Prison expansion at HMP Parc, Heol Hopcyn John, Coity

“PROPOSAL: Demolition and redevelopment within the existing secure compound and an extension to the secure compound to the southwest and east to include a new accommodation block, a replacement kitchen/dining block, a new gym/multifaith building, a new industries/education building and new visitor/staff entrance, additional car parking and associated infrastructure…”

“Erection of a K-shaped Houseblock to accommodate 345 residents to the south-west corner of the site. • Demolition and repositioning of parts of the prison boundary wall. • Demolition of the existing kitchen/store/multi-faith building located to the south-west of the site. • Partial demolition of the original entry building and making good of elements affected by the works. • Construction of a new road alongside the southern boundary of the existing north car park.”

“The site is accessed from Heol Hopcyn John to the north and is generally enclosed by the M4 to the north, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Sainsburys to the west, Parc Derwen housing estate and the Village of Coity beyond to the south and Heol Spencer and residential properties/open countryside to the east.”

“The site is not located within a Conservation Area with the nearest Conservation Area being Coity to the south-east of the prison. Whilst no listed buildings/structures are affected by the proposal, there is a Scheduled Monument to the west of the site (“Derwen Moated Site”) which consists of the remains of a moated site probably dating back to the medieval period.”

“RELEVANT HISTORY The site has an extensive history. In 1886 it opened as the Second Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum, it was renamed Parc Gwyllt County Mental Hospital in the 1920s and joined the National Health Service as Parc Hospital in 1948.”

“After the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s, the hospital went into a period of decline and closed in 1996. The hospital was subsequently demolished, and the site was redeveloped as Parc Prison in 1997. Parc Prison has undertaken some major extensions and adaptations since 1997.”

“On balance, and having regard to the objections raised and consultee responses and the above weighing up of all material considerations relevant to this scheme, it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in this location due to the clear justification for the expansion of this established facility and in regard to its potential impacts on surrounding residents by way of noise and lighting; any impact on the character and appearance of the site and…”

“The Application is therefore recommended for approval subject to the Applicant first entering into a Section 106 Legal Agreement and conditions and informative notes.”

“Removal of boundary trees leading to intervisibility/loss of privacy • Increased noise levels • Increased traffic levels and congestion on surrounding roads • Increased light pollution • Potential flooding of properties/gardens • Proximity of car park • Use of kitchen facility as a canteen for inmates • Odours from the kitchen • Lack of pest control • Limited security measures/widespread drug infiltration issues and risk of more paraphernalia being thrown into the…”

“COMMENTS ON REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED The majority of the concerns raised by residents align with the main considerations in the determination of the Application and are addressed in the appraisal section of the report (as well as the Officer response to concerns raised by St. Brides Minor Community Council and Cllr M. Williams below).”

“(B) That the Corporate Director - Communities be given delegated powers to issue a decision notice granting consent in respect of this proposal once the Applicant has entered into the aforementioned Section 106 Agreement, subject to the conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities.”

“Subject to the following amended conditions to those illustrated in the report:”