Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
Vale of Glamorgan Council

VOG is unique within Wales with a relatively large and important areas: in cultural, historical, geographical, industrial, commercial, agricultural and recreational terms. It’s span from seaside villages/towns, previously, highly important previous industrial areas, such as the docks in Barry, the fertile farming areas, the market town of Cowbridge, the recreational areas of Barry, the Heritage Coastal Path, the ancient seat of learning in Llantwit Major to the historic villages and hamlets of the Vale.
In my opinion, the RLDP should maintain and wherever possible improve on these traditional areas. As an example, Barry has benefited from major improvements in recent years and the VOG should be commended for the regeneration of this area.

I live in the village of Llanmaes where there is a proposed building of a major Lidl Supermarket store. It seems to me that this is in direct contradiction to the VOG RLDP for the following reasons:

* This will undoubtedly, lead to Urban sprawl.
*Llanmaes is an Ancient Conservation village. The Church dates from 1234 and there are many Listed Dwellings.
*Community Council and Social Committee. Both maintain the external Environment of Llanmaes, including the Community Hall. Numerous Social events take place, including Charity Events, (Velindre etc.), a monthly film, a Summer Fête, Fashion Show, Harvest Festival on so on.
The list is endless and the Social Committee has recently, received an award. People from the area are encouraged to attend and there are strong links with the local pub, the Blacksmith’s. This cooperation has helped the pub to remain open in the village, when many pubs have closed. There is a true and meaningful Community connection in Llanmaes.

*The village is a Recreational area for cyclists, walkers, the disabled, horse riding and so on. As a member of the VOG Ramblers, we often walk through Llanmaes. I often see the disabled being walked through the village by carers, cycling clubs cycle through the village on Sunday mornings and riding schools bring young children through the village, as well as more mature riders without even mentioning dog walkers.

With an ageing population, the village is an important area for gentle exercise. There is a route which we call the ‘Sigginstone’ route which goes through the village to Sigginstone, Llantwit Major and back into Llanmaes.

*Mental Health and the Cost of Living issues are genuinely helped by these elements.

*Natural Resources Wales’ recent report on River pollution, Air Pollution and Flooding is very poignant to Llanmaes. Only this week, Dŵr has been in evidence in the village this week because of potential flooding. This is a constant concern for the area.

*This is an Agricultural area with Farming areas, being at the heart of the Community. Conversation is also at the heart of the village as a Conservation area. We have Green Areas.

In my opinion, Lidl, a massive Commercial Supermarket is not an improvement to the area. In my opinion, it will be detrimental, both to Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, as well as the wider area. Filco and the Cooperative Society in Llanmaes have also become a Social hub which encourages people to go into the centre of Llantwit Major which has had a knock on effect to encourage people into cafes and other shops in the centre of Llantwit Major.

Therefore, in my opinion, the proposed Lidl Supermarket does not enhance the area, nor does it fit into the RLDP.