New primary school at Mynydd Cynffig Junior School, Kenfig Hill

“DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT This Application relates to the proposed demolition of Mynydd Cynffig Junior School, Air Training Corps facility, play area and loss of existing allotment gardens and the construction of a new primary school along with two all-weather sports pitches, solar panels, replacement allotment provision, play areas, open space, access & highways arrangements, parking, landscaping, drainage and all other associated works.”

“The proposed development will see the larger of the two all-weather sports pitches occupy the south-western section of the site, roughly in place of the existing school playing field. The second, smaller, all-weather sports pitch is situated to the south of the proposed school building, roughly in the place where the existing school yard currently lies.”

“SITE DESCRIPTION The Application site is situated within the village of Kenfig Hill and is located within the western section of the village, to the northwest of Pwyllygath Street. The site currently comprises a primary school, its associated playing fields and allotments to the rear. The site also includes the vacant Air Training Corps facility which is located to the north-east of the school.”

“The site consists of the existing Mynydd Cynffig Junior School which lies at the centre of the site along its southern boundary, whilst the allotments are situated along the central and eastern sections of the site. The main school building is of a traditional brick construction under a pitched felt and tile roof. The play area, which has playing facilities such as swings and slides, adjoins the Junior School to the northeast and meets the southern site boundary.”

“The proposed school is a vital part of the Local Authority’s school modernisation scheme which will provide a new modern primary school and community facilities including external sport facilities that can be used by the wider community of Kenfig Hill. Whilst the loss of the existing allotment gardens is regrettable, they will be replaced on an extended portion of the wider site.”

“On balance, and having regards to the objections raised, it is considered that the proposal represents an appropriate form of development that would have no unacceptable impacts on visual amenity, residential amenity, drainage, ecology, environment, or highway safety and the proposal is therefore recommended for approval.”

“That the above application be GRANTED, subject to the conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director Communities AND”

“That within six months of the completion of the occupation and beneficial use of Phase 1 of the development (Drawing A105 PHASING STRATEGY PLANNING REV A), the approved parking, servicing, and cycle storage areas (including EV charging, blue badge bays, and ALN drop-off spaces) shall be fully constructed and implemented and made available for use. These areas shall be retained thereafter for their designated purpose.”