Family soft play centre at Thornwell Pavilion Tenby Lane Thornwell, Chepstow

“Proposal: The proposed development involves repurposing Thornwell Pavilion into a family-oriented soft play centre with an integrated cafe, to provide affordable indoor leisure and recreational facilities for children aged 0 - 12 and their parents and carers…”

“Site Description 1.1.1 This application relates to a change of use of the former Thornwell Pavilion into a family- oriented soft play centre with an integrated café. This space is aiming to provide indoor leisure and recreational facilities for children aged 0 - 12 and their parents and carers.”

“Thornwell Pavilion is a single-storey community building located adjacent to the Thornwell playing fields. It is understood that the building has historically been used by Chepstow FC for sports related activities and community gatherings. The club has since ceased operations at the pavilion, and the building is currently vacant. The building comprises: o A main hall o Kitchen o Male, female, and accessible toilets o Ancillary circulation space…”

“There is no change to pedestrian access or parking arrangements. The building is located adjacent to the public parking provision associated with the playing fields.”

“DM/2019/00054 Erection of a children's activity play area. Also the construction of a disabled accessible walled patio area with benches and seating for all. The walls to be topped with flowers. Approved 29.04.2020 DM/2026/00294 The proposed development involves repurposing Thornwell Pavilion into a family oriented soft play centre with an integrated cafe, to provide affordable indoor leisure and recreational facilities for children aged 0 - 12 and their parents and carers.”

“Consultation Replies Chepstow Town Council - recommends approval. Welsh Water - No objection. MCC Public Rights of Way - No objection. LREC Search Results - No significant ecological record identified. Neighbour Notification Six Supporters highlight the pavilion is underused - proposal would benefit local children and families, providing a safe play area currently lacking in Chepstow (especially after Whirlikids' closure).”

“Seven objectors stress loss of community asset - the pavilion was built as a community hub; changing use to commercial would violate its intended purpose and displace volunteer-led services (football, youth clubs, mental health charity). Parking & traffic concerns - Car park already full during football; adding a play centre would cause overspill, congestion, pedestrian risks, and harm residential amenity.”

“We considered the report of the application and late correspondence which was recommended for approval subject to the conditions outlined in the report…”

“In noting the detail of the application and the views expressed, it was proposed by County Councillor Emma Bryn and seconded by County Councillor Su McConnel that application DM/2026/00294 be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report with condition 6 being amended as follows:”

“For approval - 11 Against approval - 0 Abstentions - 0”

“We resolved that application DM/2026/00294 be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report with condition 6 being amended as follows:”