Permanent training unit at Prince Charles Hospital, Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil

What was proposed

The application sought permanent permission to retain an existing two-storey multi-disciplinary training unit, without external changes.

“The application site relates to an established portacabin like structure that is located within the boundary of Prince Charles Hospital to the south of the Cynon Block and west of the Rhymney Block, which form part of the main hospital building. The property is of two storey construction with a total floorspace of 1486sqm and external appearance comprises of grey composite walls and roof.”

“Planning permission for the building was originally granted for a temporary period of six years in 2019 under planning permission P/19/0196 which is due to expire. The current application seeks planning permission to retain the building on a permanent basis.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The building was granted temporary permission in 2019, while permanent retention of another unit was approved in August 2025.

“P/19/0196 - Erection of temporary two storey portacabin to provide multi- disciplinary training unit – Approved: 8 th November 2019”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the building supported the hospital, fitted its surroundings, protected residential amenity, raised no highway concerns and could provide ecological enhancements.

“The building was initially installed during a period where substantial works were being undertaken to the main hospital building. It is situated centrally within the hospital grounds and is one of several buildings present, which share a similar design and appearance. As such, the retention of this building on a permanent basis, would not result in an ad hoc or incongruous form of development that is at odds with the general arrangement of the hospital facilities.”

“The Council’s Ecologist has raised no objection to the retention of the building subject to a condition being included on any consent to secure ecological enhancements to provide net biodiversity benefit in accordance with Chapter 6 of Planning Policy Wales. It is acknowledged that Planning Policy Wales requests that applications be supported by a Green Infrastructure Statement (GIS) to demonstrate net benefits to biodiversity.”

Officer report

Public representations

No objections or observations had been received from the publicity exercise when the report was prepared.

“In accordance with the Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 site notices were displayed in the vicinity of the site on 22 nd August 2025 and a press notice published on 4 th September 2024.”

“At the time of writing this report it is noted that no objections or observations have been received as a result of the publicity exercise. Committee shall be further advised verbally of any representations received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the report and gave the committee a presentation about the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“The application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

Minutes

Approval conditions

The permission requires compliance with approved plans and an agreed biodiversity enhancement scheme to be implemented and retained.

“Reason To ensure compliance with the approved plans and clearly define the scope of the permission.”

“Within 3 months of the date of this permission a scheme for biodiversity enhancement including a timescale for its implementation shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and retained in perpetuity thereafter.”

Officer report