Air source heat pumps at Bryn Y Cae Nursing Home, Brackla, Bridgend
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Bridgend Development Control Committee on 19 Mar 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought permission for an air source heat pump system, external equipment, a feeder pillar, concrete base and acoustic screening.
“PROPOSAL: Installation of Air Source Heat Pump system to include exterior siting of equipment including feeder pillar on a concrete base with acoustic baffling curtain screening…”
“DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Full Planning Permission is sought for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump system, together with the exterior siting of equipment including a feeder pillar on a concrete base with acoustic baffling curtain screening at the Bryn Y Cae Nursing Home, Cae Bracla, Brackla.”
Officer report
The site
The equipment was proposed in a grassed area beside the nursing home building, within a landscaped site near homes and a pedestrian lane.
“The equipment is being installed within a grassed area situated in the northwestern corner of the nursing home site beside the existing building.”
“The property contains a substantial single storey nursing home. The building is finished in brick with a pitched tile roof. The site contains some car parking, an area for loading and unloading and an associated waste storage area.”
Officer report
Why officers supported it
Officers considered the heating upgrade acceptable because the equipment would have limited visual impact and conditions would control noise and biodiversity effects.
“On balance, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable in that it will provide a new heating system for the existing nursing home building. The new plant is suitably located, and any visual impacts would be limited and acceptable.”
“Furthermore, the chosen heating equipment and recommended conditions will ensure that its operation will not affect the amenity of the occupiers of the nursing home nor occupiers of the nearest residential properties. Subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions, the impact on biodiversity values would be acceptable…”
Officer report
Issues raised before decision
Councillors expressed support for the installation but concern about operational noise, nearby homes, consultation and work starting before permission.
“Councillor J Spanswick - ‘As the local ward member I would like to request that this Application is reported to the Development Control Committee for determination. While I support the provision of such an installation, I am concerned about the proximity to local residential properties and the impact due to the operational noise.”
“Could you possibly explain why this situation has arisen and whether or not the noise that will emit from this installation will fall within the parameters laid out by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero final report paper number 2023/046 titled - “Review of Air Source Heat Pump Noise Emissions, Permitted Development Guidance and Regulations.”
Officer report
The committee vote
Councillor Ian Williams requested a vote, which passed by six votes to four, with no abstentions.
“Cllr Ian Williams requested a vote on the above application. The result was as follows:”
Minutes
The decision
The application was granted subject to the conditions in the officer report, including changes on the amendment sheet, on 19 March 2026.
“RESOLVED: That the above application be granted subject to the conditions…”
Minutes
Councillors at the meeting
- Richard GranvilleChairLabour
- Anthony BerrowIndependent
- Martin HughesLab Co-op
- Ian WilliamsIndependent
- Richard WilliamsLabour
- Richard CollinsLabour
- Heather GriffithsLabour
- Della HughesIndependent
- Mark JohnIndependent
- William KendallLabour
- Jonathan Edward PrattConservative
Apologies Chris Davies Independent, Johanna Llewellyn-Hopkins Labour, David Harrison Independent, Alan Wathan Independent
Source: Plota analysis of the council's minutes; parties from the council's list of councillors.
Sources
- Bridgend Development Control Committee minutes, 19 March 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Bridgend's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Bridgend
- Date
- Thursday 19 March 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Councillors
- 11Labour 5Independent 4Conservative 1Lab Co-op 1Show councillors
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
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- Bridgend committee decisions →
This committee's year
22 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.