Four extra driving bays at Visitor Centre, Bryn Bach Country Park, Tafarnaubach, Tredegar

“This application seeks planning permission for the erection of a new building to increase the number of driving range bays by 4 at Bryn Bach Country Park, Merthyr Road, Tafarnaubach, Tredegar.”

“The site is rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 21m x 27m. The proposal includes the erection of a building to house an additional 4no. driving range bays which would be located adjacent/ to the south west of the existing driving range. The proposed building would measure 15m in width and 5m in depth. The proposal would have a monopitch roof with a maximum height of 3.5m to the front elevation.”

“The site is located outside the settlement boundary, within the Bryn Bach Park Local Nature Reserve. The A465 Heads of the Valleys Road is to the north of the site, Bryn Bach Park lake and visitor centre is to the east and there is open countryside to the south and west of the site.”

“This application is presented to Committee as it is contrary to LDP policy SB1 as the site is located outside the settlement boundary. Site History…”

“Details Decision 2.1 2005/0549 Construction of a 9 hole par 3 golf course with associated sheltered bay golf driving range/ reception area together with field flood lighting. Approved 03.02.05”

“In conclusion, I am satisfied that the provision of a building to provide 4no. additional driving range bays will not have an unacceptable impact upon the mineral resource, neighbouring amenity, or on the streetscene or on the wider countryside and is acceptable subject to conditions in accordance with LDP Policies DM1, DM2, DM14, DM15, SB1, TM1 DM19, M1 and M3. I therefore recommend approval accordingly subject to the following condition(s):”

“Implementation of ecological recommendations as set out in the submitted PEA”

“Tourism: The proposal is welcomed and supported.”

“2no site notices displayed at the site • Press notice • Website public register of applications • Ward members by letter • All members via weekly list of applications received…”

“The proposal is for tourism/leisure purposes and is an extension to the existing driving range, therefore does not introduce a new use, as such the proposal is considered acceptable in principle.”

“Based on the above, the principle of providing an additional 4no. driving range bays in this location, as an expansion to the existing driving range for tourism and leisure purposes, would not introduce a new use, would not require an extension of the park grounds and is therefore considered acceptable in land use terms.”

“RESOLVED that Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”

“As a Ward Member for the application area, Councillor Ellen Jones did not take part in the vote.”