Temporary haul road at Land Off The A473 Tonteg

What was proposed

The application sought a temporary haul road, with drainage, engineering and landscaping works, to construct an approved synchronous capacitor facility.

“Furthermore, the approved synchronous capacitor facility is considered to be vital infrastructure that will directly support the transition to renewable energy and the achievement of Net Zero targets of becoming a carbon-neutral authority by 2030, and taking into account that the facility could not be implemented without the construction of the proposed temporary haul road, and that it has been demonstrated that the loss of the trees can be reasonably mitigated for in…”

Officer report

The site and route

The approximately 0.69-hectare route would run in an S shape from the A473 across an agricultural field and public footpath.

“The proposed temporary haul road would be constructed to the south of the Tonteg roundabout on the A473. The road would cross a public footpath and an agricultural field, extending to approximately 165m in length and forming an ‘S’ shape route through the site, before reaching the synchronous capacitor site to the east.”

“To the western end of the site lies a number of trees and an embankment adjacent to the A473. This section of the site is also crossed by a public footpath which connects two Public Rights of Way (DRE/46/4 and DRE/46/6), and an overhead National Grid power line, which runs north-south across the site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and changed access

The adjacent synchronous capacitor facility was approved, but larger delivery vehicles meant its originally approved access through Pound Farm Lane was no longer viable.

“The original application set out that access to the site for construction vehicles would be obtained via Pound Farm Lane. The application was supported by a Construction Traffic Management Plan which clearly set out the proposed access and the size of abnormal load delivery vehicles required in the construction of the development and demonstrated that the proposed access via Pound Farm Lane was suitable for such vehicles.”

“Details submitted with this current application advise that 16-axle and 18-axle vehicles are required to deliver the larger plant to the site (the synchronous capacitors and transformer), which are approximately 60m in length, and the Applicant advises that the approved access is not viable for such vehicles, owing to the size of the vehicles and to the fact that Pound Farm Lane is not structurally secure to withstand the delivery of the equipment, notably the 228 tonne…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the temporary road necessary for vital renewable-energy infrastructure and found its benefits outweighed mature tree loss with mitigation.

“Furthermore, and as set out in the consideration of the original consent, the synchronous capacitor is vital infrastructure that directly supports the transition to renewable energy and the achievement of Net Zero targets of becoming a carbon-neutral authority by 2030. As such, the delivery of the approved scheme has very clear environmental benefits and would help to meet key environmental objectives.”

“Therefore, whilst the concerns raised by the Council’s Tree Officer in respect of the loss of 4no. mature trees are duly noted, and the loss of any tree is indeed regrettable, on the basis of the above assessment and that the level of mitigation tree planting proposed is in excess of policy requirements, on balance, the proposal is considered acceptable, subject to conditions to secure the mitigation planting proposed and for the submission of a detailed Arboricultural…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed committee members for five minutes.

Committee consideration

The committee considered the application and the director’s recommendation before resolving to approve it subject to amended conditions.

“The Head of Major Development & Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development subject to the following amended conditions:”

Minutes

The committee decision

The application was approved with amendments to the approved plans condition, the tree mitigation condition and the removal of condition 16.

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and documents received by the Local Planning Authority on 23rd June 2025, 9th September 2025, 22nd October 2025 and 4th November 2025, unless otherwise to be approved and superseded by details required by any other condition attached to this consent: • Drawing No. 51197-BUR-XX-XX-D-C-10100: Red Line Boundary • Drawing No. 51197-BUR-XX-XX-D-C-10101: General Arrangement • Drawing No.”

“Prior to the beneficial operation of the temporary haul road hereby approved, a scheme to include all details of tree mitigation is to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

Minutes