850-home residential development at Land west of Bridgend (land between Llangewydd Road and A473 Bridgend)

What was proposed

The hybrid application sought up to 850 homes, a primary school, public open space, landscaping, drainage, green infrastructure and access, with 377 homes detailed first.

“PROPOSAL: Hybrid planning application (outline/full) for a residential development for up to 850 homes, public open space and a primary school, alongside landscaping, drainage, Green Infrastructure with vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access (outline application with all matters reserved except for means of access and full application for the initial phase comprising 377 dwellings, internal estate roads, public open space (including play areas), drainage, internal…”

“The Application submission effectively comprises a Hybrid Planning Application, seeking Full and Outline Planning Permission, for a residential development for up to 850 homes, a primary school and public open space, alongside landscaping, drainage, and green infrastructure with vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 36.7-hectare site is mainly farmland between Bryntirion and Laleston, with woodland, marshy fields, hedgerows and the Laleston Meadows SINC.

“The site currently comprises open farmland in the main with an area of mature woodland and associated marshy fields to the north/northeast of the site, which is recognised as Laleston Meadows Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), a locally designated site recognised for marshy grassland, dense continuous scrub and broadleaved, semi-natural woodland.”

“The site is currently used as farmland, primarily for grazing animals although according to the Predictive Agricultural Land Classification Map for Wales the site is considered at best Subgrade 3b, rather than Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Agricultural land. There are a number of existing private agricultural gate entrances allowing access to the wider site from each boundary, as well as 2 no. pedestrian access points from the northeast to the southwestern boundary.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the allocated site acceptable because the scheme broadly met the development plan, provided infrastructure and benefits, and managed its environmental, highway and amenity effects.

“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 allocated nature of the site for mixed use purposes and in regard to its potential impacts on surrounding residents by way of visual impact, residential amenity, any impact on the character and appearance of the site and…”

“The Application site forms one of the specifically allocated sites under Policy SP2 (3) of the RLDP as a sustainable urban extension known as Land West of Bridgend. The site (alike all allocated sites) is considered essential to the delivery of the aims and objectives of the RLDP and falls in line with the Council’s aspirations for delivering high-quality new development within the plan period.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions, while the Highway Authority supported the access and mitigation package and the community council raised concerns.

“CONSULTATION RESPONSES Laleston Community Council: Comments and concerns raised on the original submission. It is accepted that the land in question is one of five sites contained within the Replacement Local Development Plan earmarked for housing but given the size of the development, concerns are expressed in terms of the overall impact. S106 monies should also be used to support the plans for Bryntirion fields, for large scale development.”

“Natural Resources Wales: No objection subject to conditions. Heneb (Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust): No objection subject to condition. South Wales Fire Service: No objection. South Wales Police – Secured by Design Officer: General comments raised in respect of the design and layout of the scheme to ensure natural surveillance of parking areas and footpath links.”

Officer report

Who attended the site visit

Committee members, officers, local ward members, a community council representative and the developer attended the committee site visit.

How the committee voted

The committee voted nine to four for the recommendation to approve the application.

“The Committee agreed to vote upon whether or not to grant the application. Following conclusion of the vote, Members voted for the Recommendation to approve the application by nine (9) votes to four (4). RESOLVED: The Committee APPROVED the application, subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement, the conditions and the informative notes (Not Conditions) relating to the detailed/ full planning permission (i.e.”

Minutes