Battery storage system at Lowlands Farm Tavern-y-coed, Ton-Teg

“Full planning permission is sought for the construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure on a parcel of land associated with Lowlands Farm, Tavern-y-Coed, Tonteg.”

“6no. modular battery clusters (approximately 5m in width by 6.1m in length and 2.9m in height) • 6no. sets of BESS transformers and inverters (approximately 5m in width by 9.8m in length and 2.3m in height) • A BESS switch room (approximately 3.3m in width by 12.3m in length and 4.4m in height) • A site supply transformer (approximately 2.3m in width by 3.3m in length and 3.2m in height) • A site welfare unit and LV switch room (approximately 2.3m in width by 7.5m in…”

“The application site relates to an agricultural field associated with Lowlands Farm which is sited on the mountaintop between the settlements of Treforest and Tonteg. It amounts to an area of approximately 0.96 hectares and is currently used for the grazing of animals.”

“The boundaries of the site are relatively open to the surrounding agricultural grazing land, which in turn is surrounded by hedgerows. A high voltage overhead electricity cable is situated immediately to the eastern boundary of the site whilst the Nant y Dall stream is located to the west.”

“10/1037 The Lowlands, Tavern y Coed, Siop-y-Coed, Tonteg, Pontypridd Block built generator housing (3m x 2m x 2m) at rear of building, concrete apron access to outbuilding, and ramped access track to field…”

“Appeal: Part Allowed 09/08/11 05/2173 The Lowlands, Tavern y Coed, Siop-y-Coed, Tonteg, Pontypridd Agricultural Unit (steel portal frame, metal sheet cladded) Granted 05/12/05”

“REASON: The application fails to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of nearby residents, in that the noise associated with the operation of the proposed development, including its predicted tonal characteristic, would have a negative impact on existing residents, particularly throughout the night in circumstances where bedroom windows are left open.”

“Further to the above, the consultant carried out an additional assessment in respect of BS 8233 (Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings). This British Standard provides guidance on ‘desirable’ internal ambient noise levels for dwellings.”

“As such, PHP consider that the noise associated with the operation of the proposed development, including its predicted tonal characteristic, is likely to impact negatively on existing residents throughout the night in circumstances where bedroom windows are left open. The applicant has failed to offer any alternative and/or improved noise mitigation as part of the proposal in order to address these concerns, and an objection is therefore held against the application.”

“Public Health and Protection: Objection raised.”

“South Wales Fire and Rescue: No objection.”

“Highway Safety: • The access point is a notorious accident black spot. • The main road leading to the lane has been the site of 5 major accidents over the past 8 years, including one fatality and several serious injuries. • The safety risks are unacceptable. • The track is unsuitable for HGV traffic - it cannot be widened, and it has a gradient of more than 1/20. • The proposed traffic light system will not work.”

“Other: • Alternative locations such as brownfield sites or industrial areas would be more appropriate. • The disruption that will be caused is in direct conflict with human rights, specifically resident’s rights to peace and quiet within their own homes. • The construction and ongoing maintenance would pose undue stress and hardship on residents. • The development will impact on property values and residents being able to sell their homes.”

“The Head of Planning presented the application which was originally reported to Committee on 24 th July 2025 where Members were minded to refuse the application, contrary to the officer recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

“Members gave consideration to the further report, highlighting the potential strengths and weaknesses of refusing contrary to officer recommendation and following discussions, it was RESOLVED to refuse the application contrary to the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development for the one reason outlined below:”

“-The proposed access to the site is considered unacceptable and the application would therefore be contrary to Policy AW5 of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan.”