College redevelopment at Gwent Tertiary College - Coleg Gwent Cross Keys Campus, Crosskeys

“Description and Location of Development: Hybrid application for the redevelopment of Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys Campus comprising: Full planning application for Phase 1 including the construction of a three-storey teaching building and a single-storey energy centre, together with associated access, parking, and landscaping works, Outline planning application for Phases 2-4, comprising the phased demolition of existing buildings and their replacement with new buildings, along…”

“Development: The application is a hybrid application for the phased demolition and redevelopment of part of the existing college site for its continued use as a college. The proposed redevelopment is concentrated in the north western part of the college site.”

“Location: The site is the existing Crosskeys Campus of Coleg Gwent.”

“Site description: The site is an existing operational further education college campus, containing a number of blocks that vary between 1 and 3 storey in height. The site is 4.8 hectares in size.”

“10/0466/NCC - Vary condition 14 of planning consent 07/1279/FULL to remove T-Block from demolition and include refectory and careers building for demolition - Granted 19.08.2010.”

“21/0361/FULL - Replace cladding and new roofs and windows to Blocks B, F & K – Granted 27.09.2021.”

“The level of tree removal proposed for the redevelopment is considered contrary to the principle that loss of green infrastructure should be avoided where possible, and it is also acknowledged that the existing landscaping including trees and hedgerows that are proposed to be lost do contribute to the visual amenity and biodiversity of the local area.”

“However, it is considered that the redevelopment of the older parts of the college providing modern facilities for the education of students from the local area is of significant public benefit and it is noted that the green infrastructure statement sets out that 198 replacement trees are proposed on the site across the proposed development phases.”

“Transportation Engineering Manager - CCBC - No objection subject to conditions.”

“Natural Resources Wales - Have concerns with the application as proposed, but satisfied that these concerns can be overcome by the planning authority attaching conditions to any planning permission granted.”

“Response: Representations objecting to the development were received from 2 addresses.”

“Noise and rerouting of traffic onto Waunfawr Park Road due to construction; Noise due to activities taking place within the college including a proposed relocated vehicle repairs building; Overlooking and loss of privacy; Loss of outlook due to building close to residential boundaries; College traffic on Waunfawr Park Road generally; The college will accommodate a greater number of students; Increases in litter in the area due to a greater number of students; The buildings…”

“The Planning Case Officer presented the application, with it confirmed in the accompanying report that the recommendation in respect of the proposal had taken full account of, and was in conformity with, both Future Wales and Planning Policy Wales Edition 12.”

“Following consideration of the application it was moved and seconded that, subject to an amendment to conditions (12), (19), (21), (24), (40), (48) and (49) and the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be approved. By way of Microsoft Forms and verbal confirmation (and in noting there were 10 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstentions) this was unanimously agreed.”

“Amended Condition (24) Prior to the commencement of any works associated with the provision of boundary treatment, a scheme shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority indicating the positions, design, materials and type of boundary treatment to be erected, and a timetable for its implementation. The boundary treatment shall be completed in accordance with the approved details and timetable.”