Recycling centre expansion at Llantrisant Recycling Pantybrad, Tonyrefail

The site and surroundings

The site contains private and public recycling facilities beside a business park, with open countryside, a watercourse and scattered homes nearby.

“The site is divided into two distinct areas. The community facility occupys the southern half of the site and the private facility occupying the northern half (as set out in detail above). The two facilities are set at differing ground levels with the upper, private yard being approximately 2.5m above that of the lower, public facility. Both facilities share the same access off Pantybrad Lane at the south-eastern corner of the wider site.”

“The site is located at the edge of Llantrisant Business Park industrial estate. The Royal Mint is sited to the south-west and several industrial units of varying design and scale are located to the south-east. The Nant Muchudd bounds the site to the east, with open countryside to the north and west.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and applications

A 2014 permission established the facilities, while 2018 and 2020 applications were withdrawn after concerns about residents’ noise and disturbance.

“Members are advised that earlier planning applications for the retention / development of the recycling facility, ref. 18/1347/FUL and 20/1319/FUL, were submitted in 2018 and 2020 respectively. It was however considered that the earlier applications failed to demonstrate how the operation of the recycling facility, including the works already undertaken without planning permission and those proposed, would not result in a detrimental impact to the amenities of the closest…”

“The earlier 2018 / 2020 applications were subsequently withdrawn by the Applicant and have been replaced by this ‘cover all’ 2025 application, which is considered to include all relevant information required to undertake a comprehensive assessment of each of the facility’s impacts, both the existing unauthorised development works and the additional works proposed.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers accepted countryside, visual and residential impacts but considered recycling benefits and proposed mitigation outweighed the negative effects.

“In this instance, while regrettable, it is on balance considered that the loss of open countryside in this location and to the degree that has occurred / would occur, as well as the potential visual impacts, are outweighed by the benefits of the facility which processes…”

“Subsequently, in conclusion, while it is accepted the development is not strictly in accordance with all relevant local and national planning policy guidance, it is, very much on balance, considered the benefits of the scheme outweigh the negative impacts. The application is therefore recommended for approval, subject to the conditions detailed below.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental, ecological, highways, drainage and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or submitted no comments.

“Environmental Health and Protection – No objection subject to several conditions restricting operations at the site and in respect of noise levels.”

“Flood Risk Management – No objection subject to condition requiring full site drainage arrangements being submitted for approval. While the proposed site drainage arrangements appear to be appropriate in principle, full construction details are required to ensure the proposals can be implemented on site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee for five minutes, and an objector’s late correspondence was summarised by the Senior Planning Officer.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the Director’s recommendation.

“The Senior Planning Officer presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

Minutes