Single-storey school building at St John Baptist High School, Glan Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Rhondda Planning and Development Committee on 11 Dec 2025.
What was proposed
A single-storey building would provide four classrooms, a multi-faith room, toilets, staff facilities and supporting infrastructure within the school grounds.
“Full planning permission is sought for the construction of a single storey standalone building and associated infrastructure within the grounds of St John Baptist High School, Glan Road, Cwmdare.”
“The building would provide for 4no. additional classrooms, a communal/multi- faith room, male and female toilets, an accessible toilet, a staff toilet, a server room, a plant room, a maintenance store and a cleaner’s cupboard.”
Officer report
The site
The site is within the school grounds, south of the main building, with woodland, protected trees, a watercourse and a public right of way nearby.
“The main school building is located immediately to the north of the site with access being from Glan Road to the west. Parking is located to the west of the main building with an existing gated access serving the area to be developed.”
“The southern edge of the site is bordered by an area of woodland, part of which comprises protected trees (453; 2009). A watercourse and a Public Right of Way (ABD/22/2) cut through the woodland, approximately 20 – 25m to the south of the site boundary.”
Officer report
Earlier applications
Earlier applications for temporary classrooms, parking, extensions, access works and boundary fencing at the school were mostly granted, while one fencing application was refused.
“10/0549/10: St John Baptist High School, Glan Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare, CF44 8BW The provision of various disabled access ramps to exits around the school. Decision: 02/07/2010, Granted…”
“09/0239/10: St John Baptist High School, Glan Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare, CF44 8BW Erection of 1.20m high polyester powder coated green heras triton fencing system fitted to external edge of existing boundary wall. With a 3.00m wide x 2.00m high polyester powder coated green heras triton double leaf gate. Decision: 21/04/2009, Refused…”
Officer report
Consultation responses
The consultees raised no objections, with conditions recommended on biodiversity, highways, mining remediation and public health matters.
“Mining Remediation Authority: No objection, conditions recommended.”
“Public Health and Protection: No objection, conditions recommended.”
Officer report
Local representations
The application was publicised through neighbour letters and site notices, but no letters of representation were received.
“The application has been advertised by means of direct neighbour notification letters and through the erection of site notices along Glan Road.”
“No letters of representation have been received as a result of this exercise.”
Officer report
Committee decision
The committee approved the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Prosperity and Development.
“Construction of a single storey standalone building and associated works. St John Baptist High School, Glan Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 8BW.”
“The Head of Planning 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
Conditions attached
The permission included conditions covering commencement, approved plans, wheel washing, plant noise, ecology, invasive species and coal-mining stability.
“Prior to the commencement of development, details of wheel washing facilities shall be provided on site and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be implemented and maintained throughout the construction period.”
“Reason: In the interests of Ecology and to afford protection to animal species in accordance with Policy AW8 of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan. Prior to the commencement of development, details of a scheme to deal with the removal of the cotoneaster and cherry laurel that is growing within the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”
Officer report
Sources
- Rhondda Planning and Development Committee minutes, 11 December 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Rhondda's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Rhondda
- Date
- Thursday 11 December 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Rhondda committee decisions →
This committee's year
50 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.