Testun llawn:
I would like to express my objection to development of the proposed Bryn Melin site 370.
Environmentally I feel this is an inappropriate area to develop. The site (and adjoining sites 475/514) are within the Thaw valley designated special landscape area which should be protected.
Development here would destroy the character of the area and significantly impact negatively on the biodiversity and the natural lived experience of the people within Cowbridge. This is against the vale of Glamorgan’s goals to respect landscape a resource, respect scenic quality of an area, respect unspoilt character and integrity, respect the sense of place created by landscape and to conserve these attributes. The valley and the fields, the view, the sense of open space, the footpaths that people can use to walk and enjoy being in nature right next the Cowbridge town are all integral to the sense of character and place of Cowbridge. This section of the valley currently stands alone as a natural vista, and does not have encroachment of suburban development. It is enjoyed by so many. You stand in it and look out, you walk through it, and you can be entirely in the countryside. This is a significant characteristic of a rural town such as Cowbridge and losing this here will represent suburban creep and destruction of this natural character. These attributes would be ruined by development here. I believe other proposed sites such as sites 455 and 367 are better suited to development as these areas are already partially suburbanised and do not have the unspoilt rural views/space/character that the bryn melin and associated sites do.
Ultimately, there is no development currently on the Bryn Melin site, whereas there is already some development within the area of the sites 455 and 367.
Functionally I also have significant concerns about development of Bryn Melin site 370 and the adjoining sites 475 and 514. The transport infrastructure is not supportive of housing here. The St Athan road is small, windy, dangerous with no footpath. There is no public transport within easy walking distance. Amenities are also not within safe or easy walking distance and will necessitate people driving into Cowbridge. This is completely against the Vale’s own goals and ideation when it comes to sustainable and appropriate development. Conversely sites 455 and 367 are well connected with safe easy walking routes into the town centre, and access to public transport.
The site at Bryn Melin is also very steep which environmentally and socially is not a good characteristic for development. The slope is 12% and there is poor access. Again, the sites proposed at 455 and 367 appear more suitable for development with better developed access to the local amenities.
Cowbridge Town Council unanimously rejected the inclusion of Site 370 in the RLDP on 24/02/2026
As outlined in the Cowbridge Placemaking Plan, local identity, sustainable growth, and protection/enhancement of town character, public spaces and the town-edge environment is incredibly important.
Building on these sites in this unspoilt valley is contrary to these principles and undermines local placemaking desires. There must be sites that are more coherent with the ideals and values of the area?
