the traffic congestion, out- of-town proposals which could undermine town site are defined by the former mineral railway line but the northern and 2 IMPROVEMENT TO THE QUALITY OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT, centre vitality and viability, poor quality design of schemes or buildings. eastern boundaries are not defined by any physical features as the PARTICULARLY THE VITALITY, VIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS land in general is open reclaimed land, including the former Maesteg OF BRIDGEND, PORTHCAWL AND MAESTEG TOWN CENTRES; The cumulative impact of small-scale new development and changes of use will also be monitored to ensure that there are no longer term Washery site. At present only a small part of the total site area is in active use. A small recreational playing field is located in the south- 3 IMPROVEMENT TO THE PROVISION OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, detrimental effects. It may be necessary to resist even these LEISURE AND TOURISM FACILITIES; developments if there is a likely risk to a strategy. western corner of the site which immediately abuts a coal distribution depot. Much of the site consists of reclaimed tips together with open 4 A MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF THE EXISTING moorland. HIGHWAY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORKS. 15.12.6. KEY REGENERATION AND MIXED USE SITES 15.12.9. In order to carry out the satisfactory reclamation of the site, a POLICY REG3 number of tips and steep slopes would need to be reprofiled and landscaped. Any areas of contamination arising from the legacy of the 15.12.3. The implementation of schemes and initiatives as contained THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOLLOWING SITES IS PROPOSED AS PART OF THE REGENERATION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE old colliery and washery would also need to be dealt with in an in the regeneration strategies leads to improvements in the urban fabric. appropriate manner. Educational, housing, light industry and This has been acknowledged as a major contributing factor in attracting AREAS OR FOR APPROPRIATE MIXED USE SCHEMES. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EACH WILL THEREFORE BE IN ACCORDANCE recreational end uses are considered appropriate for this site. In visitors and inward investment. The regeneration of derelict land often WITH A DEVELOPMENT BRIEF AND/OR APPROPRIATE PLANNING/ particular, a new comprehensive school with associated playing fields requires clearance and redevelopment which results in landscaping, HIGHWAY AGREEMENTS. THESE MUST BE AGREED WITH THE COUNTY has been identified as the primary use for the developable part of the the creation of pedestrian areas, including tree planting, paving and BOROUGH COUNCIL BEFORE DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES:- site. The actual amount of housing and light industry may be constrained seating. The re-use of brownfield sites provides opportunities for the by the level of contaminated (if any) land on the site. provision of new and accessible facilities in the form of mixed use 1 THE SITE OF THE FORMER MAESTEG WASHERY AND ADJACENT developments incorporating housing, commercial and retail uses. The LAND; outcome of this is to produce a high quality environment in the older urban areas and on housing estates, thereby increasing the quality of 2 LAND BETWEEN THE HARBOUR AND TRECCO BAY, PORTHCAWL; life to be enjoyed in the County Borough. Whereas Policies REG1 and Jennings Building, Porthcawl REG3 (below) identify five ‘key’ regeneration sites, all of which lie either 3 LAND WEST OF MAESTEG ROAD, TONDU; within, or are contiguous with, existing urban areas in the County 4 PWLL-Y-WAUN, PORTHCAWL; Borough, it is not impossible that other opportunities for regeneration of land may arise within the more rural area of the County Borough 5 NORTH OF LOCKS LANE, PORTHCAWL. during the currency of the UDP. The provisions of Policy REG1 will therefore also be applied in those instances should they arise. In this respect it should be noted that the most recent Welsh Planning Guidance contains a clear definition of ‘previously developed (or brownfield) land’, which applies to urban and rural locations alike. (Planning Policy Wales 2002 section 2.7 refers). This will be applied in the implementation of Policy REG1. 106 Chapter REGENERATION 15
LAND BETWEEN THE HARBOUR AND TRECCO BAY, PORTHCAWL PWLL-Y-WAUN, PORTHCAWL 15.12.10. Policy REG3 (2) supports the development of appropriately 15.12.16. This 4.5 hectare site comprises Pwll-y-Waun pond to the located tourism/leisure/entertainment/commercial activities and new west of the site which should be retained and preferably enhanced by UNITARY accommodation facilities as part of proposals for the comprehensive any development on the adjacent land to the east of the site which is DEVELOPMENT PLAN redevelopment of Hillsboro Place, Salt Lake, Coney Beach and Sandy currently used as rough pasture for horses. The several wooded areas Bay area of Porthcawl. It is expected that a phased approach will be within the site will allow the development of small (0.7 hectares) B1 ADOPTED used. Supplementary planning guidance in the form of a development office-based uses in a parkland setting as well as limited (approximately PLAN brief will be prepared, in consultation with existing owners and occupiers, 25 dwellings) residential development with appropriate provision of and the public, which will detail the planning and design requirements amenity open space for the setting of the pond, retaining, where of the site. The tourism/leisure/ entertainment elements of the possible, the existing woodland areas. It is intended that development PART 2 development should reflect the wider objectives of Policy TM7, which would only proceed in accordance with an approved development brief. WRITTEN will include tourist accommodation to make the resort of Porthcawl more STATEMENT attractive to visitors and extend the season. The new commercial 15.12.17. The above aspects have been reflected in the site-specific activities will include retail development, in accordance with Policy R8(5). uses allocated for the site by other Policies of the UDP, namely, Policies The general needs residential allocation will be referenced by Policy RC9(10), E4(4) and H1(88). To this end, the opportunity exists on this H1(58). The redevelopment of this important area of Porthcawl will site to provide a high quality mixed use scheme incorporating contribute significantly to revitalising the resort as a major tourist employment and residential development which both retains and destination in South Wales. respects the nature conservation interest of the pond whilst resulting in improved protection and management of the biodiversity resource LAND WEST OF MAESTEG ROAD, TONDU of the site. 15.12.11. The comprehensive development and reclamation of this highly accessible ‘brownfield’ site will bring forward 45 Ha. of land for a NORTH OF LOCKS LANE, PORTHCAWL variety of beneficial economic after-uses, including industrial 15.12.18. The area of land comprises 5.3 hectares of arable land within development within use classes B1, B2, B8, housing development, a the urban area of Porthcawl, which is bounded by residential Heritage Park, a waste transfer station and provision of necessary new development to the north and south with existing playing fields to the road infrastructure which will also benefit the community as a whole by east. To the west the land adjoins Lock‘s Common, a visually important alleviating a currently constrained section of Maesteg Road. area of amenity open space, which extends to the sea. The site allows for a mixed-use residential and recreational development, which will 15.12.12. From an economic development perspective, the site assist in implementing a long-standing recreational proposal, therefore provides development opportunities offering good communication links satisfying in part the recreational needs of the Porthcawl area. with the M4, a possible future rail link, together with a high quality environment. In this respect, the site is capable of attracting a large 15.12.19. The above aspects have been reflected in the site-specific number of prestige, large-scale industrial users, with the potential of uses allocated for the site by other Policies of the UDP, namely Policies providing a large number of much needed jobs. RC6(10) and H1(59). Housing development will only be provided as part of a mixed-use scheme, secured by means of an appropriate 15.12.13. The central location of the site within the County Borough planning agreement, which will include at least 2.7 hectares of land to and its accessibility in terms of road and a future rail link to carry bulk be developed for recreational purposes at the eastern end of the site. materials, also make the utilisation of part of this site the preferred locational option for a transfer station for municipal waste.
15.12.14. In terms of promoting the area’s industrial heritage, an opportunity exists for the provision of formal and informal recreation in connection with the Tondu Iron Works, which is a scheduled ancient monument, and an integral part of a proposed Heritage Park. In addition, cycle routes within the development will form part of the National Cycle Route, and will provide further opportunities for informal recreation.
15.12.15. The regeneration site also includes part of the Derllwyn Road Conservation Area, and future development including any residential development, will need to take account of this designation, especially in terms of design and use of materials. 107 Chapter 15 REGENERATION
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
108 Chapter IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES & MONITORING 16
16.1. JUSTIFICATION OF PART 1 POLICY 16.1.1. There are clear circumstances in which certain types of benefit 16.1.5. Recent Case Law has widened the scope of what a local planning prestige type developments which impinge adversely on existing UNITARY can reasonably be sought in connection with a grant of planning permission. authority can legitimately obtain as benefit. The term “fairly and reasonably infrastructure. Every new development that occurs will in some small way DEVELOPMENT Briefly, they are where the benefit sought is related to the development, related” is not now seen as a strict legal requirement. The law offers the affect the existing situation. The cumulative effect over a period of time PLAN and necessary to the grant of the planning permission. interpretation that if the benefit has some connection with the proposed can be quite significant, particularly at a time of severe financial constraint ADOPTED development which is not de minimis, regard must be had to it by the in terms of public sector expenditure. 16.1.2. In this sense, unacceptable development should never be permitted local planning authority or any other decision-maker such as the National PLAN because of unrelated benefits offered by the applicant, nor should an Assembly for Wales. Legally, therefore, all that is, needed is that the 16.1.8. The Unitary Development Plan is required to be both realistic in acceptable development be refused simply because the applicant is obligation/planning gain/benefit must be “material” and hence relevant to relation to the resources likely to be available, and to be kept under review. PART 2 unwilling to offer such unrelated benefits. the decision. These requirements are linked in that resource availability, especially WRITTEN financial resources, influences the speed with which the aims and STATEMENT 16.1.3. Government policy, in WO Circular 13/97: Planning Obligations, 16.1.6. Policy 22 takes both the policy and the strict legal requirement objectives can be achieved and specific policies and proposals therefore, states that benefits should be “fairly and reasonably related in into account in dealing with the issue of planning gain/community benefit. implemented. scale and kind to the proposed development”. The County Borough Council will, therefore, expect all applications for built development to include material proposals which deal with the fair 16.1.9. The preferred land use strategy is robust in that it does not assume 16.1.4. Thus a developer may reasonably be expected to pay for, or and reasonable direct and indirect infrastructural requirements of the nor depend on particular levels of investment, from either the public or contribute to, the cost of infrastructure which would not have been development and which ensure that there are not consequential and private sector, within a specific timescale. There should, however, be necessary but for his development. So, for example, a developer may significant environmental, social and economic impacts on the existing measurable progress towards achieving key objectives. The absence of reach agreement with an infrastructure undertaker to bring forward a project community. such progress would call into question not just the adequacy of financial which is already programmed but is some years from implementation. It resources but also the effectiveness of the policies and proposals in may also be reasonable in certain circumstances for a developer to pay 16.1.7. It is also recognised that proposals for planning gain/community addressing the issues. for mitigation measures. benefits can vary according to the impact of the proposed development and that the effects may need to be assessed in combination with those 16.1.10. Regular monitoring of all aspects of the UDP will identify progress, from other related proposals. In this respect, it is not just the large scale, or lack of it, and the need for policy review.
PART 2
16.2. INTRODUCTION 16.4. TYPE OF POLICY OR PROPOSAL 16.2.1. This Chapter briefly identifies some of the mechanisms for policy 16.4.1. There are three types of policy within the UDP and each achieves this will often be the effect. In many cases, they also indicate what will implementation, and the Council’s approach to UDP monitoring and review. things in different ways. The different types of policy are often mutually be allowed and supported in advance. They are concerned with ensuring supportive so that for example, a policy controlling development may also that development takes place in a particular way to the overall benefit of be linked to a policy promoting a particular approach and requiring that it the community. For example, control over the type of development in a 16.3. IMPLEMENTATION AND RESOURCES be monitored. Basically, no policy will be applied in isolation; account particular area may seek to protect the character or amenity of that area. 16.3.1. The UDP is concerned with the process of change within the will be taken of all relevant policies. In this regard, Policy EV11 controls new development in areas defined as County Borough and how this can be managed. The Guiding Principles green wedges. set out at the beginning provide the overall direction of how change will be managed over the Plan period. The Plan policies and proposals provide, PROMOTIONAL POLICIES 16.4.5. Other policies, or parts of policies, set out criteria for making as far as possible, clear guidance to help in decision-making by the many 16.4.2. This category of policy has probably the greatest emphasis within decisions on planning applications. These criteria are included to provide implementing agencies. the Plan. The fundamental aims of such policies are the improvement of more information as to how planning decisions will generally be made. the general environment and the economic and social regeneration of the For example, Policy H5 establishes the criteria by which applications for 16.3.2. There are a number of ways and means by which development County Borough. Promotional policies do not necessarily require additional the restoration or conversion of existing buildings in urban areas will be takes place and policies are implemented. There are three main factors resources. They may even attract new resources. judged. which influence the implementation of the UDP:- 16.4.3. The form of promotional policies varies considerably from those INFORMATION POLICIES that merely allow, through to those which advocate, enable, facilitate and 16.4.6. One fundamental purpose of the UDP is to advise on the current 1 The type of policy or proposal; propose action. For example, Policy RC4 favours recreation proposals and likely future situation in the County Borough with regard to a wide 2 The resources available; which result in the wider community use of those facilities, whilst Policy range of matters. Many policies refer to information which is of direct RC6 goes further in specifically allocating sites for new playing field benefit and guidance to many implementing agencies. For example, 3 The agency involved in the implementation. provision. Part 1 Policy 4 refers to housing provision during the plan period and in so doing provides important information not only to the private house CONTROL POLICIES builders but also to the utility industry. 16.4.4. There are many policies in the UDP which are concerned with controlling development. This does not mean that such policies are simply 16.4.7. An integral part of this type of policy is the need to monitor and 109 negative in approach and seek to prevent things taking place, although review information so that it is kept up-to-date. Chapter 16 IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES & MONITORING
16.5. RESOURCE AVAILABILITY 16.6. IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES 16.5.1. All policies ultimately require resources to ensure successful 16.5.8. External sources of funding that are particularly significant for 16.6.1. In addition to the County Borough Council, many other agencies UNITARY implementation. Three categories of resource are relevant to the UDP:- achieving the UDP’s objectives are the bids for housing and transport are involved in the implementation of the UDP policies. For example, nearly DEVELOPMENT PLAN land, financial and human resources. investment which the Council submits annually to the Welsh Assembly. all of the housing development that has taken place in the last 10 years These and other sources of finance can provide the matching funds required has been undertaken by the private and voluntary sectors, with the Council ADOPTED 16.5.2. The implementation of some policies require the use of only one to draw in additional support from EU Objective 1 resources, which in having an enabling role. Employment initiatives are, however, much more PLAN category of resource, while others, being more complex, involve a mix of some cases can add up to 50% to the funding available for projects. of a shared responsibility. resources often at different stages. 16.5.9. Where the Council is wholly dependent upon outside agencies, 16.6.2. The main agencies involved in the implementation of the UDP will PART 2 LAND RESOURCES developers and landowners to bring forward development proposals, its be:- WRITTEN 16.5.3. Land is a finite resource which must be used very carefully if the influence is less direct. Nevertheless, the UDP will still be a means of co- STATEMENT environment of the County Borough is to be protected and enhanced. ordinating and promoting development and of guiding decisions on planning Bridgend County Borough Council; The use of land is the key mechanism by which the majority of UDP applications. Where relevant, developers will be expected to contribute policies are to be implemented. Some topics areas are more “land hungry” towards the cost or provision of any new social and community Welsh Development Agency; than others. Therefore, the success in implementing many of the Housing infrastructure required, or other services or amenities, through appropriate Countryside Council for Wales; and Employment policies is particularly dependent upon the availability planning/highway agreements. of relatively large amounts of land. Environment Agency (Wales) HUMAN RESOURCES 16.5.4. Notwithstanding this, the County Borough Council has more 16.5.10. In addition to land and finance, there are other less tangible Utility Companies; influence over the form and timing of development on land in its ownership resources which will be used to implement the UDP policies. or control than on privately owned land. Where appropriate, therefore, the Other public agencies; Council may enter into partnership arrangements with private developers/ 16.5.11. The use of people in implementation terms is as variable as the other agencies to ensure that sites are developed in a way which accords amount of time they spend on a particular project. Clearly this is tied to Private companies; with the policies of the Plan. the attitude of the agencies involved and the types of policies being implemented. Housing associations; FINANCIAL RESOURCES Voluntary and community organisations; and 16.5.5. The UDP must be realistic and not raise aspirations which cannot Installation of new public services be fulfilled. The policies and proposals must have a realistic prospect of Private individuals. being implemented within the Plan period. One important element of this is financial feasibility. However, the UDP also offers the opportunity to stimulate and draw in investment and new sources of finance by highlighting 16.6.3. Frequent recognition is given throughout the UDP to the importance the need for the development of the infrastructure of the County Borough. of involving local communities in decisions which shape their lives. Local involvement is often the most fruitful way of implementing policies and 16.5.6. Successful implementation of the UDP will therefore involve the proposals effectively. People value what they have achieved themselves. financial support of a wide variety of public and private sector bodies, business interests and voluntary organisations, many of which have already 16.6.4. It is readily apparent that the fulfilment of the aims of the UDP contributed to the plan preparation process. and the implementation of its policies rest upon a wide spectrum of interested parties. 16.5.7. The Council has an important role to play as an enabler and co- ordinator of such bodies, as well as more direct action such as:-
Through the use of its planning powers under the Town and Country Planning Act, particularly in determining planning applications and negotiating Section 106 agreements;
Through the priority it attaches to specific regeneration programmes and other projects;
Through the targeted use of its own capital and revenue budgets;
Through attracting external funding from central government and the European Union; and, 110 Through the influence it can exert as a major landowner in key areas. Chapter IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES & MONITORING 16
16.7. MONITORING AND REVIEW 16.7.1. An important function of the UDP is that it provides a single source of information on a wide variety of planning matters. Long term UNITARY DEVELOPMENT planning to the year 2016 is necessary in order to achieve clear directions PLAN for the development of Bridgend County Borough. During times of rapid technological and other developments, it is accepted, however, that a ADOPTED balance has to be struck between firm long-term planning policies and PLAN short-term flexibility to meet changing circumstances.
16.7.2. Monitoring and review are vital if the Plan is to remain relevant to PART 2 modern needs. By the combination of those two procedures, it is intended WRITTEN that the plan will remain an ongoing and up-to-date source of planning STATEMENT advice, promotion, direction and control until 2016.
16.7.3. Information is a key resource in the making of properly informed decisions on planning matters both for the local planning authority and for other development agencies. Each Chapter of the Plan has generated a number of items; for example, residential and industrial landbanks, which require monitoring.
16.7.4. The monitoring of specific items within the Unitary Development Plan will take place on a regular basis to ensure that up-to-date information is available to assist in making planning and development decisions.
16.7.5. The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that the planning process becomes informed of changes and trends which would otherwise not be noticed for a significant time. Formal review of the Plan allows for this regular procedure to be built into the statutory development plan process. In this way policies to guide development can be updated on a systematic basis to ensure that the quality of planning decisions is maintained.
16.7.6. Planning policies and proposals within the Unitary Development Plan will be comprehensively reviewed at an appropriate time during the plan period. The Plan will then be rolled forward to 2016, or beyond.
111 Chapter 16 IMPLEMENTATION, RESOURCES & MONITORING
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN PART 2 WRITTEN STATEMENT
112 GLOSSARY
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
SelectedSelected GlossaryGlossary ofof TermsTerms GLOSSARYGLOSSARY
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN GLOSSARY
SELECTIVE GLOSSARY OF TERMS UNITARY This Selective Glossary of Terms does not form a part of the UDP, rather, it is included to assist the reader of the Plan in understanding its text and policies. DEVELOPMENT PLAN Abandonment (of Use) The Courts have held that four criteria should be examined in determining Biodiversity The richness and variety of living things (plants, birds, animals, fish and whether the use of a building has been abandoned:- insects etc.) which exist in a given area, and the habitats which support ADOPTED a) The physical condition of the building; them. PLAN b) the period of non-use; c) whether there had been any other use; and Bond A bond is a legal agreement whereby one person, known as ‘the obligor’ d) evidence regarding the owner’s intentions. agrees to pay another person, known as ‘the obligee’, a specified sum of Whilst it is not necessary to satisfy all of the criteria, they are nonetheless money, either immediately or at a fixed future date. factors to be considered in reaching the overall conclusion on its own merits, taking into account any material considerations. Borrow Pit See UDP para. 11.14.2.
Adopted Plan The final, statutorily approved version of the plan. Brownfield site Planning Policy Wales (March 2002) states that ‘brownfield land’ or ‘previously developed land’ should wherever possible, be used in Affordable Housing The Council adopts the definition of ‘affordable housing’ used in National preference to greenfield sites for development. The Council therefore uses Guidance (UDP para 4.9.3. refers). the definition of ‘previously developed land’ in the guidance (Fig. 2.1 refers) as also being that of a brownfield site. Aggregates Local material which when mined or processed can be used for fill or construction purposes. The most common primary aggregates include Buffer An area of land which separates or screens potentially incompatible uses, crushed rock, sand and gravel (see UDP Section 11.4). usually an area of landscaping or open space.
Allocation Land identified/zoned in the Plan for a specific purpose. Cadw – Welsh Historic The Executive Agency of the National Assembly for Wales/Welsh Monuments Assembly Government which discharges its responsibilities for the built Anaerobic Digestion Method of waste treatment that traps methane from organic matter and heritage in Wales (including ancient monuments and buildings of special converts it to carbon dioxide to produce heat and electricity. architectural or historic interest).
Ancillary Uses of land or buildings which technically differ from the main (or primary) Certificate of lawful use A legal certificate issued by a Local Planning Authority which confirms that use, but which are of lesser importance, and which may be permissible or development a development which was originally carried out without planning permission depending on their relationship to the main approved use (e.g. as explained (or in breach of a planning condition) is now lawful. in para. 5.7.3. of the UDP regarding Policy E7). Circulars Advice and planning guidance issued by the Welsh Assembly, its Aquifer A porous underground formation of permeable rock, sand and gravel predecessors - the Welsh Office, or other Government Departments, to capable of yielding significant quantities of groundwater. local planning authorities on planning issues.
Archaeological Assessment Investigation of land, objects or other material for the purpose of obtaining Class A1 SHOPS of all types including superstores and retail warehouses; also and recording information of archaeological or historic interest to determine includes hairdressers, sandwich bars (except those selling hot food), travel whether the findings are of significant value. agents, launderettes, dry cleaners, showrooms, except car showrooms.
Areas of Special These are areas designated by the Local Planning Authority to give tighter Class A2 FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES to visiting members of the Advertisement Control controls over outdoor advertising in an area which may need special public, including banks, building societies, estate agents, betting offices. protection from inappropriate advertisements (see also UDP Section 3.19). Class A3 FOOD AND DRINK including restaurants, pubs, wine bars, and take-aways. Article 4 Direction A planning measure that takes away specific permitted development rights where the Local Planning Authority considers it appropriate to control such Class B1 BUSINESS USE including offices (other than those falling in Class A2), development. research and development, and industrial processes, provided the use could be carried out in any residential area without detriment to amenity Best Practicable For a given set of objectives, the option that provides the most benefits or by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit. Environmental Option (BPEO) least damage to the environment as a whole at an acceptable cost in the long and short term. Class B2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL process other than one falling within Class B1.
Best Value An internal review process which took place within the Council to determine Class B8 STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION warehouses including wholesale cash whether its services were being provided at a suitably high standard and and carry. offering value for money. GLOSSARYGLOSSARY
Class C1 HOTELS Easement Voluntary agreement between a landowner and a service provider to allow access over land. UNITARY Class C2 RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS including hospitals, nursing homes, resid- DEVELOPMENT ential schools and colleges. Ecology The study of how plants and animals relate to one another and their PLAN surroundings. ADOPTED Class C3 DWELLING HOUSES occupied by a single person or family or by not PLAN more than 6 persons living together as a single household. Ecosystems All the plants and animals of a particular area and how they interact with their environment and each other. Class D1 NON-RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS including religious buildings, public halls, museums, medical services. Enforcement Action The procedure which enables the Local Planning Authority to take action against a development which has been carried out without planning Class D2 ASSEMBLY AND LEISURE including cinemas, bingo halls, casinos and permission. indoor sports. Environment Agency – Wales The National Assembly Sponsored Public Body for managing the Coastal Zone (See paras 3.7.4 – 3.7.5 of the UDP). environment in Wales.
Commitments Sites where planning permission(s) exist for development but, whilst may Environmental Capacity The ability of the environment to sustain development without undue harm. have been commenced, have not been completed. Environmental Impact An assessment requirement where a particular project is likely to have Comprehensive Development A development which will ensure that the whole of the site can be Assessment (EIA) significant environmental effects under the Town and Country Planning successfully developed, in phases if appropriate. (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, as amended. Two lists exist (Schedules 1 and 2) which divide Conservation Area An area designated by the Local Planning Authority as being of special projects into two groups, those where an assessment is mandatory and architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is those where it is discretionary, depending on the scale and impact of the desirable to preserve or enhance (Section 69 of the 1990 Act refers). project.
Contaminated Land (See UDP para. 3.10.18). European Directive A ruling issued by the European Union which Member States must follow.
Controlled waste Household, industrial, commercial, construction and demolition waste. Farm shop Shop for the sale of a farmer’s own produce on his holding.
Countryside Council The National Assembly for Wales’ statutory advisor on sustaining natural Farm Diversification The operation of other commercial activities, besides farming, on a working for Wales (CCW) beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its farm within existing farm complexes. inshore waters. Fauna The animals of a region area, or site. Countryside Strategy for This and its accompanying ‘Integrated Action Programme’ is the strategic Bridgend County Borough framework for the sustainable development and management of the Feasibility Study A study outlining the options for the future development of a site and countryside and urban green spaces, set within the context of Local Agenda considers whether the proposals are viable. 21, in the County Borough. The Strategy also constitutes Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the UDP. Finite Resource A resource which has a limited lifespan, before becoming exhausted.
Crown Land Land that is owned by the Government. Flora The plant life of a region, area, or site.
Development In planning law this is defined as ‘carrying out of building, engineering, Floodplains Areas of low-lying land alongside watercourses or in coastal areas that mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of a are liable to flooding. material change of use of any building or other land.’ (Section 55 of the 1990 Planning Act refers). Flood Risk Assessment An assessment of the potential for flooding of an area or site.
Development Brief A form of ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance’ (refer) and is a document Foul Water Water containing waste material. which contains the local planning authority’s requirements for the develop- ment of a specific area of land. For the determination of planning Frontage Development Development that faces a road. applications/appeals it will be afforded greater weight as a material planning consideration according to whether it has satisfied the four tests of SPG Functional and Financial Tests As advised in National Planning Guidance (TAN6) the need for agricultural set by the National Assembly or is continuing to proceed towards adoption and forestry dwellings should be considered in relation to both of these by the LPA. tests (See para. 3.5.13 of the UDP). GLOSSARY
Gateway Sites Sites located on an approach to a settlement usually in prominent locations Historic Parks, Gardens Cadw in association with ICOMOS, CCW and others, have published a to transport routes. and Landscapes Register which details those landscapes, parks and gardens of special historic interest in Wales. The effect of a proposed development on such UNITARY General Permitted Planning regulations that describe categories of small-scale or minor an area may be a material consideration in the determination of a planning DEVELOPMENT PLAN Development Order development which can be carried out without first needing planning application. permission, as long as they are within specific limits. This is known as ADOPTED ‘permitted development’. Hydro Power Plant Process of using water to drive a turbine which generates electricity. PLAN Geology The scientific study of the physical structure and substance of the earth. Inert waste Material that will not decompose/deteriorate in the foreseeable future and will not have any pollution implications associated with it. Geomorphology The scientific study of landforms and landscapes. Infrastructure Roads, sewers, drainage and the availability of energy supplies at the Geophysical Survey Survey of the Earth’s surface and underground conditions using electro- most basic level, through to social infrastructure such as schools and magnetic instruments. community centres.
Green Belts There are no Green Belts currently designated in Wales. Integrated Coastal Zone ICZM is the planning and management of the coast and its related Management (ICZM) environments and the way they operate together. It is a practice advocated Green Wedges PPW (2002) (section 2.6) advises LPA’s to protect the integrity of individual in Planning Policy Wales (para. 5.6.1 refers) to ensure that coastal settlements in their UDPs by reinforcing ‘normal planning policies’ for the management is “environmentally and economically sustainable and socially protection of the countryside, using designated ‘Green Wedges’ between equitable and cohesive.” settlements. (See paras. 3.6.5 – 3.6.9, Policy EV11 and Table ENV2 of the UDP). Inundation Overflowing or flooding usually occurring in coastal areas.
Greenfield Sites Land which has never been built on, usually grassland, farmland or heath. Landfill Sites where household, commercial and industrial waste are stored in the ground. Greenfield ‘Run Off’ A discharge of water caused by rainfall falling on undeveloped land. LANDMAP A common methodology for the Landscape and Decision Making Process Greenhouse Gases A gas that contributes to global warming by absorbing infra red radiation (LANDMAP) in Wales which seeks to integrate the assessment of the leading to an increase in the Earth’s temperature. various components of landscape. These include geology and landforms (including hydrology), vegetation and habitats, visual, sensory and spiritual Groundwater High quality water held in aquifers which requires little treatment prior to perception, historical, rural land use (such as agriculture and forestry), use and provides a proportion of the base flow for many watercourses settlement and development, artistic and folklore. and water used by the public. Landscape Conservation Areas A local designation made by the LPA in the UDP for selected areas of GDP Gross Domestic Product. A country’s income over a year minus foreign countryside in the County Borough which have ‘Special Landscape Area’ investments. status, and which have additional protection to ‘normal planning policies’ for the protection of the countryside. (See paras. 3.5.29 – 3.5.32, Policy Hazardous Installations Buildings which contain uses whose characteristics or properties may be EV10 and Table ENV1 of the UDP). explosive, highly flammable, toxic or carcinogenic. Land Use Strategy This is the central core purpose and overall aim of the UDP in land use Hazardous Waste Has one or more characteristics or properties of being explosive, highly terms. flammable, toxic or carcinogenic. Listed Building A building with special legal protection which is in the List of Buildings of Heritage Coast These are stretches of mainly undeveloped coast identified in England Special Architectural and Historic Interest complied by Cadw. and Wales, whose landscape should be protected in the national interest (see para. 3.5.28 of the Plan). Local Agenda 21 The process established as a consequence of the Rio Earth Summit in 1990 with the objective of seeking action on sustainable development Highway Authority The body responsible for the development and maintenance of various issues at the local level. public rights of way over land, in most cases the road for vehicles and the adjoining footway and associated works such as lighting and parking. The Local Biodiversity This aims to ensure that species and their habitats of national, regional County Borough Council is the ‘local highway authority’ regarding most of Action Plan (LBAP) and local importance are protected from inappropriate development. It the transportation network in the County Borough. Motorways are the has been produced by the Bridgend Biodiversity Partnership in consult- responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government Highways Division unless ations with conservation bodies, landowners and the local community. The they have delegated selected functions to the local highway authority. LBAP also constitutes SPG to the UDP. GLOSSARYGLOSSARY
Local Planning Authority (LPA) Bridgend County Borough Council is the Local Planning Authority and is Noise Impact Assessment An assessment required where a particular development is likely to create responsible for preparing development plans and controlling development. significant noise and could cause disturbance in the surrounding area. UNITARY DEVELOPMENT Local Transport Plan This Plan which sets out Bridgend County Borough Council’s transport Objective 1 Status A European designation given to the poorest and least developed areas PLAN strategy, implementation policy and priorities for transportation improve- (in Wales etc) (awarded on the basis of Gross Domestic Product) which ADOPTED ments in the County Borough. attracts the highest grant levels. PLAN Main Settlements The ‘main settlements’ of the County Borough are listed in Policies EV12 Ogwr Borough Local Plan Formerly a part of the statutory Development Plan, this was superseded and H3 of the UDP. Each main settlement has a designated ‘settlement by the Bridgend Unitary Development Plan when the latter was adopted. boundary’ (Policy EV12 also refers). Under the Land Use Strategy and Previously, it set out the detailed local policies and specific proposals for Settlement Strategy of the Plan, main settlements / urban areas are the the development and use of land in the County Borough, and was itself main focus for new development. adopted in 1995.
Material Change of Use A term used to describe changes to the use of land or buildings which Open Space This is an overall term that includes Public Open Space (POS) and Outdoor make them so different that they adopt a character different to that which Playing Space (OPS). (See UDP para. 9.4.1). The different forms which previously existed. The Courts have held that a material change of use POS and OPS take e.g. playing fields, children’s play space etc are fully can also be established not merely by reference to the change in use of described and the subject of different planning policies set out in the Sport the ‘planning unit’ but also by reference to its material consequences (the and Recreation Chapter of the UDP. merits question), and in particular whether off-site harm can be identified. Outline Application A planning application made to establish only the principle of a particular Material Consideration The Courts have held that the “test of a material consideration” is an development. A further detailed application must be approved before objective one, however it must be rational, and rationally related or relevant development can proceed. to land use issues and the proposed development. In taking its decisions, the local planning authority, must take into account all material Part 1 of the UDP This consists of a brief statement of the strategic policies for development considerations as to do otherwise will render any decision challengeable in the County Borough. and subject to being quashed by the Courts. Development Plans, National Planning Guidance (PPW and TANs etc), Supplementary Planning Part 2 of the UDP This sets out the detailed and specific proposals for the development and Guidance (SPG), other related planning decisions for example, have all use of land in the County Borough. been considered by the Courts to be ‘material planning considerations’. Each planning decision may be governed by different circumstances, but Pedestrianisation The statutory process of excluding traffic from areas of towns etc. making the test of materiality is always one of ‘reasonableness’. those areas predominantly, or exclusively accessible by pedestrians only.
Mean Low Water Mark Average distance the sea retreats at low tide. Pedestrian Priority Scheme A scheme where pedestrians have priority over other traffic.
Mid Glamorgan Replacement Formerly a part of the statutory Development Plan, this was superseded Permitted Reserves Controls the release of land for development in stages. Structure Plan by the Bridgend Unitary Development Plan when the latter was adopted. Previously, it set out the strategic policies and guidance for land use Physiography Distribution of soils, climate patterns, vegetation and terrain usually development in the County Borough, and was itself adopted in 1997. highlighted in map form.
Mitigation The alleviation or improvement of a situation. Planning Application An application to the Local Planning Authority for permission to carry out development of a specified nature on a particular site / building. This usually Municipal waste Waste collected by or on behalf of the County Council. This includes all requires the payment of a specified fee. household waste, street litter, waste delivered to recycling points, municipal parks and gardens waste, council office waste, civic amenity site waste, Planning Condition Planning permission can be granted subject to planning conditions to and some commercial waste from shops and smaller trading estates where ensure that development is or is not carried out in a certain way. Council waste collection agreements are in place. Planning Obligation This can be a legal undertaking by a developer only, or a legally-binding National Nature Reserve (NNR) An area of national or international importance for nature conservation agreement with the Local Planning Authority. Planning obligations are and managed in accordance with a nature reserve agreement with land- finalised before planning permission is granted. They are used to ensure owners and occupiers. a development is carried out in a certain way.
Net Retailing Floorspace Retail sales area available for use by customers excluding stairwells, toilets, Planning Permission Permission granted for the carrying out of specified development on a storage areas etc. particular site. Permission can be given either conditionally or unconditionally. GLOSSARY
Planning Policy – Wales This is the primary planning policy document produced by the Welsh Residential Land A study of housing land supply co-ordinated by the Welsh Development (PPW) (2002) Assembly Government. It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Agency and agreed by the County Borough Council, Housing Associations, Notes (TANs) (refers later), and together with other guidance in form of UNITARY Circulars etc. provides a comprehensive context for sustainable land use Availability Study House Builders Representatives, and Utility Services Providers. It indicates DEVELOPMENT PLAN planning policy in Wales. In sum or in part they may be material the amount of housing land/plots under construction or with planning considerations in planning decisions and appeals, and local planning permission for development, and provides an estimate of the expected ADOPTED authorities must have appropriate regard to national policy when formulating time-span which the ‘residential land bank’ will provide to housing PLAN their Plans and Policies. developers in the County Borough.
Plan Period The period of time a plan covers. The Bridgend Unitary Development Plan Retail Hierarchy The range of shopping facilities in the County Borough from the highest (UDP) covers the period up to 2016. order offering the widest range of shopping and service outlets i.e. the sub-regional town centre (Bridgend) down through the smaller town centres Policies Can generally operate in three ways:Guiding the direction and nature of (Maesteg, Porthcawl) to the district centres (e.g. Pencoed and Ogmore future growth.Promoting particular parcels of land in order to stimulate or Vale), then neighbourhood precincts and local shops. bring forward development by making clear allocations.Ensuring that proposals brought forward by developers conform to national policies, Retail Impact Assessment An assessment required where a proposed retail development is regional guidance and the adopted strategy of the Plan. considered to have an impact on a town centre or local centre. It must consider the qualitative and quantitative need for the proposal, the Primary Shopping Areas These incorporate the streets, and groups of buildings and their primary sequential test, the economic impact on centres, accessibility by different frontages where the number and concentration of non-retail uses will be modes of transport and environmental impacts. restrained. (See Policy R3 and para. 7.4.3 of the UDP). Ribbon development Linear development along a road frontage. Proposals Map The Proposals Map of the UDP comprises a series of Plans and Inset Plans on an Ordnance Survey base which illustrates each of the detailed Run-Off A discharge of water caused by rainfall. policies and proposals in the ‘Written Statement’, defining sites for particular developments or land uses and the areas to which specified development Scheduled Ancient Monument Archaeological remains of national importance which have been given control policies will be applied. In the event of any contradiction between special status by the National Assembly because they meet certain criteria. the Written Statement and the Proposals Map, the provisions of the ‘Written (See UDP para. 3.16.10) Statement’ prevail. Sequential Test Also known as the ‘search sequence’ in relation specifically to housing, Proximity Principle In relation to waste, waste that is disposed of as near to its place of this test is also applied when assessing sites for retail, commercial and production as possible (See UDP para. 12.2.3). leisure uses. In the case of housing: sites should be allocated firstly utilising the re-use of previously developed land and buildings within settlements, Public Rights of Way A network providing access to the County Borough including public then settlement extensions, and then new development around settlements footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic and restricted byways. with good transport links, in accordance with the Plan’s Settlement Strategy. Some may be combined with cycleways. In the case of retail, commercial and leisure uses the ‘sequential test’ is set out in para. 7.1.6 of the UDP. Regionally Important Also known as RIGS, these are sites within the County Borough that are Geological and considered to contain a high standard of geological and geomorphological Settlement Boundaries These define the edge of the urban area beyond which lies countryside Geomorphological Sites features. for designated settlements in the UDP.
Regional Planning Guidance Planning guidance produced at the regional level by the South East Wales Sewerage Systems The system of pipes connecting properties to a Sewage Treatment Works. Planning Group (SEWSPG) a collaboration between South East Wales local planning authorities) to tackle issues of strategic importance which Shoreline Management Plan Outlines the strategies for coastal defence and management in the County can best be dealt with over an area larger than that of individual Local Borough. Planning Authorities. Site of Special Scientific A protected area identified as being of at least national importance in terms Renewable Energy Also known as ‘Sustainable Energy’ is the term used to cover those sources Interest (SSSI) of wildlife, flora, fauna, geological and physiological features. of energy, other than fossil fuel or nuclear fuel, which are continuously and sustainably available in our environment. This includes wind, water, Special Area of Designated under the European Directive on the Conservation of Natural solar, geothermal energy, and plant material often referred to as ‘biomass’. Conservation (SAC) Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna for the conservation sites of international conservation importance. Reserved Matters In relation to an outline planning application or outline planning permission, any details which have not been given in the application in relation to siting, Special Landscape Areas (see para. 3.5.30 of the UDP). design, external appearance, access and landscaping which will require approval at a later date. GLOSSARYGLOSSARY
Statutory Instruments Regulations that bring into force Acts or sections of Acts such as the 1990 Trans European Road A network of European highways, the ‘E’ routes are of international Town and Country Planning Act. Network (TERN) importance and link the principal ports with the major cities. They are UNITARY made up of selected trunk roads and motorways. DEVELOPMENT Strategic Coalfield A regional / sub-regional designation agreed by Authorities in South East PLAN Plateau and its Wales affords ‘Special Landscape Area’ status to this generally upland Transport Corridors These are the main routes identified in the County Borough for the ADOPTED Associated Valley Sides area of countryside, and which given additional protection to ‘normal movement of people or goods (see Section 6.8 of the UDP). PLAN planning policies’ for the protection of the countryside. (See paras. 3.5.29 – 3.5.32 and Policy EV10 of the UDP). Tree Preservation Order An order giving protection to a single tree or to a group or area of trees or woodland. Sui Generis Order or its subsequent amendments and are therefore described as sui generis – in a class on their own. For example, theatres, amusement 28 Day Rule Where the change of use is permitted for up to 28 days in any calendar centres, car showrooms, petrol filling stations, and car hire offices are year without the need for planning permission. among uses which are specifically excluded from any of the defined Use Classes. Unitary Development The statutory Development Plan which contains strategic and local policies Plan (UDP) and detailed proposals for the development and other use of land, including Supplementary Planning Supplementary Planning Guidance are documents which include more measures for improving the physical environment, the management of Guidance (SPG) detailed advice on specific policy areas and include development briefs traffic and the conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the land. and design guides which set out site specific planning requirements or They are prepared in Wales by Unitary Authorities and National Park general advice which is too detailed to include in the UDP. SPG should be Authorities and replace the former system of structure and local plans. read in conjunction with the relevant UDP Policies. Use Classes Order The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 and any Surface water run-off A discharge of water caused by rainfall falling on a hard surface, for example subsequent amendments to the Order places the main uses of land and roofs and roads. buildings into different categories. Planning permission is generally required for changes of use between classes but not within a class. Sustainability Appraisal This ensures that at every stage in its preparation, implementation and monitoring, the UDP has sought and will continue to seek wherever Utility Companies or providers Organisations providing services such as water, sewerage, gas and possible, to realistically achieve sustainable development aims and electricity. objectives. The Appraisal also constitutes Supplementary Planning Guidance to the UDP. (See UDP Section 3.4). Vernacular The style of architecture, use of materials or decoration of a feature associated with a location, culture or period of time. Sustainable Development Development that meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Viability The ability of an individual business to continue trading or the ability of a centre as a whole to attract investment, not only to maintain the fabric, but Technical Advice Notes (TANs) Documents produced by the Welsh Assembly Government giving detailed also to allow for improvement and adaptation to changing needs. technical guidance to Local Planning Authorities on particular planning issues. TAN’s should be read in conjunction with Planning Policy (Wales) Vitality Reflection of how busy or strong a centre is at different times and in different and taken into account by local planning authorities in the preparation of parts, attractiveness in the facilities and character which draw trade. development plans. They may also be material planning considerations in the determination of individual planning applications. Waste Transfer Station Sites where household waste, commercial and industrial wastes are sorted for landfilling, re-use, recycling and processing elsewhere. Topography The arrangement of the physical features of the landscape. Water Abstraction The taking of water from groundwater sources or from rivers to support Traditional buildings Buildings which are typical of their period or of a particular character, often land uses such as housing, businesses and agriculture. historic buildings, which are built in a style that is characteristic of that in the County Borough (e.g. constructed of local stone, etc). Water Courses A moving body of water such as ariver or stream.
Traffic Calming Methods of slowing down traffic, such as road humps, surface treatment Windfall Sites A site for new development which is currently unallocated but has the or road narrowing. potential to come forward for development for 10 or more dwellings during the plan period. (see para. 4.6.6 of the UDP). Traffic Impact An assessment required where a proposed development is considered to Assessment (TIA) have a traffic impact on an area. The TIA should take account of the existing amount of traffic and whether the existing network can accommodate additional traffic generated by the development. Access by different modes of transport and environmental impacts will be considered. APPENDIX
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN
AppendixAppendix EmploymentEmployment LandLand AvailabilityAvailability APPENDIXAPPENDIX
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN APPENDIX
EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABILITY IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH - DECEMBER 2002 EMP1 UNITARY Availability DEVELOPMENT No. Policy Industrial Site Total Area Remaining Area Immediate Short Medium Long PLAN 1 E3(1) Abergarw Industrial Estate 9.09 6.89 6.89 0 0 0 ADOPTED 2 E2(23) Bairdwear Factory, Pyle 1 0 0 0 0 0 PLAN 3 E2(1) Brackla Industrial Estate 55.75 23.1 16.1 0 7 0 4 E2(2) Bridgend Industrial Estate 128.4 11.03 11.03 0 0 0 5 E6(1) Bridgend Science Park 11.84 0 0 0 0 0 6 E2(3) Brocastle Waterton 52.23 52.23 0 52.23 0 0 7 E3(2) Bryncethin Depot 1.4 1 0 1 0 8 E3(3) Brynmenyn Industrial Estate 34.48 9.63 3.67 0 5.96 0 9 E3(4) Coegnant Maesteg 8.15 8.15 0 0 0 8.15 10 E4(3) Coity Sidings Bridgend 2.94 1.98 0 0 1.98 0 11 E10(3) Coity Road, Bridgend 0.07 0.07 0.07 0 0 0 12 E3(5) Coronation Works Evanstown 0.21 0 0 0 0 0 13 E4(1) Coychurch Yard Bridgend 1.91 1.91 1.91 0 0 14 E4(2) Crosby Yard Bridgend 1.21 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 15 E4(5) Enterprise Centre Tondu 1.93 0 0 0 0 0 16 E3(6) Ewenny Industrial Estate 5.8 0 0 0 0 0 17 E3(7) Ewenny Road Maesteg 7.67 0 0 0 0 0 18 E4(6) Ffaldau Industrial Estate 3.21 0 0 0 0 0 19 E3(8) Forge Industrial Estate 4.97 0 0 0 0 0 20 E10(4) Fomer Courage Depot, Tondu Rd 0.44 0.44 0.44 0 0 0 21 E3(9) Georgia Pacific 21.08 2.1 2.1 0 0 0 22 E4(7) Glan Road Porthcawl 0.28 0 0 0 0 0 23 E3(10) Green Meadow Llangeinor 3.8 0.66 0.66 0 0 0 24 E3(11) Heol Ty Gwyn Maesteg 5.62 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 25 E3(12) Isfryn Industrial Estate 3.93 1.14 0 1.14 0 0 26 E6(1) Island Farm Bridgend 25.95 25.95 0 25.95 0 0 27 E3(13) Land at Heol y Splott 5.4 5.4 0 5.4 0 0 28 E3(14) Land at Tondu 17 17 0 0 17 0 29 E6(2) Land S.W.of Sony Technology Pk. 3.6 1.48 1.48 0 0 0 30 E3(15) Litchard Industrial Estate 6.21 0 0 0 0 0 31 E3(16) Llynfi Power Station 18.56 18.56 0 0 0 18.56 32 E10(2) Mackworth Road, Bridgend 0.17 0.17 0.17 0 0 0 33 E4(8) Maesteg Washery Site 1 1 0 0 1 0 34 E3(17) Mid Glamorgan Depot Waterton 12.71 0 0 0 0 0 35 E6(3) The Triangle Site Pencoed 6.48 6.48 6.48 0 0 0 36 E6(4) Pencoed Technology Park 31.51 7.23 7.23 0 0 0 37 E3(18) Penllwyngwent Ogmore Vale 12.62 5.31 0.6 0 4.71 0 38 E4(9) Penybont Industrial Estate 0.65 0 0 0 0 0 39 E3(19) South Cornelly 3.51 0 0 0 0 0 40 E4(10) Spelter Maesteg 2.5 0 0 0 0 0 41 E10(1) SWALEC Depot, Tremains Road 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 42 E4(11) Trews Field Bridgend 5.08 0 0 0 0 0 43 E6(5) Ty Draw Farm, Pyle 6.05 6.05 0 0 6.05 0 44 E3(20) Village Farm Industrial Estate Pyle 45.68 4.52 3.63 0 0.89 0 45 E2(4) Waterton Industrial Estate 125.29 22.18 22.18 0 0 0 46 E3(21) Wern Tarw 28.89 9.5 9.5 0 0 0 47 E4(4) Pwll y Waun 0.7 0.7 0 0.7 0 0 Totals (hectares) 727.47 252.06 94.34 85.42 45.59 26.71 (Source: Bridgend CBC) APPENDIXAPPENDIX
UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED PLAN