Three traveller pitches at Maple Meadows Wern Tarw Road (Church Street) Rhiwceiliog, Pencoed

“PROPOSAL: Three residential traveller pitches with day/utility room, static caravan and tourer with ecological restoration scheme and ecological mitigation, improved access, internal driveway, parking areas, boundary fencing and installation of private treatment plant…”

“BACKGROUND At the meeting of the Development Control Committee on 17 April 2025, Members deferred a decision on this Application, to request the submission of a detailed implementation and maintenance scheme (including a timetable and costings estimate) for the Ecological Restoration Works prior to determination of the Application, and to investigate the requirement for securing a financial contribution by the Applicants towards the implementation of and monitoring…”

“The Application proposes to create three gypsy pitches on land in the open countryside to the north of Pencoed.”

“The roughly rectangular site measures approximately 0.26 hectares and is situated on the southern side of Wern Tarw Road, Rhiwceiliog approximately 350m to the east of Zoar Chapel and 1.5km northwest of Brynnau, Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT). The surrounding area edged in blue (in the Applicant’s control), extends to a further 0.84 hectares.”

“The Inspector, in reaching his decision on the previous appeal, was of the view that the site was not in a sustainable location and would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area. However, as no other sites within or closer to a settlement had been identified that could meet the accepted need, subject to certain criteria, a countryside location may be acceptable.”

“Based on the previous appeal decision, the key issue is the effect of the proposal including the Ecological Restoration Works on the Hendre Uchaf Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and whether the concept of net benefit for biodiversity can be achieved. Based on the submitted Ecological Restoration Works that can be secured through this consent, and the advice of specialist consultees, it is considered that the tests of National and local policy can be met.”

“The Ecological Restoration Plan which looks to restore some of the previously affected areas of the SINC does look promising but due to the past damage of the site, how successful the restoration will be over the long term is difficult to say. The future monitoring and maintenance proposed within this Plan will be very important here.”

“Transportation Officer (Highways) This site was subject of a previous planning Application ref P/19/580/FUL in which there were Highway observations of objection raised in respect of the sustainability of the site and a highway safety reason in respect of pedestrians being generated in the lanes leading to the site. That Application was refused and was the subject of an Appeal ref APP/F6915/A/20/3254083.”

“Land Drainage No objection subject to conditions. Biodiversity Policy Manager (BCBC) No objection subject to conditions. Natural Resources Wales No objection subject to conditions.”

“RESOLVED: That the above application be granted, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-”