120-lodge holiday resort at Parc Pelenna, Fairyland Road, Tonna, Neath

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for 120 lodges, a leisure and hospitality building with pool, access road, parking and supporting infrastructure.

“The application seeks Outline planning permission for a proposed holiday resort comprising 120 lodges, associated leisure building with hospitality facilities and swimming pool. The development would also include a new access road, parking and associated infrastructure such as a back of house and waste buildings. All matters of appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and access are reserved for subsequent approval.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site covers about 23 hectares of countryside between Tonna and Resolven, including forestry, a former quarry, grazing land and public rights of way.

“The application site comprises approximately 23 hectares of open countryside, located between the settlements of Tonna and Resolven. The site includes commercial forestry, a former quarry and grazing land. Above ground electrical lines and below ground high pressure gas mains also run through the application site.”

“There are a number of Public Rights of Way passing through and near to the site including routes 53/7 and 53/8, located to the north west of the site and route 51/9/1 located to the south of the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the tourism proposal acceptable because its effects could be controlled through conditions and a 35-year habitat management plan.

“RECOMMENDATION To grant planning permission subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement to secure the provision of a Habitat Management Plan for a minimum of 35 years in accordance with the Environmental Statement and the following planning conditions: Time Limit 1.”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Residents questioned the need for the resort and raised concerns about ecology, traffic, water, countryside character, noise, light and residential amenity.

“Need and principle of development • Numerous other existing businesses in the area • Difficult to see a need for the development • Proposal not in keeping with current emphasis on sustainable farming and reducing carbon footprint. • Against houses in the countryside but allowing 120 cottages • Just approved Afan Valley resort, don’t see the need for another • What is stopping the applicant applying to change to residential properties.”

“Only Desk top study undertaken and no ground surveys, with risks highlighted. Neighbouring amenity • Loss of privacy from walkers • Overshadowing and overlooking of neighbours and impact on residential amenity Highways and Access • Increased pedestrian traffic • Construction traffic and workers traffic access via fairyland Road , which is a single track and not suitable for HGVs and would impact existing residents.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A ward member gave representations, a registered speaker spoke against the application and the applicant’s representative exercised a right to reply.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officers’ recommendation and the conditions and agreement set out for the development.

“RESOLVED: That in accordance with Officers’ recommendations, Application No. P2024/0543 - Parc Pelenna, Fairyland Road, Tonna - Outline Planning Application (All Matters Reserved) for a proposed holiday resort comprising 120 lodges, associated leisure building offering hospitality and pool, new access road, parking, facilities and associated infrastructure including sustainable drainage and on-site wastewater treatment, landscaping, engineering operations and lighting, at…”

Minutes