Meeting room changes at Llandegfedd Reservoir Parc Road, Coed-y-paen

What was proposed

The application sought meetings, staff training and external business meetings, and an earlier start time of 8am while retaining the 9pm closing time.

“Proposal: Modification of conditions 6 (change of use to allow meetings and training sessions) and 7 (change start time from 9am to 8 am) on consent DC/2012/00317. Conditions(s) Modified:”

“Section 6. DCWW would like to be able to use the meeting room to hold internal and external meetings and training sessions without the need to be water sports related.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included approved works and several withdrawn proposals involving the centre, visitor centre, opening hours and wider uses.

“DM/2020/00762 Full planning application for the change of use of the visitor centre at Llandegfedd, to allow the building to be used for meetings, functions and events and to extend the opening hours approved under planning permission DC/2012/00442. Withdrawn 14.03.2023”

“DM/2020/00763 Full planning application for the change of use of the water sports facility at Llandegfedd to allow the building to be used for meetings, functions and events and to extend the opening hours approved under planning permission DC/2012/00317 Withdrawn 14.03.2023”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the wording clear, the shared use would not increase capacity, and the changes would not adversely affect the SSSI.

“Condition 7 already allows the building to be used for any purposes in association with watersports. This means that the building could already be used lawfully at capacity every day between 9am and 9pm. Sharing the space with DCWW will not increase the overall capacity of the building.”

“The wording suggested is considered to be clear and concise and meets the 'Six Tests' set out in Welsh Government Circular 016/2014. In summary, conditions should be:”

Officer report

What consultees said

Natural Resources Wales and biodiversity officers raised no objection, while the community council and council ecologist sought greater clarity and protection for wildlife.

“Torfaen County Borough Council Ecologist - Raised the following concerns: The proposed changes for the meeting room to be used between the hours of 8am-9pm. The previous permission granted under DC/2012/00317 stressed under condition 9 that internal and external lighting should be minimised to avoid any light spill onto adjacent habitats - specifically, to be implemented and maintained in perpetuity.”

“Natural Resources Wales (NRW) - We have no objection to the proposed variation of condition as submitted and provide the following advice.”

Officer report

What residents said

Six residents’ representations and civic groups’ comments raised concerns about vague uses, disturbance, lighting, noise, wildlife and the reservoir’s special character.

“Those conditions were made for good reason - to protect the SSSI site, the Special Character of the area and to ensure that the Water Sports Centre was used solely for that purpose and not as commercial premises. • Despite the Applicant being fully aware of those conditions they proceeded to build the Centre but since that time have repeatedly sort to have them removed.”

“Usk Civic Society - Objects to the proposed change of operating hours which jeopardizes the special character of the lake and its surroundings. The reservoir and its surroundings are classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Increased noise nuisance, pollution and artificial light would be detrimental to wildlife and their behavioural patterns.”

Officer report

Who proposed the motion

County Councillor Su McConnel proposed approval and County Councillor Maureen Powell seconded it.

The committee vote

The committee approved the motion by 10 votes to 5, with no abstentions.

“Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:”

“For approval - 10 Against approval - 5 Abstentions - 0”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions, with condition 6 amended to exclude licensed premises and use by the general public.

“We resolved that application DM/2025/00106 be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report with the wording in the final sentence of condition 6 being amended, as follows:”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the building shall not be available as a licensed premises or for use by the general public.”

Minutes