122-home residential development at Land south west of Pont Rhyd y Cyff, Llangynwyd

“PROPOSAL: Proposed residential development of up to 122 new dwellings, access, landscaping, drainage, peat translocation and enhancements, biodiversity enhancements, engineering and associated works (amended description and red line, reducing house numbers and amending layout to retain an area of peat (in situ) and relocate another area of peat to a receptor site)”

“APPLICATION/SITE DESCRIPTION The Application seeks full planning permission for a proposed residential development of up to 122 new residential units, access, landscaping, drainage, peat translocation and enhancements, biodiversity enhancements, engineering and associated works at Land southwest of Pont Rhyd-y-Cyff, Bridgend Road, Llangynwyd, shown below in figure 1.”

“The site, which is irregular in shape, is greenfield land which measures approximately 6ha and is situated to the south of Pont Rhyd-y-Cyff. There are two bus stops close to the site entrance. The closest shops are located approximately 400m away to the North which is also the location of Llangynwyd village hall.”

“The site is located with the Western Uplands Special Landscape Area and is also designated as a part of the Tyn-Y-Waun Site of Important Nature Conservation (SINC). A series of watercourses run through the site and the fields are separated by trees and hedgerows, and there are areas of peat within the site (recently discovered). The site slopes at its highest point in the North, downwards to the south.”

“The site is identified as forming part of an overall wider strategic opportunity as one of three inter-connected sites allocated for housing under Policy COM1 of the RLDP; the development would provide 122 new homes (18 of which are affordable), and deliver an Active Travel Route between the three allocated housing sites, the school and the wider community creating a sustainable development within the locality and regenerating the wider area.”

“By securing the retention, restoration and long-term protection of the deep peat on-site, the creation of a new off-site wetland receptor habitat, biodiversity mitigation/enhancement area, as well as landscaping and biodiversity enhancements proposed within the site, the proposal comprehensively respects the peat habitat and the site's SINC status and secures Biodiversity Net Gain in line with PPW12.”

“CONSULTATION RESPONSES Welsh Water Developer Services: No objection subject to conditions Ecology: No objection subject to conditions Natural Resources Wales: no objection subject to condition Rights of Way: No objection subject to conditions Conservation and Design Officer: No objection Heneb: No objection subject to conditions and informative Highways Officer: No objection subject to conditions Shared Regulatory Services – Noise/Nuisance: No objection subject to conditions…”

“Highways and Pedestrian Safety a) Issues over the location of the access on a bend, it should be located on Heol Yr Ysgol b) The addition of new houses will significantly increase traffic volume, causing serious congestion with there also being a school close by and another new housing site.”

“Other m) Would existing residents be able to use the gravel lane in the Northwest. n) Concerns over the potential impact of the proposed development on local amenities and services. Would lead to increased strain on infrastructure, such as schools, GP surgeries, dentists and other healthcare facilities, most of which are in Maesteg, there are very few services in the village, and the Princess of Wales Hospital is already under resourced and struggling with demand.”

“Committee agreed to vote upon whether or not to grant the application. Following conclusion of the vote, Members voted for the Recommendation to GRANT the Application by twelve (12) votes to two (2).”