Hydroelectric energy scheme at B4595, Cardiff Road A4054, Treforest

“Listed Building Consent (LBC) is sought for the installation of a hydroelectric renewable energy scheme and associated infrastructure at Treforest Weir, which is located in the River Taff between the A4054 (Cardiff Road) and the B4595 (Forest Road), just south of the Broadway and Glyntaff Interchange, in Treforest.”

“The hydroelectric ‘Kaplan’ turbine would be installed just to the south of the existing weir. It would be housed in a single turbine house which would be sunk into the bed of the river. It would measure 9.5m in width by 8m in depth with a flat ‘green’ roof construction that would measure 4.5m in height (2m above the existing feeder sluice wall). The turbine house would be stone faced using site reclaimed and/or matched material.”

“The application site relates to an existing weir and fish pass located on the western bank of the River Taff in Treforest. Access to the site is currently via an unmade lane off Forest Road (B495) to the north.”

“Exterior The sluice is on the W side of the weir. It has coursed, rubble stone N wall formerly with 2 cast iron sluice gates on the upstream side, now with concrete cappings, metal railings and modern grilles at water level. On the opposite side of the wall is part of a cast iron lintel supported by 2 uprights, through which the water flowed. On the E side is a wall of coursed rubble with rock-faced quoins and dressings.”

“The following planning applications are on record for this site:”

“25/0002/GREG: Hydroelectric renewable energy scheme and associated infrastructure works (Additional Information Rec. 15/01/25 & 21/02/25) (Amended Red Line Boundary Rec. 17/04/25) (Bat Emergence Report Rec. 05/08/25) (FCA and additional information rec. 05/11/25) Decision: Pending…”

“RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND FAVOURABLE REFERRAL TO CADW. REASONS:”

“While there are concerns regarding the direct impact of the works on the Heritage Asset, these are mitigated by the benefits of the renewable energy scheme, the reversibility of the works and the maintenance and preservation of the majority of the original Victorian Heritage Asset.”

“The LBC application is accompanied by a comprehensive Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) which assesses and evaluates the impact of the proposal on the Heritage Asset, its appearance, setting and how it would be perceived following the completion of the development. The proposal would have a direct impact on the special historical and architectural significance of the Heritage Asset.”

“Turning to the proposed development itself, there would be significant new structures that would essentially “wrap around” the existing, historic, sluice structures on site. The new development would be clearly discernible from the historic structures and due to their size, materials, scale and location they would alter the perception and setting of the Heritage Asset. However, modern additions often have this impact, by their very nature.”

“Historic Buildings and Places (HBP) – HBP have reviewed the application and do not wish make any comments on this occasion. We defer to the specialist advice of your Authority’s Conservation Officers to determine the application in accordance with local and national policy.”

“Heneb - No objection, subject to recommended conditions.”

“The application has been advertised by means of direct neighbour notification letters and through the erection of site notices in the vicinity of the site. One letter of objection has been received the main point of which are detailed below:”

“The proposal includes the demolition of an adjacent business premises which would take away the owners’ livelihood should permission be granted. • This is having a detrimental effect on the business owners’ mental health. • Discussions with RCT’s Corporate Estates team are vague and no offer has yet been made. • The existing garage site is narrow and would be impossible to run should the business owner have to give up any part of the business.”

“APPLICATION NO: 25/0003/LBC Hydroelectric renewable energy scheme and associated infrastructure works (Listed Building Consent) B4595, Cardiff Road A4054, Broadway and Glyntaff Interchange, Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Treforest, CF37 1SY”

“Following consideration, it was RESOLVED to approve application No. 25/0003 in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration subject to a favourable referral to Cadw.”