as above mass free car parking and the removal of time-limited restrictions.

Good highways with FREE CAR PARKING en masse otherwise people will be reduced to their own areas for life without a need to venture here or elsewhere which will hamper the economy irreversibly.

Utilise Traditional Architecture Design Codes for all new construction with a ban on demolition of all buildings constructed prior to 1950. See my PDF Umbrella Representation for additional Placemaking/ Planning and Greenery Proposals.

OK but integrate effective TA with underground discreet car parking that is free to encourage visitation and net expenditure.

Delete the policy.

This policy in part duplicates the previous policy SP4 and a number of other policies in the plan; it is not considered necessary. This duplication causes confusion and extra work for those submitting planning applications.

refer to the need for communities to interact and socialise outdoors and ways this may be achieved. A small shelter next to a communal growing area could provide this at little expense.

We are pleased to see Policy SP4 of the LDP states development will be required to follow Placemaking principles. This intention is followed through successfully in Policy PGD1 – Creating well designed and inclusive spaces. Yet we do not feel ‘providing high quality multi-functional green open spaces which can provide a choice and range of activities..’ goes far enough to promote the range of options available to promote well designed and inclusive spaces. We feel that the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles needs some reference at this juncture as to how this might be achieved. The need to create ‘safe, accessible, integrated, inclusive and active environments that make efficient use of land and promote opportunities for active travel, and promote sustainable transport choice’s' needs more robust wording to back it up. The reference in the explanatory text to walking cycling and safe play needs to be enhanced to discuss opportunities for incoming to communities to gather outdoors, to socialise, to grow, to eat and to plan their healthy lifestyles together. Maximising opportunities of walking, cycling and play to reduce the causes of ill health, and reducing health inequalities is something we as planners, have been trying to do for generations. We need to go further. More explanation of what a healthy environment looks like would be appreciated. We must design spaces with more dynamism, with a variety spaces and opportunities that communities can gain ownership of.
Where housing need is significant and indeed where viability of site delivery is a factor, smaller, more effective spaces, can be delivered at little cost and with the opportunity for community ‘ownership’ from the outset. Blank canvass, small areas for growing of food, commensurate to the size of development can achieve huge amounts in terms of promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Where there is a mix of uses, local businesses can become involved in the spaces through sponsorship, donations, gaining extra customers and receiving food to cook or sell. This type of place making can deliver true ‘green infrastructure’. They are indeed - high quality multi-functional green spaces which can provide a choice and range of activities, including play, that also deliver enhanced biodiversity and flood mitigation and are designed to be resilient to climate change and adaptable overtime.

Context:
This consultation feedback submission has been produced by Mr. David Richard Barton, also known as Community Campaigner David Barton who is promoting both the existing Built Historic Environment and Traditional Vernacular Architecture (TVA)/ Traditional Architecture (TA) as a key feature across UK and Ireland-wide Local Authorities and associated Planning Departments at all tiers of Local, Regional and Central Government.
This universal consultation therefore acts as an official Representation at all and any stage of official area UK Planning Consultations- Preliminary Scoping Documents, Named Stages of the Local Plan, Conservation Area Appraisals and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), primarily regarding Design Codes.
Representations are being made by Mr. Barton as part of his ongoing work to champion the key stakeholders at various key areas old and new with a view to supporting their economic growth through the merits of High-Quality style Conservation with the hope of encouraging wider constructive and restorative support through positive and constructive working.
It is submitted that TVA should play a key part in any and all policy moving forwards on the grounds of conferring practical benefits be these periodic maintenance, their perceived support from the public, their invaluable contribution to achieving Climate Crisis Targets set local, nationally and internationally alongside their overall cost-effectiveness to key stakeholders alike in terms of Planning and sourcing of raw materials.
*One primary document that should be considered with significance especially alongside my own representation is a written academic account of the actual practicalities associated with Traditional Architecture from a leading expert in their field.i.) Not only does this in-depth analysis provide an in-depth take on the widely assorted merits of this type of Architecture but it fully corroborates my case made across all sections typically found in one of the consultations highlighted above.
Furthermore, my representations to date and contained herein this document are duly supported by the Founder and Director of The Institute for Traditional Architectureii.) who has identified and recognised my own contribution(s) to communities up and down the Sefton Borough. This is an internationally acclaimed organisation which periodically works with other leading agencies and organisations to bring about effective positive change.
Outlined throughout Submission are responses to existing Consultations which set out why I consider amendments to existing Planning Policy documents are necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.
References to supporting documents are contained in the indented blue numbering.
This Submission has been prepared for UK and Ireland-wide Local Authorities in the hope that it may serve as an umbrella representation by Mr. Barton. This does not prejudice his ability to also comment on live stages of any one Consultation, merely providing the ability to be put in touch directly with any one Local Authority in receipt of this Representation with the prospect of also taking part in any version(s) of Consultations begin ran by said Local Authorities. If there are future consultations, especially regarding Design Codes and SPDs relating to this across both designated and non-designated heritage assets then it is hoped that these are duly provided to Community Campaigner David Barton.
Mr. Barton has cited material references and sources from his previous Representation to the Bootle Area Action Plan Consultation (2021-2026) that align with his existing and ongoing points which he would like to raise in parallel with other Local Authorities. Where a more detailed discussion with leading sources, such as Architects and Academics may prove conducive with these Councils then Mr. Barton would be delighted to discuss this further.
Community Campaigner David Barton:
Community Campaigner David Barton is a Heritage Campaigner of over 11 years’ experience who has championed and led a number of successful campaigns to promote TVA in modern-day life. His dual mandate is to provide effective (alternative) use of historical buildings encompassing a full restoration alongside achieving the mainstream construction of new classical architecture on numerous economic, environmental and ecological grounds that align with existing policy set out by Central Government covering the UK and increasingly elsewhere across the world.
Having worked with a wide array of residents, businesses and organisations in that time, which has included the full restoration of the Victorian Verandahs on Lord Street, Southport in tandem with the respective key stakeholders and other property owners to prevent demolition of Old Builds across Sefton, Mr. Barton is now hoping to make the process of utilising the built environment to its fullest potential a far simpler one that will enable Bootle to fully reach its maximum potential as a historic town.
SECTION 1: Design Codes:-
1. Design Codes based on TVA should be utilised in preference to Design Guides
2. LAs should establish recurring partnerships with key Consultation Bodies, such as Create Streets and The King’s Foundation, etc who specialise in getting through to a huge swathe of grassroots members of the public with tried and tested previous experience in Local Plans, such as Lichfield, etc.
3. Non-demolition of historic buildings prior to the 1950s must be made policy or adhered to as part of LCC’s commitment to combatting the Climate Crisis through sequestering carbon in its Old Builds.
4. LAs should adopt a Local List of Valued Buildings (Non-designated Heritage Assets), which have been a Government requirement since the policy introduction through the NPPF in 2012. Historic England produced a guide to help Councils in May 2012. Bristol produced an exemplar list in 2015, which is well worth reviewing.
5. Existing Action Plan if present for Designated and Non-designated Heritage Assets needs identifying and/ or establishing (I may support this if invited).
6. Option for people to provide feedback even if out of time for additional documents, such as SPDs or at the discretion of Councils where feedback may be particularly assistive or lead to additional academic and architect guidance. Option for public publishing of feedback should be encouraged with the consultee’s consent to encourage wider consultation uptake moving forwards.
7. Era-style Buildings, especially rows of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture must be faithfully restored, retained and recreated to complement surrounding historic streets that may or may not be classed in official Conservation Areas preventing harsh contrast with newer built housing estates from the 1950s onwards.
8. Where demolition is proposed for 1950s style housing onwards- any new construction must be in the historic building style and local materials to ensure high carbon capacity, quality aesthetic and true blending of the interconnected conurbations of any one area, place or location.
9. Concerted efforts to identify and locate core suppliers for raw materials and specific heritage skills should encourage new uptake of these limited artisan craft skills by new contractors locally based to support the local economy, provide employment, and reduce the cost of product and service in the long-term.
10. Volunteer labouring assemblies should be fully encouraged and supported identifying key individual an group skillsets that can be utilised to protect historic buildings or areas at risk with a view to supporting the construction of new authentic style housing (as and where appropriate) and the reconstruction of demolished prized old buildings beloved by the community, such as community pubs, libraries and community centres.
11. Simplified streamlined Planning Process for key stakeholders either working to authentically restore buildings and/ or build new ones, such as observed with many civic buildings in Budapest Hungary and the Federal University Buildings in the US.
12. Where there have been evolving building styles over years, eg. Combination of one or more: Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian, the style that best promotes the area, ie. One that has the majority era structures left or capacity size requirements as examples should be utilised by house builders, especially where a streetscape may have been annihilated during the World Wars.
SECTION 2: Designated & Non-Designated Heritage Assets:
1. Enhancement of Historic Areas to remove modern street furniture with the integration of classical style timepieces should be encouraged and pursued wherever possible with clear preferred guides set out for each part of the City.
2. Enhancement of Setting with funding grants and financial incentives from all tiers of Government for Private Investors especially those contributing actively towards achieving Net Zero through Embodied Energy/ Carbon Capacity rich measures, i.e. Retention of Old Builds.
3. Archive Pooling of invaluable source material, such as Historic Photographs, Oil Paintings, such as “Memory Lane” featured on InYourArea Magazine to enrich existing material archives.
4. New officialising of Non-Designated Heritage Assets must be actively supported even if informed by the (wider) community thereby providing some possibility of removing these from risk of demolition.
5. Incentives must be provided to those dependable sincere third party investors that take on, maintain and protect said sites against their annihilation from the streetscape with rescue-packages actively promoted and supported once again with a trusted Directory creating goodwill amongst the local community.
6. Opportunity to meet or correspond on Zoom Conference Call regarding key areas, buildings and places at risk where key stakeholders, such as property owners may be better placed to engage in positive and constructive discussion through third parties, such as myself and a trusted panel of experts in their fields and sectors who could enable these people and organisations to maximise their civic heritage, whilst proactively striving to protect more historic buildings from decline and/ or demolition where a strategy package for raising the revenue to do this could be arranged and facilitated.
7. Defining Character Areas- zoning symmetrical parallel construction recommended where distinctive individualised properties remain as checked against authentic archive blueprints. This will ensure high-quality housing for everyone reducing the societal divides between misperceived “good areas” where affluent people reside in historical style properties and less advantaged reside in contemporary ones.
8. Industry should be conserved at former industrial complexes, such as Economic Docks with equivalent sites offering modern-day uses, alongside traditional uses such as export and import of raw materials at places such as Docks and Port encompassing: ICT sector, Green Research & Development, etc.
9. Every effort must be made to reach out to Property Owners, especially Housebuilders that are pursuing demolition of long-beloved buildings, especially those with demonstrable evidence of Holy Worship.
10. Every effort must be made to reach out to Property Owners, especially Housebuilders that are pursuing demolition of landmark buildings, especially those with key links to an area’s founding or history locally.
11. All Powers to monitor, collaborate with existing and/ or new property owners to conserve these buildings should become mandatory with appointed Community Champions for Civic Heritage that area direct link between Local Authorities and said wider key stakeholders to prevent demolition of structures that may be at risk of destruction from vandalism, urban exploration and demolition.
12. Reconstruction Programme harnessing existing limited crafts people’s skillsets to be used as a fundraising vehicle to bring back buildings that may have been demolished to dissuade future demolition as a choice by property owners and by means of expanding these otherwise lost skillsets that are at live risk of becoming extinct from the UK.
13. Checklist of buildings at high risk must be expanded beyond the existing groups and organisations that are saturated with high caseloads, such as SAVE Britain’s Heritage, etc so that dialogue channels can be created and fostered between Community Champions for Civic Heritage.
14. Bespoke-tailored funding packages for Properties at Risk of decline or demolition should be integrated with Local, Regional and Central Government-funding as a means of regional economic output through the return on investment that may support other key grant funding capital infrastructure projects, such as transportation and drainage improvements.
SECTION 3: Conservation Areas:-
1. Alterations for Listed Building Consent must be simplified with additional streamlined testing methodologies, such as proof of legitimate third party support, such as correspondence chains between applicant and Groups, such as The Victorian Society that can assist LAs complete workload much sooner allowing more attention for challenging cases, such as Non-Designated Heritage Assets at live or upcoming risk of demolition by Housebuilders, etc.
2. Highways & Street Furniture should be duly supported across the whole of an area to enhance its historic appeal to the commercial community as much to its indigenous community; as this is supported greatly in equivalent Public Realm Strategy SPDs- where any and all guidance and support must and should be provided, with key at risk projects being an exceptional anecdote that may be cited in future documents or versions of this and other consultations to stimulate economic construction and restoration across other designated Conservation Areas, etc or otherwise.
3. Provide incentives for the return of lost adornments and decorative features, such as roof fixtures like Chimney Stacks once again with an approved contractor directory to make Old Builds practical to own, live and work in the 2020s onwards. If a Directory cannot be provided then specific wording and guides on esoteric restoration and new traditional building styles that would see modern-day use of decorative features must be provided by the Local Council.
4. Permissions for authentic replica and more durable materials, such as reproduction sash windows must be supported to prevent exorbitant high costs through procuring these, limited longevity and economic climates being unstable. This must be assessed on a case by case basis.
5. No more deliberate manipulation and selective misinterpretation of using contemporary modern designs using old-style fabric raw materials, such as stone cladding for new housing where the design and shape clearly undermine the concept of blending within or around a Conservation Area.
6. Compendium of approved and recognised TVA Architects based across the UK with a view to supporting the training in time of more Northern counterparts to reduce cost associated with travel expenses, etc. This will actively reduce the level of demolition applications countering the purpose of this SPD and other live Policy. If a Directory cannot be provided then specific wording and guides on esoteric restoration and new traditional building styles that would see modern-day use of decorative features must be provided by the Local Council.
7. New Conservation Areas should be established covering areas of surviving built historic environment to positively reverse fascia changes to more modern ones.
8. Blue Plaques should be fully supported across as many different Conurbations, especially if Applicants reach out for endorsements.
9. Discretionary Rate Relief should be provided to those proactively support LAs with conserving their respective Conservation Areas through their own resources, skillsets and time as an incentive to others to work alongside the Council positively and constructively.
10. Where long-lost prized buildings are reconstructed whether based in a Conservation Area or not this should confer discretionary financial support, e.g. Rate Relief for the length of time taken to produce this outcome acknowledging the embodied carbon now contributing positively towards the LA’s Climate Change Action Plan Targets.
11. Retention of historic street furniture, such as Lamp Posts adorning high streets or Promenade style streetscapes with collaborate fundraising models utilised from key stakeholders, such as property owners, undisclosed third party investors, Residents’ Groups, etc.
12. Retention of historic street furniture, such as Lamp Posts adorning high streets or Promenade style streetscapes with authentic identical reproductions permitted where all options to secure finance have been fully exhausted and/or the existing streetscape is at imminent risk of receiving contemporary replacement street furniture on health and safety grounds, eg. Lap Posts.
SECTION 4: Climate Change:-
1. Pleased to note that LAs broadly acknowledge and grasp this concept therefore the aim should be to increase the net number of carbon-rich Old Builds long-term through support packages that will combat the Climate Crisis, provide economic benefit and improve Conservation in a pioneering fashion that may draw wider funding opportunities for the area.
2. Retrofit Ventilation is a key point that should warrant future new construction utilising higher ceilings through the reconstruction of Old Builds outfitted for the modern day with retrofitted energy supplies, etc that will also serve to break down societal dives regarding perceived good and bad areas where streetscapes are harmonious yet distinctly unique in beauty like any one Conservation Area.
3. Embodied energy and embodied carbon- must remain a central priority and so influence new construction to readopt TVA principles as this will be pivotal towards the area’s future green credentials as outlined in many existing auxiliary planning documents approved presently with Carbon Studies taken of existing architecture, notably buildings saved from demolition.
4. A brick by brick case study of as many buildings as possible may warrant invitation of national and international academic institutions to undertake a regional or national Carbon Study further justifying the retention of prized Old Builds elsewhere across the area, region and the UK.
5. Sustainable Materials- an approved contractor directory that could readily advise and source the necessary raw materials with realistically reduced costs substantially again deterring potential demolition-driven applicants from consuming workload time of the Planning Department. If a Directory cannot be provided then specific wording and guides on esoteric restoration and new traditional building styles that would see modern-day use of sustainable materials must be provided by the Local Council.
6. Biodiversity- maximise greenery along all arterial roads ad commuter routes with dense tree planting and the introduction of hedgerows and wherever possible financial incentives to get more private property owners on side.
7. Flooding Defences- existing and prospective hotspot areas should be clearly identified for emergency grant funding whereby Local Authorities, especially across a region may agree with the respective Government Department to distribute emergency flooding to prevent costly consequential recurrent repairs.
8. Transportation using arterial roads and commuter routes (Motorways and Railways) should prioritise linking each end of a Local Government sphere with the surrounding Local Government spheres, such as Southport at the very northern tip of Merseyside where transportation links are much weaker with Lancashire in the north and east than with the rest of Merseyside to the south.
9. Coastlines should be reclassified as SSSIs, especially where the economic potential is not being fully realised, such as Coastal Towns with underused Beaches, such as Southport in Sefton as one example for other LAs.
10. Financial Incentives for the demolition of Carbon-poor Glass Towers and contemporary construction should be utilised to restore the skylines across any one area whilst providing better mathematical application of the space for residential and commercial use, such as larger tenement buildings or the original streetscape reinstated yet designated specifically for housing where there may be a deficit.
SECTION 5: Historic Buildings:-
1. Create a Designated AND a Non-Designated Heritage Asset List, such as AHV whereby existing buildings and those that may yet return can be logged and recorded to combat the Climate Crisis whilst making heritage work for LAs in modern day with attractive locations timeless for everyone to appreciate enhancing the investor appeal, all-round interest and acknowledging the industrial pioneering legacy of the City.
2. Clearance of vegetation along the Railway Lines alongside other equivalent parts of the Line to eradicate the perceived neglected aesthetic.
3. Exception Areas, such as those at risk or recently restored have the real potential for wider grant funding for ambitious projects out of the realm necessarily of undisclosed third party investors supporting Property Owners, therefore all and any support in reaching these person(s) will greatly contribute to all possible tangible success in the interim period.
4. Providing key guidance, such as agreed in-keeping historic street furniture, such as Cast Iron Lamp Posts, Bins, Planters approved upon inspection of historic photographs, agreed installation and where appropriate maintenance by the LA will ensure the iterative success of this transferring to other Conservation Areas, etc.
5. Scheme to rebuild and reconstruct long-lost buildings, prioritising vacant sites that could adapt some mixed use with residential accommodation and commercial application thereby supporting Climate Action, creating employment and recordable success through placing of necessary economic drivers, such as offices for Technology Sector if original use cannot be sourced in sufficient time simultaneously meeting housing targets.
6. Archive Blueprints for historic conurbations that have suffered architecturally over time through building conversions, demolitions, etc should be provided to key stakeholders, if necessary with a printing charge available for official spiral hard copy version to view detailed historic plans covering layouts, etc.
7. Those people and organisations that have either/ both maintained their properties well over the years or may wish to provide additional support to others, such as restorative support, archive blueprint guidance, etc should be eligible for discretionary reductions by the Council across various property taxes where they may be suffering hardship or through personal circumstances.
8. “Newer” style housing with true authentic rhythm, such as Suburban style faux Tudor fascia frontages with red clay tile pitched roofs and terracotta design windows (tile hung walls) are a good compromise whereupon finance and scheduling may otherwise adversely impact on housing settlements.
9. Fascia Frontage details should be reinstated whether in a Conservation Area or not, especially where approval has been granted to rebuild an entire house using breeze block to produce a stereotypical black, white and grey dwelling out of place.
10. LAs should work closely with Foundries to procure raw materials and building services in the event of harnessing their own Contractor Firm(s) in-house that could work cross-authority to make net savings whilst ensuring particular new housing neighbourhoods conform to an appropriate style.
11. Modern “Carbuncle” extensions should not be permitted at any one area- instead an authentic style addition may be used to retain blending.
12. Discretionary financial support packages to assist House Builders choosing the traditional vernacular route should be considered and utilised where it can be proven that this third party will restore the historic streetscape yet making it applicable or modern day requirements- residential or commercial. This may be especially so where they are able to help others prevent the demolition of a prized Old Build built before the 1950s.
SECTION 6: Traditional Vernacular Architecture:-
1. Provide a directory of approved and trusted Conservation Specialist Contractors- this will be key for repairs and maintenance reducing costs for all parties, expediting the physical process of regeneration and smoothen planning work schedules so that finer detail may be considered on priority cases or those that may be at risk of consequential repair, such as Places of Worship and detached Buildings with flat roofs, etc at higher risk of damage than customary dwellings.
2. These same people should be readily contactable for new construction
3. Encourage smart building methods and use of TVA as meticulously explained in this SPD outlining “Breathing” Solid Wall Construction using older style materials thereby reducing maintenance cost which combined with the approved contractor directory will further drive down costs, time and effort for everyone.
4. Alterations- must introduce a simplified listed building consent form and application process that is streamlined encouraging better maintenance of Old Builds and reducing the rising propensity of builders to allow buildings to deteriorate, such as the Historic Pub that had to be rebuilt in Kilburn, London post 2015.
5. Provide specialist Heritage Arts & Craft Skills Programmes that anyone can learn and use so that these high cost tasks can eventually stabilise in price making them more affordable and available to those that don’t have the time to do this themselves or may be risk averse even.
6. Extensions- there must be a proactive emphasis on in-keeping structural fabric to prevent future errors, such as the Municipal Building depicted in the SPD being replicated again thereby harming the Conservation value.
7. New Housing Estates should adopt historical archival blueprints, ie. A Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian layout with the likeliest period architecture utilised where this area remained greenbelt until the 1950s.
8. Area Expansion of housing must revert to traditional timeless designs that confer many practical advantages over modern styles that are harder to maintain are timeless with regard to dating and ensure a more evenly distributed community atmosphere in the long-term future.
9. Infrastructure should be appropriately considered for existing and new areas so that no one area is at risk of becoming congested through traffic for a particular commodity, such as Schools, Doctor Practice, Dental Practice, etc.
10. Site Layouts should complement the historic layout with a view to Post 1950s contemporary Architecture out of place being one day demolished to reinstate Long-lost beloved buildings from before the World Wars that could blossom economically today.
11. Building Form shouldn’t permit for dated modern structures that delineate and essentially divide communities between the old and new parts of any one location.
12. Façade Design mustn’t be compromised for contemporary architecture, especially in view of coveted Heritage Status for any one area being at risk of being lost if said contemporary architecture is pursued.
SECTION 7: Making an application:-
1. Identify recurring applicants that are harming civic heritage, be this across Conservation Areas, Non-designated heritage assets or elsewhere with experience of demolition to date- this should be considered before granting permission to apply or acquire planning approval.
2. Enforcement Penalties for key stakeholders that purposely allow their properties to fall into decline and hoped eventual demolition through this tactic, which is more prevalent since 2020.
3. Create an Action Plan to deter persons or organisations from pursuing demolition, such as financial incentives, sincere investor network directory set by Central Government to offload for profit and enforced Design Codes that cannot be manipulated through semantics like Design Guides in isolation as has happened elsewhere. This must be kept for emergency instances where there is an expected threat of decline or demolition.
4. Agreed that temporary alteration of heritage sites, such as stairs or ramps for wheelchairs should be utilised to prevent deleterious loss of historic surroundings and features alike.
5. Full Pre-Consultation publicised and utilised to ensure appropriate Design Codes for new housing alongside positioning and layout in case volunteer assemblies may assist property owners with restoration of historic buildings.
6. Brick by brick Analysis undertaken of projects set for Traditional reconstruction so that these statistics may provide both the Council with evidence for green grant funding support for other key infrastructure projects, such as Transportation and
Drainage Defences and property owners may incur a discretionary reduction in associated reconstruction costs of heritage buildings and vistas.
7. Ability to lock feedback in for Consultation automatically unless the council can alert interested consultees in taking part again whether they are locally, regionally or nationally based.
8. Special partnerships with Property Owners of historic buildings at risk of decline/ demolition to discreetly support them with the option to publicise this accordingly to reach out to others in the same position to secure alternative use for these structures as opposed to demolition.
9. Proactive effort to stop Breaking and Entering style of “Urban Explorers” who are coincidentally apparent whenever demolition is scheduled for buildings especially since 2020.
10. LAs to proactively work closely alongside Community Champions and other leading Heritage Groups, such as English Heritage giving these organisations a voice on the frontlines, especially where so many buildings are presently being overlooked for additional guidance and/ or support due to cost and time restraints facing these same groups and organisations (including the LA).
SECTION 8: MISCELLAENOUS:-
1. Provide all possible support for the reconstruction of Old Builds as is happening elsewhere across Europe, especially Budapest, Hungary, North America, etc to significantly increase Embodied Energy/ Carbon storage.
2. Establish a Plan to adopt Unadopted Roads or supply key services, such as carriageway resurfacing as disabled access and entry/ exit of Emergency Vehicles is presently a cause for concern.
3. Provide Pre-Approval and agreement of specialist Conservation Area style Historic Street Furniture, such as Cast Iron Lamp Posts, Bins and Planters for this prime Conservation Area including installation, maintenance costs (where appropriate).
4. Provide full access to the Archive Resources (at no/minimal cost) as an invaluable incentive for existing and parallel undisclosed third Party Investors. Discretionary waivers may be appropriate for those third parties proactively working to prevent decline and demolition of historic buildings.
5. Car Parking on and off street should be supported to ensure freedom of choice for everyone, accessibility and connectedness.
6. Car Parking abodes should be tastefully designed like modern-day stables for vehicles that are in-keeping with the built historic environment.
7. Provide publicly published names of consultees willing to work alongside the Local authority and other key stakeholders, such as property owners and undisclosed third party investors, etc.
8. Provide select tours for prospective investors and housebuilders of existing traditional architecture where Design Codes of this identical style would complement both old and new architecture bending the area better more cohesively, eg. the form and layout of Oxford City Centre which has changed minimally structurally since the 1800s.
9. Provide a focused effort on utilising people’s skillsets on a meritocratic basis, ie. Procure specialists and volunteers that could work together on key emergency projects, such as Historic buildings at risk without layered bureaucracy on achieving positive outcomes, such as Community Assets where deadlines can be thwarted by separate third parties.
10. Create a Top Ten Historic Buildings at Risk Register where appropriate conditions, such as security against Urban Exploration, etc can be utilised safeguarding these structures, providing the respective property owners peace of mind whilst actual scope for revitalising these for solid economic gain.
11. Infrastructure assessments should be fully outlined, such as Air Quality risk from new construction at presently congested areas, hence the case for Traditional Architecture that will confer longevity benefits in the long-term with as much free car parking as possible.
12. Free Car Parking may be monitored through expected proof of purchase when visiting, eg. minimal £1.00 at a shop encouraging partnerships between private businesses and LAs.

We would like to thank you for consulting with South Wales Police in respect of the Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 to 2036.
We welcome working with The Vale of Glamorgan Council in respect of The Vale of Glamorgan Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Deposit Plan to ensure the future needs and community safety is addressed within the plan and supporting documents.
We would respectfully ask that our comments are taken into consideration, and included in the plan, and that we can work in partnership to develop the specific planning guidance documents mentioned below.
The replacement development plan outlines its Vision and objectives of the RLDP as follows:
‘By 2036’:
The Vale of Glamorgan is a healthy and inclusive place for everyone, with equitable access to services and facilities both physically and digitally. Residents are proud of where they live and have access to the homes they need. Housing growth has delivered homes which caters for all, including affordable homes and older person’s housing; contributing towards diverse and cohesive communities where residents can maintain their independence.
Through placemaking, places and spaces are safe, accessible and socially inclusive. Development respects local character and sense of place is valued by residents and contributes positively towards health and wellbeing. Positive improvements have been achieved in narrowing the disparities in Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA) for the Replacement Local Development Plan Prepared for: Vale of Glamorgan Council AECOM 5 the quality of life and health outcomes for residents living in the most deprived areas through improved access to employment, education, training, services, and investment in the built environment.
The Vale enjoys a network of connected, multi-functional and accessible green and blue spaces, providing a range of enhanced leisure and health benefits within and between towns, villages, and the countryside. More residents participate in active and healthy lifestyles. Investment in green infrastructure has produced a net biodiversity benefit with the creation of new habitats, enhanced connectivity and Planting providing carbon storage and contributing towards Climate Change resilience and adaptation.
Objectives:
1. Mitigating and adapting to climate change
2. Improving mental and physical health and well-being
3. Homes for all
4. Placemaking
5. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment
Policies that support the role of a Designing Out Crime Officer and Secured by Design are as follows:
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop, and visit.
Planning Policy Wales (PPW) states that crime and prevention and fear of crime are social considerations to which regard must be given by local planning authorities in the preparation of development plans. They should be reflected in any supplementary planning guidance and may be material considerations in the determination of planning applications. The aim should be to produce safe environments through good design.
Technical Advice Note (TAN) 12: Design, provides advice for all those involved in the design of development on how good sustainable design can be facilitated through the planning system. TAN 12 reminds practitioners that local authorities (including National Park Authorities) are required to have due regard to crime and disorder prevention in the exercise of their functions under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
TAN 12 recognises the Secured by Design initiative as a standard that has been shown to reduce crime.
TAN 12, paragraph states that ‘Local authorities are advised to consult Designing out Crime Officers on pre-applications and planning applications for those developments where there is potential to eliminate or reduce crime through the adoption of suitable measures at the design stage. This is especially important for major developments such as new housing estates, industrial estates, shopping centres, leisure complexes, schools, and car parks. It is important to consult Designing out Crime Officers at as early stage as possible – by the time a formal application is submitted, the opportunity to take account of advice may already be limited.’
Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1988 requires local authorities to consider crime and disorder implications in all their authorities and functions and do all that they reasonably can do all they can do to reduce these problems.
Violence against women and Girls:
Crime has a major impact on people’s lives in the Vale of Glamorgan and impacts on the health of the public especially those who have been victims of crime and anti-social behaviour and vulnerable groups such as Women and Girls.
In spring 2023, the Home Secretary announced Violence Against Women and Girls as a national threat and included it within the 9 Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR) alongside terrorism, serious and organised crime, and child sexual abuse.
Secured by Design can assist with ensuring that the built environment in all its forms is designed to reduce the opportunity of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and contribute to such places feeling safe, to live, work and socialise, for all. The importance of this is outlined within the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) ‘Policing Violence Against Women and Girls – The National Framework for Delivery: 2024 – 2027’ under the ‘Prevent’ element of the strategy; outlining the need for building safer spaces and places. Further information is available at: https://www.npcc.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/our-work/vawg/vawg-framework-fordelivery.pdf
In Wales, planning is devolved. Planning Policy Wales and Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 set out the Welsh Government’s national planning policy, where new developments are proposed. Planning Policy Wales explains: “A clear rationale behind the design decisions made […] should be sought throughout the development process and expressed, when appropriate, in a design and access statement.”
76 The guidance for design and access statements for Wales categorises five key objectives of good design (Access, Character, Community Safety, Environmental Sustainability and Movement) and explains how meeting these objectives should ensure that both design quality and inclusive access are given sufficient consideration in the planning process.
77 Design and access statements have been required in Wales for many planning applications since 2009 and have been part of legislative requirements since the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.
The Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 First Report: Prevention of sexually motivated crimes against women in public Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 2 December
In Wales, local authorities are under legal obligation to consider and address crime while in the process of planning: “Local authorities [in Wales] are under a legal obligation to consider the need to prevent and reduce crime and disorder in all decisions that they take. Crime prevention and fear of crime are social considerations to which regard should be given in the preparation of development plans and taking planning decisions. The aim should be to produce safe environments that do not compromise on design quality in accordance with the cohesive communities’ wellbeing goal.”
The Inquiry considers that there would be an opportunity to place a greater focus on preventing sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces if this priority were reflected in planning guidance and principles.
For instance, neither the English nor the Welsh documentation contains specific reference to considering how design can help prevent violence against women in public spaces. The Inquiry saw evidence of this being discussed: “Under public spaces in the National Model Design Guide it mentioned well located, attractive public spaces. But there is no mention of violence against women and girls. There is minimal mention of crime reduction, just that amenity spaces should make people feel safe, help overcome crime, reduce the fear of crime.”
The Terrorism (protection of premises)Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law)
This Act became legislation on the 3rd of April 2025. This legislation is to improve protective security and preparedness across the United Kingdom for certain premises.
South Wales Police and Counter Terrorism Policing Wales would ask that where this legislation applies that early consultation takes place with the Designing out crime officers and Counter Terrorism Policing Wales.
If a premises falls within the scope of the The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the development plans should be referred to South Wales Police Designing Out Crime Officers who will in turn will take advice from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales. This consultation should take place at the pre planning stage.
Standard Tier- will drive good preparedness outcomes. Locations with a maximum occupancy of greater than two hundred people will be required to have appropriate public protection procedures in place to ensure effective protective security and preparedness if an act of terrorism were to occur in their premises or immediate vicinity.
Enhanced Tier- focused on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with an occupancy of eight hundred plus at any time will be required to have in place as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures and measures that can be expected to reduce the vulnerability of the premises, and the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby.
Premises will fall within scope of The Terrorism (protection of premises)Act 2025 where “qualifying activities” take place. This will include activities such as entertainment, leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central Government buildings (e.g. town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, Places of Worship, health, and education.
The legislation applies to eligible locations which are either: a building (including collections of buildings used for the same purposes, e.g. a campus); or location/event (including a temporary event) that has a defined boundary, allowing capacity to be known. Eligible locations whose maximum occupancy meets the above specified thresholds will be then drawn into the relevant tier.
Public Spaces:
It should be borne in mind that the development of public spaces which are either owned, managed or they have influence over should also include protected security and preparedness at the concept stage of the planning process.
South Wales Police recommendations:
Our recommendations are set out below in relation the objectives and specifically to preventing crime and disorder and enhancing community safety:
1. Mitigating and adapting to climate change Secured by Design Residential Guide 2025 states:
Crime committed in 2011 in England and Wales is estimated to have given rise to over 4 million tonnes CO2e, equivalent to emissions of around 900,000 UK homes. Burglary resulted in the largest proportion of the total footprint (30%) due to large volume of offences and the carbon associated with replacing stolen or damaged goods.
Source: “Addressing the Carbon-Crime Blind Spot - A Carbon Footprint Approach” (2016). Helen Skudder, Professor Angela Druckman, Jon Cole, Alan McInnes, Dr Ian Brunton-Smith, Dr Gian Paolo Ansalon.
Secured by Design states ‘The environmental benefits of SBD are supported by independent academic research consistently proving that SBD housing developments experience up to 87% less burglary, 25% less vehicle crime and 25% less criminal damage (Note 1.5). It also has a significant impact on anti-social behaviour.
Therefore, there are substantial carbon cost savings associated with building new homes and refurbishing existing homes to the SBD standard i.e. less replacement of poor-quality doors, windows and the stolen property from within the home as a result of criminal acts. This has been achieved through adherence to well-researched and effective design solutions, innovative and creative product design coupled with robust manufacturing standards.’
Research documentation can be found on the SBD website at: https://www.securedbydesign.come
Recommendations:
• SP 6 - Ensure early consultation with the Designing Out Crime Officer and to achieve Secured by Design on all new developments and refurbishments.
• CC5 - Heat Networks – Advice should be sought from the Designing Out Crime officer to ensure the safe placement of heat pump devices.
• CC5 – Consultation should take place with the Designing Out Crime Officer in respect of wind or solar farms, so Secured by Design can be achieved.
• DNP7 – DARK SKIES – Secured by Design can assist with ensuring that the built environment in all its forms is designed to reduce the opportunity of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and contribute to such places feeling safe, to live, work and socialise. South Wales Police would ask that Designing Out Crime Officers are involved at the pre planning stage to discuss and be able to make recommendations in relation to lighting.
Reason: To reduce the carbon footprint of development.
2. Improving mental and physical health and well-being
• PGD1 – Creating well designed and inclusive places states:
Development must demonstrate that the following:
Ensuring no unacceptable impacts on public and residential amenity, particularly regarding privacy, overbearing, security, noise and disturbance
Ensuring that public open space, private amenity space and cycle and car parking in accordance with the Council’s standards.
Secured by Design Residential Guide states:
Poorly designed and specified public realm and communal areas, such as playgrounds, roof gardens, communal gardens, community dining rooms, toddler play areas, seating facilities have the potential to generate crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
The design and layout of play spaces will vary depending on the age requirements. The provision of inclusively designed public amenity/play spaces as an integral part of residential developments, should make a valuable contribution towards the quality of the development and the character of the neighbourhood.
Recommendations:
• PGD 1 - Facilities shall be designed to allow natural surveillance from nearby dwellings with safe and accessible routes for users to come and go. Boundaries between public and private space shall be clearly defined and open spaces must have features which prevent unauthorised vehicular access. Communal spaces as described above should not immediately abut residential buildings.
• SP 5 - South Wales Police would recommend that all new public space is designed to Secured by Design standards (Residential) Guide. Use the ‘Safer Parks’ document (research by ‘Make Space for Girls’) to design safe communal spaces. Designing Out Crime officers should be consulted at pre planning stage to give their recommendations for communal space.
Reason: To enhance community safety and prevent antisocial behaviour.
3. Homes for all
Policy 7- Delivering Affordable Homes
The Vale of Glamorgan Housing Strategy 2021-2026
The strategy includes a long-term vision for housing in the Vale where “All residents in the Vale of Glamorgan have access to good quality, suitable housing and can live happily and independently in vibrant, sustainable communities.”
• Aim 1: More Homes, More Choice.
• Aim 2: Improved homes and communities.
• Aim 3: Better housing advice and support.
• Aim 4: Equality of access to housing and housing services.
‘The Vale has a significant need for affordable homes, with affordable housing need remaining one of the highest in Wales, even though the Vale is one of highest performing authorities in Wales in terms of affordable housing delivery. Using the principal projections, the Council’s 2023 Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA)
identifies a need for 1,075 affordable homes per annum over the 5-year period 2023-2028 and 154 affordable homes per annum for the following 10 years.’
Ensure that all new residential developments provide high quality housing that includes the right mix, tenure and type of homes that respond to the changing needs of the Vale’s population. This includes homes that are affordable, accessible and adaptable for people of all ages and that address the identified accommodation needs of all the Vale’s communities through all stages of life.
The Vale of Glamorgan Older Persons Housing Strategy
2.84 The Council’s Older Persons Housing Strategy ‘Creating Homes and Neighbourhoods for Later Life 2022-2036’ sets out a vision for the Vale of Glamorgan which seeks: ‘to secure the best quality of life for older people to live as independently as possible in later life. This means delivering a range of accommodation that enables older people to live fulfilling lives and enjoy good health in attractive homes that meet their needs and allow them to retain their independence as they age.”
All Welsh Government grant funded housing refurbishments must comply with the Development Quality Requirement (DQR) and achieve Secured by Design Silver award.
South Wales Police would ask that all new developments are designed and built to Secured by Design standards this includes roads, paths, lighting, defensible space and house types/ standards. We would ask that at the pre planning advice is sought from the Designing Out Crime Officer to advise on crime prevention through environmental design.
Violence Against Women and Girls:
The harm caused to victims and society by violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms, including but not limited to, harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse and coercive control is incalculable. While men and boys also suffer from many of these forms of abuse, they disproportionately affect women.
In spring 2023, the Home Secretary announced Violence Against Women and Girls as a national threat and included it within the 9 Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR) alongside terrorism, serious and organised crime, and child sexual abuse.
Secured by Design can assist with ensuring that the built environment in all its forms is designed to reduce the opportunity of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and contribute to such places feeling safe, to live, work and socialise, for all. The importance of this is outlined within the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) ‘Policing Violence Against Women and Girls – The National Framework for Delivery: 2024 – 2027’ under the ‘Prevent’ element of the strategy; outlining the need for building safer spaces and places. Further information is available at:
https://www.npcc.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/our-work/vawg/vawg-framework-fordelivery.pdf
South Wales Police recommendations:
• SP 6 - All Welsh Government grant funded homes MUST meet Secured by Design Gold or in the case of a refurbishment Silver. Consultation with the Designing Out crime Officer should take place at the pre planning stage when an application for Secured by Design should also be made.
• SP6 - HOUSING REQUIREMENT - Where a change of use/ mixed use retail, community leisure and active travel routes are planned Secured by Design Residential and Commercial guides should be applied. Early consultation with Designing out crime officers particularly in the Town Centres is recommended.
• SP6 - HOUSING REQUIREMENT - Designing Out Crime Officers should be consulted at the concept stage of a development, where there are 10 or more housing units and in the case of commercial space 1000 square metres.
• SP6/ HG 7 - HOUSING REQUIREMENT - South Wales Police Designing Out Crime Officers to work in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council Planning Department to compile a specific planning guidance in relation to Houses of multiple occupancy.
• SP6 - HOUSING REQUIREMENT- South Wales Police would ask that all flats/ apartments’ conversions meet WDQR (Welsh Design Quality Standards) and achieve at least a Secured by Design silver award.
• SP6 - Housing Requirement - In the case of the change of use of residential land or properties, South Wales Police would ask that any change of use application is sent to South Wales Police Designing out crime officers.
• SP 6 - South Wales Police are involved in discussion with the Vale of Glamorgan Planning Department and the compilation of Specific planning guidance to cover co-living and similar shared facility developments.
• SP6 - HOUSING REQUIREMENT -Where co- living developments are proposed to deliver a balanced housing mix. South Wales Police would ask that the pre planning discussions take place with the Designing Out Crime officer and that the development is built to Secured by Design standards as set out in the most current Secured by Design Residential Guide.
• SP3 – DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE (Policy GT1/ SP9 – Gypsy and Traveller Site Provision). The site is reasonably accessible to essential services and facilities such as healthcare, education, employment, and public transport. Safe and appropriate vehicular access can be provided from the highway network, and the site layout affords adequate provision for parking, turning, servicing and emergency vehicle. South Wales Police would ask that they consulted to provide Secured by Design advice at the pre planning stage of any such development.
• HG6 – PROVISION OF SPECIALIST ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation is appropriately designed to meet the specific needs of the intended residents, including older people, people with disabilities, those with mental health needs, and other vulnerable groups. The development is located in an accessible and sustainable location, with good access to public transport, community facilities, health services, and local amenities –
-All specialist housing is built to Secured by Design and South Wales Police are involved at the pre planning stage of specialist developments.
• The Vale of Glamorgan Older Persons Housing Strategy:
‘To secure the best quality of life for older people to live as independently as possible in later life. This means delivering a range of accommodation that enables older people to live fulfilling lives and enjoy good health in attractive homes that meet their needs and allow them to retain their independence as they age.”
HG 6 - All older person’s housing to be built to Secured by Design standards and pre application consultation with Designing Out Crime Officers.
• HG7 - HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMO’s)
South Wales Police would ask that they work in partnership with The Vale of Glamorgan Planning Department, to develop a specific planning Guidance in relation to Houses of Multiple Occupancy.
• SP3 - Development in the Countryside Affordable Housing (Policy HG5) – Consultation takes place. Where, developments are planned outside the specific main areas South Wales Police would ask that they are consulted about the proposed infrastructure and design of such developments. - Early consultation is recommended with Designing Out Crime officers and South Wales Police Traffic Management.
• PGD 2 /SP 4 - ‘Ensure major new development is directed to locations that are or will be by the time of initial occupation easily accessible by walking, cycling, and public transport.’- Early consultation with South Wales Police Designing Out Crime Officers and South Wales Police Road Traffic Management Department where roads and pathways are planned to be built.
• SP5 – Creating Healthy and Inclusive Places and spaces: Ensuring development proposals are designed to facilitate accessible healthy environments to address relevant determinants of health positively, particularly in response to local health needs; • Ensuring that all places and developments are as inclusive as possible, capable of adapting to a broad range of changing needs and delivering a high quality of life. – Designing Out Crime Officers are consulted at pre planning to ensure public space is designed to ensure the space is safe and inclusive for all and especially vulnerable groups. (Safer Parks Document, Angelini Enquiry).
• SP 4 - Supporting the provision of new and enhanced community and healthcare facilities: Where Health care facilities are proposed South Wales Police would ask that Secured by Design Commercial Guide /Hospitals Guide are followed and that the Designing Out Crime officer is consulted at the pre planning stage.
• SP19 – Waste management: Secured by Design guides give guidance in respect of waste management and storage. South Wales Police would ask that pre Planning advice is sought in respect of new developments and waste management.
Reason: To enhance community safety especially vulnerable groups.
4. Placemaking and Good Design
Future Wales - The National Plan 2040 (Welsh Government, February 2021)
Policy 2 - Shaping Urban Growth and Regeneration - Strategic Placemaking
The Placemaking Charter and Placemaking Plans:
Signatories to the Charter agree to promote the following principles in the planning, design and management of new and existing places:
• People and community.
• Location.
• Movement.
• Mix of uses.
• Public Realm
• Identity.
SP4 – PLACEMAKING
Development will be required to follow Placemaking principles by:
1 Ensuring high quality sustainable design that reflects local distinctiveness, character, and cultural identity.
2 Prioritising the determinants of health and well-being during the design process.
3 Creating a diverse mix of uses and multi-functional spaces.
4 Contributing to a vibrant, safe and inclusive public realm that encourages Active Travel, supports public transport use and reduces car dependency.
5 Strategically integrating Green Infrastructure networks and open space into development, delivering social, environmental and ecological benefits.
6 Providing a range of housing types and tenure.
7 Locating development appropriately where homes, local services and facilities are accessible and well connected and integrated with existing communities.
8 Developing high densities where appropriate, making the most efficient use of land and supporting mixed uses.
9 Protecting or enhancing the Historic Environment and its setting. Placemaking Statements will be required for all major developments setting out how the proposal accords with Placemaking Principles. In the towns of Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth Placemaking Statements should also have regard to the adopted Placemaking Plans for the area.
Designing Out Crime officers’ recommendations:
• SP 4 / PGD 1/ CC 4 - Research shows that Secured by Design developments are sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint. The environmental benefits of SBD are supported by independent academic research consistently proving that SBD housing developments experience up to 87% less burglary, 25% less vehicle crime and 25% less criminal damage It also has a significant impact on anti-social behaviour. South Wales Police ask that all new developments are built to Secured by Design standards and that they are work with The Vale of Glamorgan planning Department at the pre planning stage.
• SP 4 / PGD 1 -When designing developments road, paths and green space, South Wales Police would ask that the developments are built to Secured by Design standards. We would ask that Designing Out Crime Officers and South Wales Police Traffic Management Department are involved in the pre planning stage.
• PGD 2 /SP 4 - It is important when designing roads and footpaths to maximise the benefits of passive surveillance, and furthermore, when addressing safety and security of street layouts, public realm, and footpaths, that Secured by Design guidance is followed, this includes landscape design, lighting, layout of buildings, etc. to ensure that all roads and footpaths (including public rights of way) are safe, secure, and accessible for all, in support of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda. Where a mix development e.g. housing and retail/other use (with ten or more units) applications should be referred the designing out crime at the pre planning stage.
• SP4/ PGD1 - Contributing to a vibrant, safe and inclusive public realm - Where active travel routes are being planned, South Wales Police Traffic Management Team should be consulted throughout the planning process.
• PGD1- Ensuring no unacceptable impacts on public and residential amenity, particularly regarding privacy, overbearing, security, noise and disturbance. Secured by Design considers natural surveillance and the placing of communal spaces and provision provided. All mixed uses and multi-functional) developments should be discussed at the pre- planning stage with the Designing Out Crime Officer.
• PGD 2/ SP 4 - Developing high densities where appropriate, making the most efficient use of land and supporting mixed uses. Work in partnership with Designing out crime officers to write a ‘Houses of multiple occupancy’ Specific Planning Guidance.
• SP 4 - Strategically integrating Green Infrastructure networks and open space into development, delivering social, environmental and ecological benefits. Where public realm is being planned to include active travel routes, designing out crime officers and Counter Terrorism Security Advisors should be consulted if the space falls under The Terrorism (protection of premises)Act 2025 .
• SP 4 -When planning parks and community space. Public consultation should took place, and the plans referred to the designing out crime officer. (The ‘Safer Parks’ research by Making space for women is a document that can offer up to date advice in relation to safety/ and inclusivity).
• SP 1- When designing new schools early consultation with the South Wales Police Designing out crime officer and Traffic Management officers is prudent to ensure the safety of pupils. Achieving Secured By Design accreditation for the school will ensure that the school is planned and built with safety in mind from the outset. All schools should achieve SBD GOLD.
• HG 6 - The Vale of Glamorgan Older Persons Housing Strategy 2.84 The Council’s Older Persons Housing Strategy ‘Creating Homes and Neighbourhoods for Later Life 2022-2036’ sets out a vision for the Vale of Glamorgan which seeks: ‘to secure the best quality of life for older people to live as independently as possible in later life. This means delivering a range of accommodation that enables older people to live fulfilling lives and enjoy good health in attractive homes that meet their needs and allow them to retain their independence as they age.”
• The Vale of Glamorgan Older Persons Housing Strategy 2.84 The Council’s Older Persons Housing Strategy ‘Creating Homes and Neighbourhoods for Later Life 2022-2036’ sets out a vision for the Vale of Glamorgan which seeks: ‘to secure the best quality of life for older people to live as independently as possible in later life. This means delivering a range of accommodation that enables older people to live fulfilling lives and enjoy good health in attractive homes that meet their needs and allow them to retain their independence as they age.” - Developments, for older residents are built to Secured by Design standards as per the Secured by Design Residential Guide.
• SP4 - Protecting or enhancing the Historic Environment and its setting: Secured by Design can be applied to historic building, contact should be made at the pre planning with the Designing Out Crime Officer.
• PGD1- Creating safe, accessible, integrated, inclusive and active environments that make efficient use of land and promote opportunities for Active Travel, and promote sustainable transport choices – Early liaison with South Wales Police and South Wales Police Traffic Management Officers so that designs can be agreed and are safe.
• SP 1 - A number of new primary and secondary schools have been developed across the Vale as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (previously known as 21st Century Schools), with further plans as part of the programme progressing – Consultation should be sought from South Wales Police Designing Out Crime Officers and Road Traffic Management Officers at the pre planning stage planning stage with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
• PGD 1 Incorporating sustainable design and construction solutions to maximise energy efficiency and positively contributing towards climate change resilience and adaptation. The environmental benefits of SBD are supported by independent academic research consistently proving that SBD housing developments experience up to 87% less burglary, 25% less vehicle crime and 25% less criminal damage (Note 1.5). It also has a significant impact on anti-social behaviour. Therefore, there are substantial carbon cost savings associated with building new homes and refurbishing existing homes to the SBD standard i.e. less replacement of poor-quality doors, windows and the stolen property from within the home as a result of criminal acts. - All developments are built to secured by Design to reduce the carbon footprint.
• PGD1 Ensuring no unacceptable impacts on public and residential amenity, particularly regarding privacy, overbearing, security, noise and disturbance - Facilities shall be designed to allow natural surveillance from nearby dwellings with safe and accessible routes for users to come and go. Boundaries between public and private space shall be clearly defined and open spaces must have features which prevent unauthorised vehicular access. Communal spaces as described above should not immediately abut residential buildings – Consultation with Designing Out Crime Officers and the community should take place at the pre planning stage to develop safe, inclusive spaces.
• C I3/SP13 – NEW COMMUNITY FACILITIES – Consultation should be sought from Designing out crime officers where schools/ colleges are proposed and they should meet Secured by Design Gold.
• Town Centre First SP11 - The town centre of Holton Road in Barry and the District Centre of High Street had higher than average vacant units. There is a need to ensure that future policies allow for flexibility for a greater range of uses that would be acceptable within a town centre, in line with the town centre first principle and the need to create vibrant places. South Wales Police would ask that they are consulted and are able to give advice where policies are developed for town centres. We would also ask that Designing Out Crime Officers are consulted at the pre planning stage.
• PGD1/SP 11 - Making a positive contribution to the character of the area, responding to the local context and character through building forms and scale; materials and features, mix of uses, landscape, density, and connectivity of streets and spaces to create and/or enhance locally distinctive design and character - Designing out crime officers should be consulted at pre planning stage to ensure safe spaces.
• PGD1/SP11/SP13 - Demonstrating that traffic movements to and from the development can be accommodated, resolved, or mitigated to an acceptable degree, and where car parking is provided, this must be sensitivity integrated into the development so that it does not dominate the layout of the development: South Wales Police Traffic Management Department to be consulted by the Vale of Glamorgan Highways Department in respect of road layout/active travel routes at the pre planning stage.
• PGD1- Ensuring that public open space, private amenity space and cycle and car parking in accordance with the Council’s standards – Where Public open space is being designed, the duty from The Terrorism (protection of premises)Act 2025 should be applied where a premises meets the standard as above. South Wales Police Designing out crime officer should be consulted at the pre planning stage to advice.
• SSC 1/ PG 1 - Car parks are designed and built to ‘Park Mark’ standards as per Secured by Design Non – Residential (Commercial)Guide.
• PGD1/CC1/ SP19 – Creating well designed and inclusive facilities - ‘Providing high quality multi-functional green open spaces which can provide a choice and range of activities, including play, that also deliver enhanced biodiversity and flood mitigation and are designed to be resilient to climate change and adaptable overtime.’: Consultation with the community should be sought from the outset. Parks and green spaces must be designed with safety being the key driver especially for vulnerable groups such as women and girls (Safer Parks document). Designing Out Crime Officers should be consulted at the pre planning stage to achieve this.
• PGD1 Ensuring no unacceptable impacts on public and residential amenity, particularly regarding privacy, overbearing, security, noise and disturbance.
(As above)
• PGD1: Demonstrating that traffic movements to and from the development can be accommodated, resolved, or mitigated to an acceptable degree, and where car parking is provided, this must be sensitivity integrated into the development so that it does not dominate the layout of the development – South Wales Police Designing out crime officers and Traffic Management Officers to be consulted on the layout of developments at pre planning stage.
• TR1/SP 10: Future plans for the continued regeneration of the Waterfront include the redevelopment of the Mole for apartments, a linear park and water sports centre – South Wales Police would ask that Designing Out Crime and Road Safety Management Officers are involved where redevelopment is to take place, consultation should be sought at the pre planning stage.
• RC52 – Edge of town centre retailing: South Wales Police would ask that the Designing out crime and traffic management officers are contacted in respect of new developments and the travel routes to them.
• EMP2 - MOD St Athan - New development within or adjoining MOD St Athan that is demonstrated to be required for operational defence and security purposes, and helps enhance or sustain their operational capability, will be supported in principle. – Advice should be sought from Counter Terrorism Wales and Designing Out Crime officers where redevelopment of/ adjacent to MOD St Athan is planned.
• SP15 – Sustainable Tourism: Promoting opportunities for visitors to engage in forms of tourism that have a low impact on the environment; 2 Protecting and enhancing existing tourism attractions and leisure facilities; 3 Enhancing the visitor economy, attracting local investment, providing local employment opportunities and contributing to rural diversification; 4 Recognising and protecting the Vale’s distinct local identity, built and natural environment as assets to tourism; Providing a variety of tourism opportunities, particularly through all year round facilities and a range of appropriately located visitor accommodation; and 6 Encouraging tourism visits to be made by active and sustainable transport modes – Designing Out Crime Officers advice and advice in respect of Crowded Places to be sought at the pre planning state of any event.
• CI4 – Protecting and enhancing existing community facilities: Proposals for new community facilities or proposals which seek to retain, enhance or maintain existing community facilities will be supported. This includes the provision of multi-use community facilities, including the colocation of healthcare, schools, libraries and leisure facilities – South Wales Police would ask that all new community facilities plans are referred to the Designing Out Crime Officer and Counter Terrorism Wales for early consultation.
Reason: To ensure all public realm is safe, espcially for vulnable groups such as women and girls.
5. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment
Ecological Networks and Green Infrastructure
Project Zero - The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Climate Change Challenge Plan 2021-2030
The Vale of Glamorgan Local Area Energy Plan (2024)
Maximise reduction in carbon emissions across all activity. • Improve efficiency to reduce energy demand.
Work towards new and existing buildings becoming low carbon prioritising inclusivity, equality, and fairness.
The LAEP is a live document which should be updated every 5 years. It identifies the following priority areas that will be the focus in the short term to assist in setting the Vale on the pathway to net zero: • Making homes low carbon.
Crime committed in 2011 in England and Wales is estimated to have given rise to over 4 million tonnes CO2e, equivalent to emissions of around 900,000 UK homes. Burglary resulted in the largest proportion of the total footprint (30%) due to large volume of offences and the carbon associated with replacing stolen or damaged goods.
Source: “Addressing the Carbon-Crime Blind Spot - A Carbon Footprint Approach” (2016). Helen Skudder, Professor Angela Druckman, Jon Cole, Alan McInnes, Dr Ian Brunton-Smith, Dr Gian Paolo Ansalon.
The environmental benefits of SBD are supported by independent academic research consistently proving that SBD housing developments experience up to 87% less burglary, 25% less vehicle crime and 25% less criminal damage (Note 1.5). It also has a significant impact on anti-social behaviour. Therefore, there are substantial carbon cost savings associated with building new homes and refurbishing existing homes to the SBD standard i.e. less replacement of poor-quality doors, windows and the stolen property from within the home as a result of criminal acts. This has been achieved through adherence to well-researched and effective design solutions, innovative and creative product design coupled with robust manufacturing standards.
Research documentation can be found on the SBD website at: https://www.securedbydesign.com
South Wales Police would ask that Designing Out Crime Officers are consulted to work in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to reduce the carbon emissions through building to Secured by Design Standards.
Policy 12 - Regional Connectivity
A feasibility study for a new station at St Athan was completed in 2022, which identified four potential site locations for a new station to the south of St Athan.
South Wales Police Recommendations:
• SP10 – Sustainable transport - Ensuring that the design of new developments encourage walking, cycling and public transport use as alternatives to private car use, as well as encouraging options such as mobility hubs and shared car use – South Wales Police Traffic Management Department should be consulted to ensure that sustainable transport links are safe. If these links are rail, then the British Transport Police Designing out crime officer should be contacted at the pre planning stage.
• SP16/CC1 – Net zero carbon developments: pre application consultation from South Wales Police and all new developments to meet Secured by Design.
• CI1/CC1/ SP19 – Open Space Provision: Areas of open space will normally be required to be provided on-site as part of new development proposals. Where it is not practical to make provision on-site, appropriate off-site provision or financial contributions for improvements to existing facilities will be required in lieu of on-site play, outdoor sports provision, or amenity greenspace.
• DNP7 – DARK SKIES: Secured by Design can assist with ensuring that the built environment in all forms, is designed to reduce the opportunity of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and contribute to such places feeling safe, to live, work and socialise. South Wales Police would ask that Designing Out Crime Officers are involved at the pre planning stage with the Highways Department at The Vale of Glamorgan Council and developer to discuss and be able to make recommendations in relation to lighting.

If the Council are minded to continue with this particular policy’s inclusion, we request the proposed wording be updated to clarify that such the merit of such principles will be considered on a site-by-site basis rather than the current blanket approach suggested.

This submission relates to the site known as ‘Land North of Dinas Powys’ and builds upon previous responses provided in respect of the Call for Sites exercise in September 2022 and more recently Preferred Strategy in February 2024.
For context the site is identified as part of Candidate Site Ref. No 444 within the latest Candidate Sites Assessment (Background Paper – BP18A) which has been published as part of the supporting evidence base.
As you are aware to date Persimmon have presented, what is in effect, two options for the development of the site with a Smaller Option (extending c13ha) and an Extended Scheme (extending to c31ha). Whilst there are significant benefits of both schemes this representation will focus on the smaller option which has been identified as a proposed site allocation for residential development within the Deposit under Policy HG1 – KS2 ‘Land North of Dinas Powys’.
Having reviewed the Deposit Plan it is evident that the document is structured around a number of key themes/ sections. For convenience this submission discusses each of which in chronological order and should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying technical reports/ plans provided to date.
The overarching purpose of which shall be to respond to the relevant draft Replacement Local Development Plan policies, with particular consideration given to the Welsh Government’s tests of soundness as set out within the Development Plan Manual for Wales (Third Edition) March 2020)):
• Test 1 – Does the Plan Fit?
• Test 2 – Is the Plan Appropriate?
• Test 3 – Will the Plan Deliver?

Section 3: Key Characteristics
Settlement Pattern
In principle, Persimmon support the Settlement Pattern as set out in Section 3 and in particularly the identification of Dinas Powys as a Primary Settlement.
Paragraph 3.9 explains that primary settlements “offer several key services and facilities, which are vital to their role as sustainable communities, as they reduce the need to travel to Barry or the Service Centre Settlements to address day-to-day needs”.
The importance of the Primary Settlements in supporting the Service Centre Settlements is noted, however Persimmon consider that Dinas Powys, in particular, is capable of a higher role/ function and thus accommodate even further levels of growth. This is particularly relevant given the fact that the Service Centres at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth are generally more constrained physically and environmentally.
Housing Market and Housing Need
In light of the Vale of Glamorgan’s strategic location in-between Cardiff and Bridgend, and the significant employment opportunities associated with these areas, the Deposit RLDP should seek to maximise housing provision to ensure a more sustainable balance is achieved between homes and jobs, and in turn reduce commuting distances/ carbon emissions.
Paragraph 3.18 clearly acknowledges the scale of affordable housing need, identifying a requirement for 1,075 affordable homes per annum between 2023–2028 and 154 per annum thereafter. Yet it remains unclear whether existing unmet need has been fully factored into the overall housing requirement presented within the Deposit RLDP. This is particularly importance in the context of the Welsh Government’s 2025-based estimates which identify 9,400 units of unmet need at a national level and a requirement for 8,700 additional homes per annum over the next five years simply to address newly arising need.
Accordingly, there is a compelling justification for a further uplift in housing numbers to ensure the Plan proactively addresses both existing and emerging need. Increasing the overall housing requirement would directly enhance the overall delivery rate for affordable homes which is crucial in a local authority area with the highest affordability ratio in Wales. Paragraph 3.17 confirms that in the Vale average house prices are 9.7 times average workplace earnings compared to the Wales average of 6.1, therefore a step change in housing targets is needed to support a more balanced housing market across the region.
Section 4: Key Themes, Vision & Objectives
Key Themes
Persimmon supports the theme ‘Homes for all’ and the need for the housing supply to respond to the growing population and provided in appropriate locations, with a mix of tenure and types. In that respect site Land north of Dinas Powys provides an opportunity to ensure future residential development aligns with such objectives to deliver high quality housing development in a sustainable location, whilst also facilitating additional services and facilities as part of the proposed offer.
In principle, Persimmon support the ‘Placemaking’ theme and consider that the proposed allocation in Dinas Powys shall ensure a strong sense of identity is achieved.
Persimmon also support the theme of ‘Promoting active travel and sustainable transport choices’, and highlight that the proposed residential development at Dinas Powys clearly further assists in ensuring that the new development be in a highly sustainable location with very good access to alternative transport, other than the private car.
Vision
In general, Persimmon support the RLDP Vision, however highlight that whilst Barry and other Sustainable Service Centres are identified as playing a vital role in delivering the strategy, the importance of the ability for Primary Settlements to deliver sustainable and high-quality residential development also needs to be suitably recognised.
The site Land north of Dinas Powys clearly aligns with the Council’s ambition to ensure future growth delivers homes which caters for all (including affordable homes) and are prioritised in areas of greatest demand. Whilst simultaneously facilitating much needed additional infrastructure improvements to further enhance Dinas Powys’ role as a Primary Settlement thereby supporting both existing and future residents.
In light of the above it is considered that Dinas Powys plays a significant part in delivering the Council’s strategy and the role, function, and ability of this settlement to accommodate growth needs to be significantly reinforced. The settlement is capable of accommodating more growth in a highly sustainable location we believe warrants greater recognition within the vision itself.
Strategic Objectives
Objective 3 – Home for All
Persimmon supports the principle of Objective 3, in particular the provision of high quality housing which includes the right mix, tenure and type. Persimmon supports the notion of providing residential development in places which people want to live, and in particular Dinas Powys as a Primary Settlement.
Objective 4 – Placemaking
As above, in principle Persimmon support the Council’s placemaking objectives which seeks to ensure all development will contribute positively toward creating a sense of place. Most notably this involves prioritising future growth in sustainable locations which are placed to create attractive, safe and accessible schemes that are equally effective from a functional standpoint.
Our site in Danis Powys aligns with such principles whilst also providing an opportunity to facilitate a logical extension to the existing urban form and in doing so meet local need in a sustainable matter. The scope of which includes full market and affordable housing in accordance with proposed policy requirements along with ample public open space, active travel links via dedicated pedestrian footpaths and cycleways and SuDS features.
Objective 8 – Promoting Active and Sustainable Travel Choices
Persimmon supports the principle of promoting active and sustainable travel choices and highlight that their residential development at Dinas Powys has been designed to ensure accessibility it’s at the heart of the scheme with regards to walking, cycling and connectivity to public transport.
Moreover, the proposed allocation would also facilitate both on-site and off-site infrastructure improvements further enhancing the existing excellent accessibility to Eastbrook Station. Therefore, providing an opportunity to encourage a modal shift towards more active forms of travel and consequently reducing dependency on private vehicle and associated carbon emissions. From a plan-making standpoint the proposed allocation at Land north of Dinas Powys (HG1 KS2) is therefore crucial to ensure growth is prioritised in such a highly sustainable location and maximise opportunities for greater connectivity at both a regional and local level.
Section 5: Sustainable Growth Strategy
RLDP Sustainable Growth Strategy comprises six key elements as follows:
1. Delivering a sustainable level of housing and employment growth supported by appropriate infrastructure that accords with the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).
In order to meet the overarching Vision, the Vale have identified a need to deliver at least 8,679 new dwellings over the proposed plan period which responds to the identified housing requirement of 7,890 homes (526 per annum) and incorporates a 10% flexible allowance. Persimmon support the proposed approach, however maintain it should be considered a minimum figure with aspirations to achieve greater levels of growth in sustainable locations across the district.
Whilst we appreciate these figures are based on average completion rates over the first ten years of the adopted Local Development Plan. It is important to recognise that a higher rate of housing delivery is demonstrably achievable. Annual completion rates peaked at 917 dwellings, with six of the ten monitoring years exceeding the 526 per annum figure currently relied upon. This demonstrates that delivery capacity within the Vale has historically operated well above the proposed requirement and should therefore provide confidence that a higher housing target could realistically be achieved over the emerging plan period.
Furthermore, the Council’s own evidence base (BP7 - Housing and Employment Growth Options) identifies a five-year average build rate of 780 units per annum between 2016 and 2021. Again, this figure exceeds the annual delivery rate currently proposed within the emerging RLDP and reinforces the fact that the proposed housing requirement should not be unduly constrained by a lower long-term average.
Whilst Paragraph 5.8 explains that the proposed figures are based on a ten-year average delivery rate, it fails to acknowledge that this period included the Covid-19 pandemic and at a time where construction costs experienced significant inflation. These factors had a material impact on the housebuilding industry nationally and inevitably suppressed delivery rates during those years. From an objective perspective, basing the future housing requirement on an average that includes these exceptional circumstances risks skewing the figures and underestimates the district’s true delivery potential for the Vale.
In light of the above we believe a sensible response would be to incorporate a greater flexible allowance of 15% within the RLDP to demonstrate an appropriate level of growth will be achieved. Whilst also ensuring there is sufficient supply of sites to come forward early on during the plan period to proactively address housing need from the point of adoption up to 2036.
From a procedural standpoint it is also important to note that the currently adopted plan predates the publication of Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and the Vale’s position within a national growth area. As such, pursuing an approach which seeks to maintain historic delivery rates is not considered to reflect this enhanced role and arguably lacks the level ambition set out at a national level. The proposed housing requirement should therefore be uplifted to positively respond to such matters in order to ensure conformity with Future Wales and regional aspirations.
Increasing the overall housing target would also act as a catalyst to enhance the delivery of affordable housing which is identified as a key objective for the RLDP. Each proposed site allocation is subject to a policy-compliant percentage contribution, therefore a higher level of market housing would proportionately generate a greater number of affordable homes to meet local need across the region.
As evidence above, the proposed allocation Site Ref HG1 KS2 – Land to the North of Dinas Powys, represents a suitable, available and deliverable location for residential development without any constraints preventing it from delivering units in the first five years of the emerging plan period.
Persimmon Homes remain fully committed to the development opportunities presented by the site and its progression as a proposed allocation within the RLDP. The latter is essential in assisting the Vale of Glamorgan meet local housing need which ultimately goes to the heart of the plan and ensuring it has been soundly prepared.

2. Aligning locations for new housing, employment, services and facilities to reduce the need to travel.
Persimmon supports the Vale’s objective to locate new major development in areas of the region best served by existing infrastructure and supporting services. The Settlement Appraisal Review (BP5) identifies Dinas Powys as the most sustainable primary settlement in the region with suitable local services to accommodate future growth which remains in keeping with the overall function of the existing settlement.
Whilst the settlements of Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge are deemed to score higher on certain criteria (as shown within the table below), it is clear Dinas Powys is considered to be the third most accessible settlement to modes of public transport which clearly aligns with the Council’s intension to pursue a transport orientated spatial strategy for future growth. On this basis it is evident that Dinas Powys is more sustainably located when compared to Cowbridge and Llantwit Major, and therefore warrants a higher ranking within the Settlement Appraisal Review and thus greater levels of growth within the RLDP.
Tables 1& 2. Extracts of Key Settlement, Service Centres & Primary Settlement Scores from Settlement Appraisal Review (BP5)
3. Focusing development at locations that are well served by existing and proposed rail stations as part of the South Wales Metro and in areas with good bus links.
The Deposit RLDP explains that whilst reducing the need to travel is a key policy objective, it is recognised that there are journeys that will need to be made by other modes of transport, particularly due to the strong relationship with Cardiff as a designation for employment, retail and entertainment. As such the proposed growth strategy seeks to locate development in places that are inherently well served by sustainable transport in line with the Vale of Glamorgan’s transport hierarchy.
Persimmon supports these principles and recognises the importance of prioritising development in sustainable locations across the regions, particular those well connected to Cardiff city centre. Paragraph 5.18 of the Deposit Plan states that “Targeting new development to the settlements that are served by the rail network is a key part of the strategy, as it will facilitate journeys being made by means other than the car”. Persimmon wholly agree with this approach on the basis that this would enable the RLDP to achieve a more sustainable pattern of development and in doing so support growth over the emerging plan period.
In order to help identify suitable locations for future development Transport for Wales have produced isochrone maps which delineates different travels times for walking and cycling around each of the existing railway stations in the Vale. Most notably the site known as at ‘Land North of Dinas Powys’ is situated within 5-10 minutes walking / 0-5 minutes cycling distance to Eastbrook Station and 15-20 minutes walking/ 5-10 minutes cycling distance from the station at Dinas Powys. This evidence clearly demonstrates the proposed site represents one of the most sustainable locations for residential-led growth and thereby justified its position within the RLDP as a key allocation.
Land North of Dinas Powys further strengthens the spatial strategy by prioritising development at a location that is well served by existing rail stations. Focusing growth in settlements with established rail connectivity ensures that future residents have direct access to sustainable transport infrastructure from the outset. This approach supports a more sustainable pattern of development by reducing reliance on the private vehicle and encouraging a modal shift towards rail, alongside walking and cycling for local trips.
By directing development to locations well served by existing bus and rail infrastructure , the proposal would help reduce the need for commuting via private vehicles, particularly for journeys to key employment and service destinations. In doing so, it would make a positive contribution towards the Council’s climate change targets through the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting a modal shift within the local community.
Moreover, the proposed allocation HG1 KS2 presents a significant opportunity to support local facilities and facilitate green infrastructure provision within a highly accessible and sustainable location. The scope of which shall include ample public open space, dedicated active travel links via pedestrian footpaths and cycleways, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) features, and other associated infrastructure. Integrating these elements at the heart of the site shall enable residents to meet a greater proportion of their daily needs locally while benefiting from high-quality public transport connections.
In terms of the overall distribution of growth, Persimmon fully supports the proposed approach to prioritise development in sustainable locations near existing rail infrastructure as depicted by the strategic transport corridor within the RLDP Key Diagram (Figure 10). However, to optimise the effectiveness of this strategy it would be prudent to focus growth in areas of greatest demand.
Paragraph 3.14 of the Deposit Plan explains that a significant proportion of the population increase in the Vale over the past 10 years has been as a direct result of a people migrating from Cardiff to the Vale, with the Vale ultimately experiencing a net increase of an average of 716 people per year for the period 2011-2021. These principles should therefore be better reflected in the general pattern of development set out within the RLDP. This would be achieved by prioritising higher levels of growth in areas such as Dinas Powys, which is not only the nearest settlement geographically to Cardiff but also inherently well connected by the existing rail network and other modes of public transport.
Focussing further growth in well-connected, sustainable locations such Dinas Powys will therefore support the Council’s transport-led placemaking approach. These principles fully align with the Welsh Governments strategic objectives as set out within the Future Wales – the National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales Edition 12 and Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy, which in turn shall contribute towards achieving a more sustainable pattern of development within the RLDP.

Figure 1. Extract of Key Diagram/ Strategic Growth Area from Deposit Plan
Section 6: Policy Framework
This section identifies the strategic policies, criteria-based development management policies, site specific allocations and designated areas to be protected. These are broadly arranged by topic theme under the key policy headings set out in PPW which are reflected below.
Strategic and Spatial Choices (Placemaking)
Policy SP1 – Sustainable Growth Strategy (& Policy SP6 – Housing Requirements)
This policy states that in order to deliver the Sustainable Growth Strategy for the VoG, the emerging RLDP will make provision for 7,890 dwellings and 5,338 jobs over the plan period. In order to achieve the former Policy SP6 explains that to meet the identified housing requirement of 7,890 dwellings, provision will be made for the delivery of 8,660 homes in the Plan Period 2021 to 2036 which incorporates a 10% flexible allowance. In turn this will be distributed as follows: i) 3,837 dwellings from the existing land supply; ii) 3,520 dwellings on allocated sites; & iii) 1,303 dwellings from large and small windfall developments.

Whilst Persimmon supports the Council’s conclusion that in principle the ‘Medium’ growth option reflected in Policy SP1 generally accords with the Welsh Government’s aspirations for the Vale of Glamorgan within the Future Wales national growth area, which is identified as a focus for strategic economic and housing growth. Given the Vale forms part of the Cardiff Capital Region, it is equally important that the overall level of growth remains suitably ambitious to support the region’s economic aspirations and continues to complement Cardiff which remains the nearest neighbouring authority.
Although we understand the proposed approach uses the Dwelling-led 10 Year scenario, which is based on the average annual build rate for the first 10 years of the adopted plan and equates to a total of 7,890 new homes or 526 dwellings per annum over the emerging plan period. The overarching intention is to ensure the projected level of growth is deliverable whilst recognising the fact there is sufficient capacity within the Vale to support further growth towards the higher end of the ‘medium’ range.
As noted, Persimmon are wholly in support of Key Housing-Led Site Ref. KS2 - North Dinas Powys, off Cardiff Road, which seeks to actively contribute towards the housing requirement.
However, the Deposit Plan also needs to recognise that there exists an opportunity to further extend the allocation to provide a logical extension to the defined urban area of Dinas Powys and which will facilitate the delivery of much needed full market and affordable housing to help address the significant level of demand identified across the Vale.
This additional land is promoted in the context of the concerns raised regarding the current figure of 8,660 new dwellings which is underpinned by a 10% flexible allowance in relation to housing delivery. Persimmon consider it relevant to take account of recent evidence provided to other Local Planning Authorities in Wales which have either adopted or are in the latter stages of bringing forward a new Local Development Plan.
For example, in Bridgend the Council recently adopted their new Local Development Plan (covering the period 2018 to 2033) which is underpinned by a flexibility allowance of 14% equating to an additional 1,053 dwellings. This level of provision was required in order to demonstrate the Anticipated Annual Build Rate (AABR) were deliverable and ensure that the Plan remains effective in the event of changing circumstances. During the examination process the Inspector explained that an increase beyond the standard 10% was fundamental to enable the plan and its housing trajectory to be resilient and sufficiently adaptable. The overarching purpose of which is to account for any unforeseen changes and potential shortfalls/ delays to the strategic site allocations whilst still enabling the overall housing requirement to be delivered.
For Swansea, the Council published their LDP2 Pre-Deposit Plan (Preferred Strategy) for consultation last year. In terms of housing delivery this incorporates a 20% flexible allowance above the proposed housing requirement and is predicated on the basis of needing to account for certain sites not coming forward as anticipated and other unforeseen factors affecting delivery. Similar to the Vale, Swansea City Council’s latest Annual Monitoring Report (6th Edition) (October 2025) confirms that since adoption of the current LDP in February 2019 they have not met their annual housing target for any of the past six years. To date this has resulted in a shortfall of approximately 3,767 homes which is predominantly attributed to delays associated with larger strategic allocations. Therefore, in order to avoid having similar implications next time around the Council have uplifted the proposed flexible allowance within LDP2 and intend to incorporate a more diverse portfolio of sites going forward. The main purpose of which is to build in an additional margin of flexibility above the standard 10% threshold, and therefore enable other sites to come forward to account for potential slippage elsewhere to ensure the plan is effective in meeting local need.
More recently in Monmouthshire, the Council submitted their proposed RLDP to PEDW in November 2025. As part of which they have identified a requirement of 6,210 homes which incorporates a 15% flexible allowance. Similar to above an increase beyond the standard 10% threshold has been justified to account for potential shortfalls/ delays due to longer lead in times needed for strategic site allocations whilst proactively addressing any historic unmet need.
Whilst Persimmon appreciate that the Council intends to prioritise growth towards the higher end of the ‘medium’ range. Having reviewed the Deposit Plan evidence base we believe a minimum allowance of 15% would be more reflective of the Vale’s strategic position and would seek an additional 395 dwellings to the medium growth option equating to a total of 9,074 homes. The benefits of which are evident above and justification well-established from a plan-making perspective to ensure the RLDP is underpinned by a robust evidence base which incorporates a suitable level of flexibility to effectively meet local housing need from the outset.
In addition to the above the importance of increasing the RLDP’s housing target, by virtue of uplifting the proposed flexible allowance, has recently been highlighted by the findings of data published by the Welsh Government (WG). Most notably that includes the 2022-based Local authority household projections (Dated 20th November 2025) and 2025-based estimates of additional housing need (Dated 12th February 2026).
Upon publishing the former superseded the previous 2018-based demographic projections and provides updated figures from mid-2022 to mid-2032. The results show that whilst the overall number of households in Wales is projected to increase by around 98,500/ 7.2%, to a total of 1.46 million. The local authorities projected to see the largest percentage increases are the Vale of Glamorgan (up 11.7%) and Cardiff (up 11.1%).
In turn these trends are carried through into WG’s 2025-based estimates of additional housing need, which identifies an existing unmet need of 9,400 homes. This is supplemented by a requirement to deliver an average of 8,700 new homes annually over the next five years to account for newly arising need alone. The combination of which demonstrates that there is an urgent need to increase delivery rates on both a national and local level, and therefore it’s imperative that the latest position with regards to the need for affordable and full market homes are accurately reflected within the Council’s housing figures.
In terms of considering the level of housing provision for a plan, Paragraph 5.34 of the DPM is explicit in that the most up-to date suite of Welsh Government Population and Household Projections must form the foundation of any evidence base. LPAs are then required to use a household conversion factor when translating households to dwellings to establish overall need.
Once again, the DPM explains that failure to include a robust conversion rate from the outset is a high-risk strategy and may undermine the overall soundness of any emerging plan. To avoid such circumstances, we believe it’s essential the LMNA is updated to reflect the latest WG datasets, which in turn is likely to provide grounds to warrant extending the proposed 15% threshold further. Ultimately this approach intends to ensure the emerging RLDP more effectively meet local need over the entire plan period and thus soundly prepared.
Figure 2. Extract of the Welsh Government’s Calculation Method for Total Dwellings as per the Development Plan Manual
As mentioned above, Policy SP6 provides a high-level breakdown of how the Council’s housing growth is expected to be delivered over the plan period. For completeness this includes: i) 3,837 dwellings from the existing land supply; ii) 3,520 dwellings on allocated sites; & iii) 1,303 dwellings from large and small windfall developments.
Whilst we do not dispute those relating to proposed site allocations and/ or windfall developments. The proportion of dwellings set to be accounted for within the Vale of Glamorgan’s existing landbank (3,837 units) is considered excessive given it represents 44.3% of the Council’s overall housing requirement.
Although Persimmon acknowledge that this is partly derived on the basis that emerging plan period has technically already commenced (2021 to 2036), and therefore is made up of sites at various different stages of planning process (i.e. either already built out, being constructed or secured consent - as shown below). It is important to recognise the potential implications this approach has in terms of stifling opportunities for growth, which is contrary to the Welsh Government’s aspirations for the Vale of Glamorgan as part of a National Growth Area within Future Wales: The National Plan 2040.

Table 3. Extract of the Vale of Glamorgan’s Housing Supply and Housing Requirement
From an objective standpoint this means there is only a need for 2,561 additional dwellings (3,520 dwellings minus 959 units rolled forward) to be delivered from new allocations over the emerging plan period. This reinforces the point that in reality the overall quantum of new homes will be significantly lower than the figure set out within the RLDP’s vision and strategic objectives. In turn this prevent opportunities for new sites to come forward as part of the plan-making process and in doing so hinder the Council’s ability to account for historic unmet need. Collectively this substantiates Persimmon’s position that in order for the plan to be considered sound the Council must accommodate a greater flexible allowance, optimising the use of sites such as Land north of Dinas Powys, to ensure the emerging local plan complies with the Welsh Government’s aspirations set out within Future Wales.
As illustrated above, the Council anticipate 1,303 dwellings coming forward in the form of windfall sites. This accounts for both small and large sites which in turn represents around 15% of the Council’s overall housing requirement. Once again, whilst we do not contest the overall windfall provision or the projected delivery rate of 87 dwellings per annum up to 2036. It is important to recognise that based on past trends the annual number of homes which comes forward on windfall sites varies significantly year on year.
Table 18 of the Development Plan Manual (DPM) is explicit in that respect and explains that although due regard must be attributed to analysis of past delivery rates, periods of abnormally high or low completions should be considered inappropriate/anomalies when extrapolating future rates of windfall sites. On that basis ensuring the RLDP incorporates a greater flexible allowance will not only provide certainty that any shortfalls/fallow periods are offset, but also enable a more consistent supply of homes to be achieved over the plan period as a whole.
Lastly, in terms of overall growth Paragraph 5.8 of the Deposit Plan states that the level of growth they have identified ‘’has been demonstrated to be deliverable and is sufficiently ambitious to reflect the Vale’s position in the Future Wales national growth area.’’ It also notes that this level of growth has been chosen so that it is ‘’complementary to, rather than competing with, the neighbouring authority of Cardiff and the wider Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).’’.
Whilst it is agreed that the level of growth may be realistic based on past trends, the claim that this is sufficiently ambitious and needs to be at this level to avoid competing with Cardiff is not substantiated by evidence to suggest that a higher level of growth could not also achieve these principles.
Cardiff, as the capital city of Wales, also demonstrated historic under delivery when publishing its deposit plan for consultation in February 2025, which was the case for allocated sites as well as generally for annual delivery rates over the adopted plan period. This resulted in a failure to meet targets over the last 10 years of their adopted plan. Whilst Cardiff has made progress in more recent years, the latest Annual Monitoring Report published in October 2025 notes that to date the region has met just 58% of its overall dwelling requirements over the plan period from 2006-2025.
Accordingly, with Cardiff opting to continue with a medium growth option for their RLDP despite these shortfalls, there is no sound basis to suggest that adopting a higher growth level within the VoG would detrimentally impact upon housing delivery or ‘compete’ with Cardiff.
In summary, Persimmon supports the overall medium growth strategy and key allocations such as North Dinas Powys. Although given the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region and its designation as a national growth area, we maintain that the proposed RLDP should be more ambitious when it comes to housing targets. Drawing on examples from Bridgend (14% flexibility), Swansea (20%), and Monmouthshire (15%), alongside evidence of historic under-delivery and recent Welsh Government household projections, there are sufficient grounds to warrant increasing the proposed flexibility allowance to a minimum of 15%, equating to a total requirement of 9,074 homes up to 2036.
These steps would help account for any potential overreliance on existing landbanks and variable windfall delivery rates which could in theory limit the plan’s ability to address unmet housing need. Overall, we conclude that a higher flexibility allowance is necessary to the ensure the RLDP is able to effectively meet local need over the plan period. From a practical standpoint whilst further sites may well be required to accommodate the additional growth, it is important the current proposed allocations are safeguarded and therefore supplemented accordingly. The benefits of which shall also demonstrate the emerging RLDP is supported by a robust, proportionate and credible evidence base to accord with the requirements of the Development Plan Manual for Wales and national growth objectives.
Policy SP2 – Settlement Hierarchy
In principle, Persimmon supports the Settlement Pattern set out in Policy SP2, particularly the identification of Dinas Powys as a Primary Settlement.
Whilst the role of Primary Settlements is acknowledged, in that they contain several key services and facilities, vital to supporting sustainable communities including primary schools, small convenience shops, food and drink outlets and employment opportunities.
Persimmon considers that Dinas Powys is capable of fulfilling an enhanced role given its proximity to strategic transport infrastructure which provide regular services to key designations throughout the region and Cardiff city centre. Whilst the proposed allocation HG1 KS2 undoubtedly supports such principles, given the area is inherently well served by existing infrastructure we maintain that it has the capacity to accommodate even further levels of growth, which could be delivered through the extended Candidate Site (Ref. No. 444). This approach would align with the Council’s spatial strategy given that the Service Centres at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth are generally subject to greater physical and environmental constraints.
Policy SSC1 – Development within Settlement Boundaries
Persimmon Homes support the premise of Policy SSC1, and the objective of directing development to areas within defined settlement boundaries. This approach will help reinforce sustainable growth patterns and prioritise development in locations well served by both existing and planned infrastructure. Collectively these principles align with the Councils ambitions for Land north of Dinas Powys (HG1 KS2) and supporting local services and facilities to reduce overreliance on private vehicle travel.
Policy SP4 – Placemaking
In principle Persimmon Homes supports Policy SP4 and the aim of ensuring all new development is of high-quality sustainable design.
The proposed allocation Land north of Dinas Powys has been designed with landscape led approach and therefore clearly aligns with the placemaking principles set out in Policy SP4 and the sustainable placemaking framework of PPW12. The site’s location on the edge of Dinas Powys enables the scheme to positively responds to the character of the local area whilst remaining in keeping with the wider landscape setting. The layout reflects the prevailing scale and form of surrounding neighbourhoods, incorporating similar architectural cues and a coherent street hierarchy. Green infrastructure forms the structural framework of the masterplan, integrating retained landscape features, new planting, and sustainable drainage measures to ensure climate resilience and biodiversity enhancement. The density proposed makes efficient use of land in accordance with national policy while remaining sensitive to local character and the edge-of-settlement context.
In line with PPW12’s emphasis on health and well-being, the scheme promotes active travel that connects to existing pedestrian routes, public transport links and community facilities within Dinas Powys. The development prioritises walking and cycling, supports access to local schools, shops and services, and reduces reliance on the private car. Public open spaces have been prioritised towards the centre of the scheme and homes orientated accordingly to promote natural surveillance, thereby creating a safe area that encourage recreation, social interaction and community cohesion. The integrated green network delivers benefits such as improving general air quality and strengthening ecological connectivity within the Vale of Glamorgan.
The proposal also reflects the design principles set down within the Design Commission for Wales in respect of quality architectural design, contextual response and multifunctional spaces. This will be achieved through a balanced mix of housing types and tenures responds to local need. Careful consideration has also been given to the wider landscape setting of Dinas Powys, ensuring that key views, settlement edges and local character are respected and enhanced.
Policy PGD1 – Creating Well Designed and Inclusive Places
Persimmon question the need for both Policies SP4 and PGD1 as there is notable repetition between the two. In principle the criteria set out within the proposed policy aligns with our expectations, however there is a need to recognise that not all criteria will be able to be accommodated on development sites. Particularly given the need to accommodate other legislative requirements relating to environmental and economic matters that warrant equal consideration as part of the planning process.
On that basis if the Council are minded to continue with this particular policy’s inclusion, we request the proposed wording be updated to clarify that such the merit of such principles will be considered on a site-by-site basis rather than the current blanket approach suggested.
Policy PGD2 – Residential Development Densities
Residential densities are supported as a principle, however, should not be so prescriptive as to unnecessarily restrict development. Policy PGD2 outlines that residential development over 0.5ha will be permitted where the proposed density achieves a minimum of 35 dwellings per net hectare within Key, Service Centre and Primary Settlements and 30 dwellings per net hectare in Minor Rural Settlements.
From a planning standpoint, Persimmon support the Councils approach to prioritise higher density development in Key Settlements, Service Centres and Primary Settlements. These locations are naturally better connected to existing transport infrastructure, modes of public transport, Active Travel routes and local services/facilities to accommodate future growth.
A minor point in relation to the policy wording is the ‘dwellings per net hectare’ and the removal of non-developable space in any calculations. Whilst this is normal, the increased requirements relating to SAB, green infrastructure requirements and increased ecological mitigation all have a direct impact on the remaining available land and it is positive to see there is an allowance for some flexibility.
The density requirement appears to be reasonable in its approach, and the flexibility to allow individual site adjustments (as per the remaining text within the Policy) is welcomed. As there will undoubtedly be occasions where the density will need to be considered in further detail due to other on-site factors/ mitigation measures.
Possibly update to highlight support for higher net densities being prioritised in Key, Service Centres and Primary Settlements which are naturally well served by regular public transport provision and Active Travel routes, or near to services and facilities.
Policy SP5 – Creating Healthy & Inclusive Places and Spaces
Policy SP5 is supported in principle insofar as it seeks to promote healthier and more inclusive places, consistent with the objectives of Planning Policy Wales and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. However, to ensure the policy is robust and effective, it is important that it is supported by an up-to-date and clearly evidenced policy framework. In this regard, the supporting evidence base, particularly BP36 – Planning Healthy Places (June 2024), should be reviewed to ensure that the datasets referenced reflect the most recent available information. For example, life expectancy data currently cited (2018–2020) and indicators based on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019 should be updated where possible to reflect the most recent datasets, including the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2025 and any updated public health, active travel, air quality and demographic data. Ensuring that the evidence base reflects the latest available information is necessary to demonstrate that the policy is justified and based on an accurate understanding of local health conditions and inequalities.
The policy framework should also be updated to reflect the Health Impact Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2025, which were approved by the Senedd in November 2025 and will come into force on 6 April 2027. At present, these forthcoming statutory requirements are not referenced within Policy SP5 or the supporting guidance. Given that the regulations will establish a statutory framework for the preparation of Health Impact Assessments in Wales, it will be important for the RLDP and supporting documents to clarify how the policy’s screening, checklist and Rapid HIA requirements will interact with the statutory regime once implemented. Including reference to the regulations would help ensure that the policy remains aligned with national legislation and is future-proofed over the plan period.
The supporting Rapid Participatory HIA of the Deposit RLDP (BP3, September 2025) provides useful background regarding the Council’s engagement with stakeholders in preparing the plan. However, it would be beneficial for the Council to clearly explain how the findings of that work have informed the specific requirements contained within Policy SP5. Providing a clearer link between the outcomes of the participatory HIA and the policy approach adopted in the RLDP would improve transparency and demonstrate that the policy has been shaped by the evidence gathered through the stakeholder engagement process.
Table 4. Extract of Proposed Criteria for HIA Assessments
The emerging Health Placemaking Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) is broadly welcomed as a practical tool to support implementation of the policy. Nevertheless, a number of matters require further clarification prior to its adoption. In particular, whilst the SPG provides greater clarity regarding the use of the Healthy Placemaking Checklist and Rapid HIAs, it does not clearly identify the circumstances in which a comprehensive (full) HIA would be required. The SPG should also be updated to reflect forthcoming guidance from the Welsh Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU) expected in 2026, and ensure alignment with other relevant policies and guidance, including those relating to design, travel plans, public transport accessibility and open space provision. Given the number of cross-references within the SPG, it will be important that these documents are fully aligned and consistent.
Finally, any requirement for a Health Impact Assessment should be applied on a proportionate basis, reflecting the scale, nature and likely impacts of the development proposed. The policy should therefore make clear that the scope and level of detail required for HIAs will be proportionate to the scale and type of development. Subject to these amendments and clarifications, the policy would provide a clearer and more effective framework for integrating health considerations into the planning process.

Active and Social Places
Policy SP6 – Housing Requirements
Please refer to Policy SP1 as written response also accounts for information proposed under this particular policy.
Policy HG1 – Housing Allocations
HG1 KS2 – Land to the North of Dinas Powys
Persimmon wholly support the inclusion of Land to the North of Dinas Powys (HG1 KS2) as a proposed site allocation within the emerging RLDP. The site represents a logical extension to the existing settlement of Dinas Powys and provides an opportunity to address local housing needs within a highly accessible and well-connected location. Given its position adjacent to the existing settlement boundary of Dinas Powys, the site also is also well served by existing services, public transport links, schools and community facilities, thereby reducing reliance on private car travel and supporting national and local placemaking objectives.
The proposed scheme has also been designed to make effective use of land that is both logically related to the existing urban form and clearly aligns with the Council’s growth strategy. Given the level of demand in the area, a particularly significant benefit of proposed allocation HG1- KS2 is the commitment to deliver a minimum of 100 affordable homes, representing 40% of the total provision. The site will therefore make a meaningful contribution to meeting locally needs and incorporate a mix of tenures that directly responds to the Vale’s LHMA/evidance base. These principles align with the Councils aspirations to foster more inclusive communities and thus remain consistent with Policy SP4 and Policy PGD1. From a design perspective the proposed scheme has also informed by a comprehensive masterplanning process ensuring that high quality design, integrated green infrastructure, and sustainable transport connections integrated throughout the proposed layout.
Ecological considerations have similarly informed the proposed layout for the site. Technical work, including the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and subsequent strategy documents, have confirmed suitable biodiversity enhancements can be delivered through a network of retained and reinforced green corridors, historic woodland protection, and supplementary planting. The masterplan prioritises ecological connectivity, incorporating wildlife corridors, dark routes for nocturnal species, and extensive areas of multifunctional open space. These measures not only mitigate potential impacts on identified species, such as dormice, but provide clear opportunities for biodiversity net gain in accordance with the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. The integration of Sustainable Drainage Systems within landscaped areas further demonstrates how flood attenuation, habitat creation and recreational provision can be delivered in a cohesive manner. Thereby ensuring that environmental enhancements are incorporated throughout the scheme from the outset which fully accord with the RLDP’s objectives in that respect.
In transport and community infrastructure terms, the site’s sustainable credentials are equally compelling. The proposed access arrangements onto Cardiff Road have been refined in response to feedback from the highway department, whilst demonstrating deliverability and promoting safe access for all users to avoid having any adverse impacts on local highway network. Geographically the site also lies within immediate walking distance of Eastbrook and Dinas Powys rail stations, which inevitably aligns with the Council’s transport-orientated growth strategy. In turn these principles accord with national placemaking objectives set out in PPW12 and shall actively encouraging a modal shift away from private vehicles to incentivise more active forms of travel. Most notably this includes dedicated pedestrian and cycle links through the site providing connectivity with a range of local services and facilities.
By virtue of the above we fully support the proposed allocation of Land to the North of Dinas Powys (HG1 KS2). As the proposed developer Persimmon Homes remain committed to development opportunities the site presents and its ability to help deliver much needed full market and affordable homes in a highlight sustainable location, which clearly accord with the Council’s proposed growth strategy.
Policy HG1 (B) – Housing Allocations
HG1 (3) Barry - Land at Hayes Lane
Persimmon Homes question to suitability of allocating residential development on the site known as Land at Hayes Lane, The Bendricks. These concerns are centred on the following:
Unsustainable Location & Poor Connectivity
Whilst the site is technically identified within the settlement boundary, it is clearly not a sustainable location for residential development. This is evident by virtue of the fact that Land at Hayes Lane is situated within an existing industrial estate and lacks any supporting facilities. The former reinforces the principle that as a whole the area is characterised by a mix of light industrial and heavy industrial uses which naturally conflicts with the prospect of future residential housing. Moreover, it is reasonable to assume vehicles using the local highway network will be larger in nature (such as HGV’s), and given the majority of streets do not contain dedicated pedestrian footpaths/ cycleways, this raises concerns from a highway safety perspective.
Although we note the Transport Statement from AECOM suggests access can theoretically be achieved to Barry and Sully. Both of these settlements remain over 2km from the site and lie outside of the distances deemed acceptable by Transport for Wales (TfW) to support resident development. Allocating housing on Land at Hayes Lane which therefore does not comply with such criteria would clearly undermine the Council’s objective of pursuing a Transport Orientated Growth approach and by virtue of which risk promoting an unsustainable pattern of development within the emerging RLDP.
As outlined above given the nature of the area there are almost no existing active travel routes in this part of the region. This lack of provision would ultimately lead to future residents using alterative options and many of which would require residents to overcome physical barriers in order to travel in a more sustainable manner. For instance, due to the level of infrastructure associated with the port, the site is effectively detached from the main urban area of Barry and would involve crossing an active railway line halfway along Wimborne Road without sufficient mitigation measures in place. On the other hand, whilst Hayes Road extends further west towards Sully, it follows the southern boundary of the Polaris Industrial Estate which contains various access points that are in regular use throughout the day. Collectively these characteristics would prevent future occupants travelling in a more active manner which is in direct conflict with both local and national planning policy objectives.
The site’s geographic isolation means that access to modes of public transport are extremely limited. Most notably that includes railway stations with the nearest being Cadoxton Station which is located circa 3.8km north of the site. By AECOM’s own accord this is considered to equate to a minimum walking distance of 52 minutes which exceeds TFW’s standards for residential development. Again, this reinforces the fact future residents would be overly reliant on private vehicles to access local services (such as employment opportunities, schools, doctor surgeries etc) which in turn shall achieve an unsustainable pattern of growth and increase associated carbon emissions.
Loss of Allocated Employment Land
Crucially, the site remains allocated in the adopted LDP for B1/B8 employment uses. These intended to facilitate small industrial and workshop units as part of the Atlantic Trading Estate’s expansion and in turn support opportunities for local businesses/ enterprise ventures. The council’s latest Employment Land Review confirms a clear demand for such uses in Barry, with Land at Hayes Lane representing the most logical location for further growth. Reallocating this land for housing would therefore diminish the Vale of Glamorgan’s ability to attract sufficient economic investment to support the requisite levels of growth over the emerging plan period, and potentially displace businesses to other less suitable parts of the region which would not be in the interests of good placemaking as per PPW12.
Although the RLDP’s evidence base suggests there are other development opportunities within the region that could compensate for the proposed loss of employment land. Upon further review it is apparent these are in less favourable locations from both a strategic and operational standpoint. Reassigning Land at Hayes Lane from employment to residential would therefore undermine the Council’s objective of safeguarding existing employment land and prioritising business/ industrial uses in area’s well served by infrastructure designed to accommodate such activities (such as Barry Docks). Furthermore, it would also set a precedent for other potential losses and in doing so impact the Council’s ability to meet the region’s employment needs up to 2036.
By virtue of the above, Persimmon Homes object to the proposed allocation of residential development on Land at Hayes Lane. The principle of which is in direct conflict with the Welsh Government’s objectives set out within PPW12 & Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and the need to ensure existing employment land is suitably protected. The latter is crucial in attracting future investment to the region and shall act as a catalyst to enable housing to be delivered elsewhere, in more sustainable locations better connected to local services/ facilities, such as Dinas Powys.

HG1 (5) Llantwit Major - Land between the Northern Access Road and Eglwys Brewis Road (Site C – Central Parcel)
Whilst we do not oppose the overall principle of residential development at Site C (Central Parcel), this position must be considered in the context of the wider allocation. Applications for Sites A and B (2020/00351/OUT (Site A) & 2020/00352/OUT (Site B)) are currently pending subject to respective Section 106 Agreements, with prolonged negotiations resulting in significant delays to delivery. This experience clearly demonstrates that development within this allocation is complex and subject to extended viability and legal discussions, which inevitably impacts the rate at housing is able to come forward.
According to the Council’s register we understand Site C has not been subject to any formal planning application, and therefore there is no detailed evidence available regarding the proposed layout design, infrastructure requirements, viability, or anticipated submission and determination timeframes. Despite this, the Council’s housing trajectory assumes development commencing in 2028/29, with 35 units initially and 45 units annually thereafter. Given the absence of a live application and the precedent of delays on Sites A and B, these delivery assumptions appear overly optimistic based on current evidence.
On that basis we maintain that the Council should reassess the trajectory assumptions for this particular site and identify other alternatives to help account for any unforeseen slippage on Site C. The overarching purpose of which shall be to ensure the RLDP incorporates sufficient flexibility to consistently meet housing need over the entire plan period.
Policy HG3 – Housing Led Redevelopment Opportunity
Persimmon Homes acknowledges the Council’s position in respect of Site HG3 (1) – Former Eagleswell Primary School, including the temporary five-year consent (2024–2029) for 90 units of short-term accommodation and their inclusion within housing completions for monitoring purposes.
Given their expressly temporary nature and planned relocation to other sites within the Vale by 2029, it is essential that these units are not double counted in a way. As the risk of doing so would artificially inflate the Vale’s housing numbers, thereby preventing delivery opportunities elsewhere over the plan period.
Although we welcome the clarification provided at paragraph 6.111 which states that once the temporary units are removed and the site is redeveloped for permanent accommodation, any future dwellings will not be included within the RLDPs housing supply figures. In the interest of soundness, we believe this should explicitly set out within the proposed wording of Policy HG3 to avoid any potential ambiguity and thus ensure no additional net housing contributions will arise from the site upon its redevelopment later down the line.
This approach is critical given the Vale’s substantial existing landbank and the number of allocations being rolled forward, as cumulatively factoring in additional units from this site would further constrain opportunities to accommodate genuine growth elsewhere. Thereby limiting the Council’s ability to effectively meet local housing need up to 2036.
Policy SP7 – Affordable Housing Provision
In principle, Persimmon support Policy SP7’s objective to secure a minimum of 3,070 affordable homes over the plan period. That said, given the level of affordable housing is directly proportionate to the total housing provision within RLDP we believe there is scope for further uplifts in that respect.
As mentioned above Persimmon maintain that there is sufficient evidence to justify increasing the proposed housing requirements through the Vale’s flexible allowance in order to maximise opportunities for growth. In turn this would prevent artificially capping affordable housing provision at 3,070 homes to ensure the plan is positively prepared by incorporating measures that proactively address demand across the region.
National policy clearly supports this approach. Planning Policy Wales requires development plans to be positively prepared and to maximise the delivery of affordable housing as a key component of sustainable placemaking. The Development Plan Manual reinforces the need for plans to be aspirational, evidence-led and sufficiently flexible to ensure delivery. Furthermore, the Welsh Government 2025-based estimates of additional housing need report highlights the need for a step change in affordable housing delivery across Wales, recognising that continuation of past trends will not address the current affordability challenges. Collectively, this provides a clear direction of travel in that it’s imperative to uplift housing provision where affordability pressures are acute such as the Vale of Glamorgan.
To ensure the RLDP is sound, the Council should increase the overall housing requirement by apply a meaningful flexibility allowance that ensure sufficient contingency measures are in place to consistently meet local need over the plan period. This would directly increase the quantum of affordable housing secured through policy mechanisms, thereby aligning the Plan with national policy objectives. The latter goes to the heart of the tests of soundness within the Development Plan Manual in ensuring the plan is not only appropriate but capable of delivering the step change required to address affordable housing needs up to 2036.
Policy SP8 – Affordable Housing Requirements
Persimmon supports the position that residential development should help meet affordable housing need. Although to ensure Policy SP8 is effective its important the percentage requirements and site thresholds proposed are viable across a range of site types and market areas to ensure they do not inadvertently suppress delivery.
On that basis we believe it would be prudent for the Deposit Plan to clarify that affordable housing targets are subject to site-specific viability considerations and can be adjusted in circumstances where comply with such parameters would render the sites viable and thus prevent delivery. Greater flexibility is also needed in tenure and mix to better reflect evolving local needs over the entire plan period including the point when planning applications are formally submitted.
Policy SP10 – Sustainable Transport
Persimmon support the overall objective of Policy SP10 in seeking to promote sustainable transport, increase active travel opportunities and reduce reliance on the private car in accordance with national placemaking objectives. Encouraging development in accessible locations such as Dinas Powys and enhancing connectivity between settlements is welcomed. However, for soundness its important the policy recognises the different physical characteristics across the Vale of Glamorgan, particularly in edge-of-settlement and rural contexts where flexibility is necessary to ensure sustainable growth is not unduly constrained.
In this regard, the extend site at Dinas Powys represents a suitable and deliverable opportunity that aligns fully with the objectives of Policy SP10. The Authority will be aware that Transport Strategies were submitted at earlier plan-making stages, and these have now been refined through a Technical Note prepared by Vectos (now SLR) in direct response to the Candidate Sites Assessment. The scope of which confirms the proposed access arrangements presented within Policy HG1 KS2 with regards to the primary and secondary vehicular entry/ egress points on to Cardiff Road are acceptable. The former includes the creation of a new signalised junction on to the A4055/ Cardiff Road which has been modelled by Vectos (now SLR) to confirms there will be no adverse impacts with regards to the overall capacity of the local highway network. Furthermore, these measures shall be supplemented by financial contribution towards off-site improvements to help alleviate any existing connection issues/ pinch points and thus enable traffic to flow more freely within Dinas Powys and the wider surrounding area.
In addition, the scheme will deliver significant active travel benefits, including dedicated pedestrian footpaths and cycleways throughout the site that connect seamlessly into the surrounding network. The site lies within immediate walking distance of Eastbrook and Dinas Powys railway stations and therefore aligning with the Vale’s transport-orientated growth strategy. Overall, the refined Transport Strategy demonstrates that the development would not result in any significant adverse impact on the highway network, while actively promoting sustainable travel choices. Subject to proportionate application of Policy SP10 and recognition of the robust mitigation proposed, the site clearly supports and advances the sustainable transport objectives of the emerging RLDP.
Policy TR1 – Transport Proposals
Persimmon supports the overarching objectives of Policy TR1, which seeks to protect and enhance strategic transport infrastructure across the Vale of Glamorgan, including active travel routes, public transport schemes and highway improvements. Land north of Dinas Powys aligns with these objectives by directing growth to a sustainable settlement capable of supporting integrated transport solutions. The scheme has also been designed to incorporate dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes that ensures development sympathetically integrates with the surrounding area. Most notably that includes measures to enhance pedestrian permeability whilst also encouraging a shift towards more sustainable modes of travel.
In addition to the above, allocation future growth at Land North of Dinas Powys will support planned improvements between the Barry/Biglis roundabout and Dinas Powys Active Travel Route by providing on-site pedestrian and cycle infrastructure that links directly to the proposed 2 km shared walking and cycling corridor. By aligning the site layout and access points with this strategic route the scheme shall naturally maximise the route’s functionality, safety and long-term success.
Finally, the site’s highly sustainable location reinforces its accordance with the Council’s transport-led growth strategy. The development is within immediate walking distance of both Eastbrook and Dinas Powys railway stations, which provide frequent services to Cardiff and Barry other key destinations. Prioritising residential growth in such locations continues towards the Vale of Glamorgan’s aim of creating a more sustainable pattern of development, maximising the use of public transport, supporting active travel and reducing reliance on private cars.
Policy SP13 – Community Infrastructure and Planning Obligations
Persimmon Homes do not consider that Policy SP13 – Community Infrastructure and Planning Obligations is required. This is predicated on the basis that such matters are dealt with under separate legislative and policy frameworks. Therefore, as currently drafted the proposed policy (and supporting text) do not add anything further information for planning purposes and risk unnecessary duplication.
Policy CI1 – Open Space Provision
Whilst there are no comments regarding the principle, thresholds and use of the FIT standards in terms of the open space provision. As such Persimmon query the requirement for an Open Space Strategy for all sites that meet the thresholds.
The requirement within emerging Policy CI1 for applicants to prepare or submit an Open Space Strategy is not considered to be sufficiently justified or proportionate when assessed against Planning Policy Wales, which promotes access to open space and recreational provision but does not prescribe the preparation of standalone Open Space Strategies for individual planning applications. There is a lack of clarification as to what it proposed and also how the level of detail would be proportional to the size of the site.
Productive and Enterprising Places
Policy CC1 – Residential Operational Net Zero Carbon Development
Persimmon Homes, strongly object to Policy CC1 on the basis that it duplicates Welsh Government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is intended to ensure all new homes are “zero-carbon ready” through a consistent national Building Regulations framework.
Building Regulations Part L currently sets the requirements for energy efficiency in new homes, with the current dwellings built by Persimmon Homes being designed to exceed the minimum requirements of Part L by incorporating enhanced insultation and improved building fabric performance. This includes low U-values for key elements such as walls, roofs, floors and windows to minimise heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency. As a result, Persimmon Homes are achieving a high rating under the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) System, typically within the A-B range.
Introducing a separate and potentially more onerous operational net zero requirement at the local level risks imposing additional cost and complexity that undermines site viability and deliverability. The Development Plans Manual for Wales is clear that development plans must avoid repeating national policy and should not introduce requirements that are more appropriately addressed through other regulatory regimes. In this respect, Policy CC1 is not considered justified or appropriate and thereby conflicts with the second test of soundness set out within the DPM.
The proposed step change in standards from 1 April 2030 (particularly the reduction in space heating demand from 40 kWh/m²/year to 15 kWh/m²/year) represents a significant and abrupt step change in performance expectations. Whilst reference is made to initiatives such as Tai ar y Cyd and AECB CarbonLite, these have largely been associated with grant-funded affordable housing schemes. There is no clear evidence that equivalent standards are able to be delivered on mainstream housing sites without compromising their overall viability. On that note the Development Plans Manual requires policies to be underpinned by robust evidence and deliverable over the plan period. In the absence of which the proposed policy could well prevent housing delivery and undermines the emerging RLDP’s ability to effectively meet housing need.
Further to the above Policy CC1 also risks creating fragmented energy performance standards across different Local Planning Authorities in Wales. This contradicts the benefit of a consistent national approach through Building Regulations and makes it significantly more difficult for mainstream housebuilders operating across multiple authority areas to deliver homes efficiently. The DPM emphasises the need for development plans to create policy frameworks that encourage housing delivery and avoid unnecessary complications. By introducing bespoke operational monitoring requirements and energy modelling thresholds the policy as currently worded blurs the boundary between planning and Building Control functions. In turn this raises concerns as to whether the policy is justified and capable of being applied consistently across the board.
Finally, the Council’s own Viability Assessment (Paragraph 6.60 of BP42) acknowledges current uncertainty given the outcome of Welsh Government’s consultation on this topic are still unknown at the time of writing. In the event the Welsh Government decide to peruse national regulation progresses, it may be more appropriate for such matters to be addressed through Building Control rather than planning policy. Once again, this reinforces Persimmon’s concern that Policy CC1 is premature and not in general conformity with national policy. As drafted, the policy risks undermining the council’s proposed housing supply, affordable housing delivery rate and general implementation over the plan period. For these reasons, we believe it fails to meet the relevant tests of soundness and should be omitted from the proposed RLDP.
Distinctive and Natural Places
Policy SP19 – Green Infrastructure
In principle Persimmon Homes support the aim of this policy in ensuring proposed development incorporate measures that protect and enhance green infrastructure provision.
For completeness the proposed allocation (Land at north Dinas Powys) has been informed by a comprehensive Green Infrastructure Strategy and Landscape Summary Note prepared by Tir Collective (August 2023). The reports demonstrate that the site has been designed in a manner consistent with the objectives of Policy SP19. While future development of the site technically requires a release from the locally designated Green Wedge between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough, the scope of which is limited in nature. Paragraph 3.70 of PPW12 states that Green Wedge boundaries should only include land that is required to remain open for the longer term. In this context, the Council’s Green Wedge Background Paper indicates that proposed allocation HG1 KS2 shall not result in any coalescence between settlements and nor does it make a significant contribution to the overall integrity of the designation. These factors confirm that the site is suitable for accommodating future residential development.
The emerging masterplan adopts a landscape-led approach that responds to the site’s physical characteristics and surrounding context. Development has therefore been excluded from the most visually sensitive parts of the site which will instead be retained as public open space to avoid having any adverse impact in that respect. This approach is reinforced through the retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows, woodland and field boundaries, alongside supplementary planting to naturally integrate the site into the wider landscape framework.
Policy SP20 – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience
In principle, Persimmon support the objective of Policy SP20 which intends to protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. However, in the interests of soundness we believe the proposed requirement relating to biodiversity enhancement should be reframed to ensure it remains consistent with national policy. In particular, the policy should clarify that development proposals are expected to deliver biodiversity betterment in a manner that is proportionate to the scale and nature of development and consistent with national guidance. The wording should avoid introducing a requirement for a specific or quantified biodiversity net gain approach that goes beyond the national policy framework. Ensuring that the policy reflects the approach set out in Planning Policy Wales 12 will provide greater certainty for applicants and decision-makers while still providing sufficient comfort in securing the requisite biodiversity improvements.
Policy DNP1 – Special Landscape Areas
Persimmon support the revision of the Cwrt-yr-Ala Basin Special Landscape Area (SLA) to reflect the allocation of key site (HG1KS2 North of Dinas Powys off Cardiff Road) as per Policy DNP1. As indicated in Background Paper BP28 – Special Landscape Areas, the future development proposals for the site will be required to incorporate mitigation to reduce the impact of the site on the SLA. These works are incorporated into the proposed masterplan.
Policy DNP2 – Green Wedges
Persimmon support the revision to the green wedge between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough, at Policy DNP2 (1) which has been amended to reflect the key site allocation HG1KS2 North of Dinas Powys.
Policy DNP8 – Severn Estuary Recreational Pressure
Policy DNP8 seeks to address recreational pressure on the Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site. Whilst Persimmon appreciate the overarching purpose in its current form the proposed policy lacks sufficient supporting information explaining how it will operate in practice. The supporting text suggests that key details relating to mitigation delivery, including mechanisms such as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace and wider access management measures, will be set out in future Supplementary Planning Guidance. Deferring these important details until later down the line creates uncertainty at the plan-making stage and makes it difficult to assess whether the policy is sound, effective and/ or capable of being implemented on a consistent basis.
The policy also provides no clear threshold or criteria for determining what level of activity would constitute “visitor pressure” or an “adverse impact” on the integrity of the designated sites. Similarly, the evidence demonstrating what level of impact residents moving into new homes across the Vale of Glamorgan will generate additional recreational pressure on the Severn Estuary does not appear to have been quantified to date. While a 12.6 km recreational catchment is referenced, the supporting text does not clearly explain the evidence or methodology underpinning this distance. Moreover, the proposed text also fails to set out how new residential development will be assessed in terms of measurable impacts on the European site and thus the scope of mitigation that would subsequently be required.
From a practical standpoint this level of uncertainty is concerning given the implication of this policy are unable to be fully assessed due to the lack of evidance. For instance, if development sites within the catchment are expected to contribute financially towards mitigation measures, then the scale and mechanism of those contributions must be clearly established as part of the plan-making process. Without this clarity, there is a risk that Policy DNP8 could introduce unforeseen costs and extensive time delays, potentially affecting the viability and overall deliverability of proposed housing sites. The cumulative impact of which would then undermining the plan’s ability to meet its housing requirements and risk finding the RLDP unsound.
Conclusion
Subject to the comments within this response, Persimmon are broadly supportive of the Deposit RLDP put forward. Persimmon Homes’ most pertinent comments on the consultation document are summarised below:
• Persimmon fully supports the proposed approach to prioritise development in sustainable locations near existing rail and bus infrastructure as depicted by the strategic growth area within the RLDP Key Diagram. However, to optimise the effectiveness of this strategy growth should be focused in areas of greatest demand, such as Dinas Powys, which is not only the nearest settlement geographically to Cardiff but also inherently well connected by the existing rail network and other modes of public transport.
• Persimmon support the principle of the Settlement Hierarchy and the identification of Dinas Powys as a Primary Settlement. Whilst the importance of which is noted, Persimmon maintain that Dinas Powys, in particular, is capable of a higher role and function which can be accommodated in the extended Candidate Site Ref. No 444. This is particularly relevant given the fact that the Service Centres at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth are generally more constrained physically and environmentally.
• Whilst Persimmon supports the overall principle of a medium growth strategy and key allocations such as North Dinas Powys. Given the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region and its designation as a national growth area, we maintain that the proposed RLDP should be more ambitious when it comes to overall housing targets. Drawing on examples from Bridgend (14% flexibility), Swansea (20%), and Monmouthshire (15%), alongside evidence of historic under-delivery and recent Welsh Government household projections, there are sufficient grounds to warrant increasing the proposed flexibility allowance to a minimum of 15%, equating to a total requirement of 9,074 homes up to 2036.
• In the interests of soundness these changes shall help account for any potential overreliance on existing landbanks and variable windfall delivery rates which could in theory limit the plan’s ability to address unmet housing need. Persimmon therefore conclude that a higher flexibility allowance and additional site allocations, such as the extended option at Dinas Powys, are necessary to ensure the RLDP is able to effectively meet local need over the plan period. The benefits of which shall also demonstrate the emerging RLDP is supported by a robust, proportionate and credible evidence base to accord with the requirements of the Development Plan Manual for Wales and national growth objectives.
• Whilst Persimmon welcome the majority of the proposed planning policies from a development management perspective. They strongly object to Policy CC1 (Residential Operational Net Zero Carbon Development) on the basis that it duplicates Welsh Government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is intended to ensure all new homes are “zero-carbon ready” through a consistent national Building Regulations framework.
• Although Persimmon appreciate the overarching purpose of Policy DNP8 (Severn Estuary Recreational Pressure). In its current form the proposed policy lacks sufficient information to understand how it will operate in practice. Whilst supporting text suggests that key details relating to mitigation delivery will be set out in future Supplementary Planning Guidance. Deferring these important details until later down the line creates uncertainty at the plan-making stage and makes it difficult to assess whether the policy is sound, effective and/ or capable of being implemented on a consistent basis.
• Persimmon are wholly supportive of Land North of Dinas Powys’ (HG1 KS2) position as a proposed allocation within the emerging RLDP. The site represents a suitable, available and deliverable location for residential development without any constraints preventing it from delivering much needed homes in line with the Council’s proposed housing trajectory. Furthermore, its position as a key site is crucial to ensure growth is prioritised in such a highly sustainable location, adjacent to the defined urban area of Dinas Powys, and maximise opportunities for greater connectivity at both a regional and local level.
Persimmon would welcome the opportunity to continue on-going conversations with Officers and subsequently support the site’s progression through the next stages of the plan-making process.

If the Council are minded to continue with this particular policy’s inclusion, we request the proposed wording be updated to clarify that such the merit of such principles will be considered on a site-by-site basis rather than the current blanket approach suggested.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 These representations build upon the responses previously provided to the Call for Sites Consultation, additional information submission, and more recently the Barry Growth Paper in July 2025. For the avoidance of doubt these representations relate to Barratt Redrow Homes’ land interest know as ‘Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe’. The site has previously been identified as Ref No 437 within the Council’s Candidate Site Assessments including the Preferred Strategy Stage, which has been published as part of the technical evidence base and background papers alongside the Deposit Plan.
1.2 Having reviewed the Deposit Plan it is evident that the document is structured around a number of key sections including:
• Section 3 – The Vale of Glamorgan Key Characteristics;
• Section 4 – RLDP Key Themes, Vision, and Objectives;
• Section 5 – Sustainable Growth Strategy; and
• Section 6 – Policy Framework.

1.3 For completeness this submission shall discuss each section in turn.
1.4 The overarching purpose of which shall be to respond to the relevant draft Replacement Local Development Plan policies, with particular consideration given to the Welsh Government’s tests of soundness as set out within the Development Plan Manual for Wales (Third Edition) March 2020)):
• Test 1 – Does the Plan Fit?
• Test 2 – Is the Plan Appropriate?
• Test 3 – Will the Plan Deliver?

2. THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Settlement Pattern
2.1 Barratt Redrow support, in principle, the Settlement Pattern as set out in Section 3 of the Deposit Plan and in particular the identification of Wenvoe as a Primary Settlement.
2.2 Paragraph 3.9 explains that primary settlements “offer several key services and facilities, which are vital to their role as sustainable communities, as they reduce the need to travel to Barry or the Service Centre Settlements to address day-to-day needs”.
2.3 The importance of the Primary Settlements in supporting the Service Centre Settlements is noted, however Barratt Redrow consider that Wenvoe, in particular, is capable of a higher role and function and can accommodate a higher level of growth over and above affordable led exception sites, which can be accommodated at Candidate Site Ref. No 437. This is particularly relevant given the fact that the Service Centres at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth are generally more constrained physically and environmentally.
Housing Need
2.4 In light of the Vale of Glamorgan’s strategic location in-between Cardiff and Bridgend, and the significant employment opportunities associated with these areas, the Deposit RLDP should seek to maximise housing provision to ensure a more sustainable balance is achieved between homes and jobs, and in turn reduce commuting distances/ carbon emissions.
2.5 Paragraph 3.18 clearly acknowledges the scale of affordable housing need, identifying a requirement for 1,075 affordable homes per annum between 2023–2028 and 154 per annum thereafter. Yet it remains unclear whether existing unmet need has been fully factored into the overall housing requirement presented within the Deposit RLDP. This is particularly importance in the context of the Welsh Government’s 2025-based estimates which identify 9,400 units of unmet need at a national level and a requirement for 8,700 additional homes per annum over the next five years simply to address newly arising need.
2.6 Accordingly, there is a compelling justification for a further uplift in housing numbers to ensure the Plan proactively addresses both existing and emerging need. Increasing the overall housing requirement would directly enhance the overall delivery rate for affordable homes which is crucial in a local authority area with the highest affordability ratio in Wales. Paragraph 3.17 confirms that in the Vale average house prices are 9.7 times average workplace earnings compared to the Wales average of 6.1, therefore a step change in housing targets is needed to support a more balanced housing market across the region.
3. RLDP KEY THEMES, VISION, AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 Section 4 of the Deposit RLDP sets out the Council’s vision over the emerging plan period. The vision establishes a series of strategic goals the Council intends to work towards and in doing so provides an insight into how the Vale of Glamorgan is envisioned to develop up to 2036.
Key Themes
3.2 Barratt Redrow supports the theme ‘Homes for all’ and the need for the housing supply to respond to the growing population and provided in appropriate locations, with a mix of tenure and types. In that respect the site at Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe offers a sustainable and deliverable opportunity to ensure future residential development aligns with such objectives to deliver high quality housing development in a sustainable location.
3.3 In principle, Barratt Redrow support the ‘Placemaking’ theme and consider that development in Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe would ensure a strong sense of identity and that the scheme is capable of providing a well designed and sustainable development.
3.4 Barratt Redrow also support the theme of ‘Promoting active travel and sustainable transport choices’, and in particular the need to ensure that the new development will be in a highly sustainable location with very good access to alternative transport, such as bus services, rather than a reliance on the rail network. This is clearly evident at Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe.
Vision
3.5 In general, Barratt Redrow support the RLDP Vision, however highlight that whilst Barry and other Sustainable Service Centres are identified as playing a vital role in delivering the strategy, the importance of the ability for Primary Settlements, such as Wenvoe, to deliver sustainable and high-quality residential development also needs to be suitably recognised.
3.6 The allocation of Swn Y Coed (Candidate Site Ref: 437) is capable of providing a comprehensive residential development in a highly sustainable location and within an important Primary Settlement. The principle of which aligns with the Council’s ambition to ensure future growth delivers homes which caters for all (including affordable homes) and are prioritised in areas of greatest demand.
3.7 In light of the above it is considered that Wenvoe plays a significant part in delivering the Council’s strategy and the role, function, and ability of this settlement to accommodate growth needs to be significantly reinforced. The settlement is capable of accommodating more growth in a highly sustainable location we believe warrants greater recognition within the vision itself.
Strategic Objectives
Objective 3 – Home for All

3.8 Barratt Redrow supports the principle of Objective 3, in particular the provision of high quality housing which includes the right mix, tenure and type. Barratt Redrow supports the notion of providing residential development in places which people want to live, and in particular Wenvoe as a Primary Settlement.
Objective 4 – Placemaking
3.9 As above, in principle Barratt Redrow support the Council’s placemaking objectives which seeks to ensure all development will contribute positively toward creating a sense of place. Most notably this involves prioritising future growth in sustainable locations which are placed to create attractive, safe and accessible schemes that are equally effective from a functional standpoint.
3.10 The proposed allocation at Swn Y Coed (Ref 437) at Wenvoe aligns with such principles whilst also providing an opportunity to facilitate a high quality, mixed tenure residential development of circa 80+ open market & affordable homes, with a high-quality distinct character responding to the site context and creating a sense of place.
Objective 8 – Promoting Active and Sustainable Travel Choices
3.11 Barratt Redrow supports the principle of promoting active and sustainable travel choices and highlight that their residential development at Wenvoe has been designed to ensure accessibility it’s at the heart of the scheme with regards to walking, cycling and connectivity to public transport.
3.12 Given the site abuts the defined urban area of Wenvoe it represents a logical extension to the existing settlement and is well served by a range of local amenities and public transport. In terms of the latter the nearest bus stop is located within 100 meters of the site whilst the majority of local amenities are situated within 1.2 kilometres walking distance. Together these factors naturally promote the principle of linked trips which fully accords with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportations (CIHT) guidelines and reinforces the fact the site is a sustainable location for residential development.
3.13 Therefore, the site provides an opportunity to promote a modal shift towards more active forms of travel and consequently reducing dependency on private vehicle and associated carbon emissions. From a plan-making standpoint allocating further growth in this highly sustainable location would help achieve greater connect at both a regional and local level.

4. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH STRATEGY
Growth Strategy
4.1 RLDP Sustainable Growth Strategy comprises six key elements as follows:
1. Delivering a sustainable level of housing and employment growth supported by appropriate infrastructure that accords with the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).
4.2 In order to meet the overarching Vision, the Vale have identified a need to deliver at least 8,679 new dwellings over the proposed plan period which responds to the identified housing requirement of 7,890 homes (526 per annum) and incorporates a 10% flexible allowance. Barratt Redrow acknowledge the proposed approach, however, maintain it should be considered a minimum figure with aspirations to achieve greater levels of growth in sustainable locations across the district.
4.3 Whilst Barratt Redrow appreciate these figures are based on average completion rates over the first ten years of the adopted Local Development Plan, it is important to recognise that a higher rate of housing delivery is demonstrably achievable. Annual completion rates peaked at 917 dwellings, with six of the ten monitoring years exceeding the 526 per annum figure currently relied upon. This demonstrates that delivery capacity within the Vale has historically operated well above the proposed requirement and should therefore provide confidence that a higher housing target could realistically be achieved over the emerging plan period.
4.4 Furthermore, the Council’s own evidence base (BP7 - Housing and Employment Growth Options) identifies a five-year average build rate of 780 units per annum between 2016 and 2021. Again, this figure exceeds the annual delivery rate currently proposed within the emerging RLDP and reinforces the fact that the proposed housing requirement should not be unduly constrained by a lower long-term average.
4.5 Whilst Paragraph 5.8 explains that the proposed figures are based on a ten-year average delivery rate, it fails to acknowledge that this period included the Covid-19 pandemic and at a time where construction costs experienced significant inflation. These factors had a material impact on the housebuilding industry nationally and inevitably suppressed delivery rates during those years. From an objective perspective, basing the future housing requirement on an average that includes these exceptional circumstances risks skewing the figures and underestimates the district’s true delivery potential for the Vale.
4.6 In light of the above Barratt Redrow believe a sensible response would be to incorporate a greater flexible allowance of 15% within the RLDP to demonstrate an appropriate level of growth will be achieved. Whilst also ensuring there is sufficient supply of sites to come forward early on during the plan period to proactively address housing need from the point of adoption up to 2036.
4.7 From a procedural standpoint it is also important to note that the currently adopted plan predates the publication of Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and the Vale’s position within a national growth area. As such, pursuing an approach which seeks to maintain historic delivery rates is not considered to reflect this enhanced role and arguably lacks the level ambition set out at a national level. The proposed housing requirement should therefore be uplifted to positively respond to such matters in order to ensure conformity with Future Wales and regional aspirations.
4.8 Increasing the overall housing target would also act as a catalyst to enhance the delivery of affordable housing which is identified as a key objective for the RLDP. Each proposed site allocation is subject to a policy-compliant percentage contribution, therefore a higher level of market housing would proportionately generate a greater number of affordable homes to meet local need across the region.
2. Aligning locations for new housing, employment, services and facilities to reduce the need to travel.
4.9 Barratt Redrow supports the Vale’s objective to locate new major development in areas of the region best served by existing infrastructure and supporting services. The Settlement Appraisal Review (BP5) identifies Wenvoe as primary settlement in the region with suitable local services to accommodate future growth which remains in keeping with the overall function of the existing settlement.
4.10 Whilst the settlements of Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge are deemed to score higher on certain criteria it is clear that Wenvoe has a role and function providing both local key facilities and also acceptable linkages and distance to wider key and daily facilities.
3. Focusing development at locations that are well served by existing and proposed rail stations as part of the South Wales Metro and in areas with good bus links.
4.11 The Deposit RLDP explains that whilst reducing the need to travel is a key policy objective, it is recognised that there are journeys that will need to be made by other modes of transport, particularly due to the strong relationship with Cardiff as a designation for employment, retail and entertainment. As such the proposed growth strategy seeks to locate development in places that are inherently well served by sustainable transport in line with the Vale of Glamorgan’s transport hierarchy.
4.12 Barratt Redrow supports these principles and recognises the importance of prioritising development in sustainable locations across the regions, particular those well connected to Cardiff city centre. Paragraph 5.18 of the Deposit Plan states that “Targeting new development to the settlements that are served by the rail network is a key part of the strategy, as it will facilitate journeys being made by means other than the car”. Barratt Redrow consider that the rail network is an important way to facilitate journeys other than by car, however it is not the only option available and that other sustainable sites, such as Swn Y Coed, are also accessible by public transport – namely bus services.
4.13 Whilst Barratt Redrow support the principle of prioritising growth within the Council’s sustainable transport corridor, it is important to recognise that there is not an infinite supply of land within close proximity to railway stations across the Vale of Glamorgan. Physical constraints, settlement patterns and environmental designations mean that the availability of suitable and deliverable sites within immediate walking distance of rail infrastructure is somewhat limited. Therefore, relying solely on these locations risks unnecessarily constraining the overall supply of land for housing and may limit the Council’s ability to maintain a consistent supply of homes up to 2036.
4.14 In this context, Barratt Redrow believe the RLDP should be updated to also identify opportunities for growth in locations that are well served by the strategic bus network. From a procedural standpoint this approach would remain consistent with the overarching objective of a transport-orientated growth strategy, whilst recognising the wider role bus corridors can play in facilitating a sustainable pattern of development. The benefits of which would provide greater certainty that local housing needs can be met over the proposed plan period and in turn strengthen the council’s ability to demonstrate the plan has been soundly prepared.
4.15 By directing development to locations well served by existing bus infrastructure, the proposal would help reduce the need for commuting via private vehicles, particularly for journeys to key employment and service destinations. In doing so, it would make a positive contribution towards the Council’s climate change targets through the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting a modal shift within the local community.
4.16 In relation to Swn Y Coed, bus stops are conveniently located at Walston Castle and Station Road approximately 95m and 440m from the site off the A4050, providing regular services to Cardiff City and surrounding settlements.
4.17 Furthermore, to the north of the site Culverhouse Cross is easily accessed by cycling, walking or via bus routes which can be caught just 100m east of the site. Culverhouse Cross Retail Park has an extensive range of facilities and employment opportunities that are within 2km of the site (easy walking and cycling distance).
4.18 Overall, it is considered that the site is in a relatively sustainable location and is within easy walking distance of public transport and Wenvoe village centre, which provides some basic facilities approximately 600m south of the site. For the reasons set out above, the site is considered to offer an opportunity for residential development in a suitable location that would facilitate and encourage sustainable travel, with no major highway related concerns.
4.19 Focussing further growth in well-connected, sustainable locations such Wenvoe will therefore support the Council’s transport-led placemaking approach. These principles fully align with the Welsh Governments strategic objectives as set out within the Future Wales – the National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales Edition 12 and Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy, which in turn shall contribute towards achieving a more sustainable pattern of development within the RLDP.

5. POLICY FRAMEWORK
5.1 Section 6 of the Deposit Plan outlines the policy framework for delivering the plan, including both Strategic and Development Management Policies following revisions pursuant to the Preferred Strategy consultation.
5.2 The Deposit Plan has arranged these policies into the four themes of Planning Policy Wales as follows:
• Strategic and Spatial Choices
• Active and Social Places
• Productive and Enterprising Places
• Distinctive and Natural Places
5.3 Whilst some of the technical details overlap, each of the policies considered to be of relevance are discussed in further detail below.
Policy SP1 – Sustainable Growth Strategy (& Policy SP6 – Housing Requirements)

5.4 This policy states that in order to deliver the Sustainable Growth Strategy for the Vale, the emerging RLDP will make provision for 7,890 dwellings and 5,338 jobs over the plan period. In order to achieve the former Policy SP6 explains that to meet the identified housing requirement of 7,890 dwellings, provision will be made for the delivery of 8,660 homes in the Plan Period 2021 to 2036 which incorporates a 10% flexible allowance. In turn this will be distributed as follows: i) 3,837 dwellings from the existing land supply; ii) 3,520 dwellings on allocated sites; & iii) 1,303 dwellings from large and small windfall developments.
5.5 Barratt Redrow acknowledge the Council’s conclusion that in principle the ‘Medium’ growth option reflected in Policy SP1 generally accords with the Welsh Government’s aspirations for the Vale of Glamorgan within the Future Wales national growth area, which is identified as a focus for strategic economic and housing growth. Given the Vale forms part of the Cardiff Capital Region, it is equally important that the overall level of growth remains suitably ambitious to support the region’s economic aspirations and continues to complement Cardiff which remains the nearest neighbouring authority.
5.6 Although we understand the proposed approach uses the Dwelling-led 10 Year scenario, which is based on the average annual build rate for the first 10 years of the adopted plan and equates to a total of 7,890 new homes or 526 dwellings per annum over the emerging plan period. The overarching intention is to ensure the projected level of growth is deliverable whilst recognising the fact there is sufficient capacity within the Vale to support further growth towards the higher end of the ‘medium’ range.
5.7 As noted, Barratt Redrow are wholly in support of providing additional sites, such as Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe, which would provide a logical extension to the defined urban area of Wenvoe and which will facilitate the delivery of much needed full market and affordable housing to help address the significant level of demand identified across the Vale.
5.8 Swn Y Coed is promoted in the context of the concerns raised regarding the current figure of 8,660 new dwellings which is underpinned by a 10% flexible allowance in relation to housing delivery. Barratt Redrow consider it relevant to take account of recent evidence provided to other Local Planning Authorities in Wales which have either adopted or are in the latter stages of bringing forward a new Local Development Plan.
5.9 For example, in Bridgend the Council recently adopted their new Local Development Plan (covering the period 2018 to 2033) which is underpinned by a flexibility allowance of 14% equating to an additional 1,053 dwellings. This level of provision was required in order to demonstrate the Anticipated Annual Build Rate (AABR) were deliverable and ensure that the Plan remains effective in the event of changing circumstances. During the examination process the Inspector explained that an increase beyond the standard 10% was fundamental to enable the plan and its housing trajectory to be resilient and sufficiently adaptable. The overarching purpose of which is to account for any unforeseen changes and potential shortfalls/ delays to the strategic site allocations whilst still enabling the overall housing requirement to be delivered.
5.10 For Swansea, the Council published their LDP2 Pre-Deposit Plan (Preferred Strategy) for consultation last year. In terms of housing delivery this incorporates a 20% flexible allowance above the proposed housing requirement and is predicated on the basis of needing to account for certain sites not coming forward as anticipated and other unforeseen factors affecting delivery. Similar to the Vale, Swansea City Council’s latest Annual Monitoring Report (6th Edition) (October 2025) confirms that since adoption of the current LDP in February 2019 they have not met their annual housing target for any of the past six years. To date this has resulted in a shortfall of approximately 3,767 homes which is predominantly attributed to delays associated with larger strategic allocations. Therefore, in order to avoid having similar implications next time around the Council have uplifted the proposed flexible allowance within LDP2 and intend to incorporate a more diverse portfolio of sites going forward. The main purpose of which is to build in an additional margin of flexibility above the standard 10% threshold and therefore enable other sites to come forward to account for potential slippage elsewhere to ensure the plan is effective in meeting local need.
5.11 More recently in Monmouthshire, the Council submitted their proposed RLDP to PEDW in November 2025. As part of which they have identified a requirement of 6,210 homes which incorporates a 15% flexible allowance. Similar to above an increase beyond the standard 10% threshold has been justified to account for potential shortfalls/ delays due to longer lead in times needed for strategic site allocations whilst proactively addressing any historic unmet need.
5.12 Whilst Barratt Redrow appreciate that the Council intends to prioritise growth towards the higher end of the ‘medium’ range, having reviewed the Deposit Plan evidence base Barratt Redrow believe a minimum allowance of 15% would be more reflective of the Vale’s strategic position and would seek an additional 395 dwellings to the medium growth option equating to a total of 9,074 homes. The benefits of which are evident above and justification well-established from a plan-making perspective to ensure the RLDP is underpinned by a robust evidence base which incorporates a suitable level of flexibility to effectively meet local housing need from the outset.
5.13 In addition to the above the importance of increasing the RLDP’s housing target, by virtue of uplifting the proposed flexible allowance, has recently been highlighted by the findings of data published by the Welsh Government (WG). Most notably that includes the 2022-based Local authority household projections (Dated 20th November 2025) and 2025-based estimates of additional housing need (Dated 12th February 2026).
5.14 Upon publishing the former superseded the previous 2018-based demographic projections and provides updated figures from mid-2022 to mid-2032. The results show that whilst the overall number of households in Wales is projected to increase by around 98,500/ 7.2%, to a total of 1.46 million. The local authorities projected to see the largest percentage increases are the Vale of Glamorgan (up 11.7%) and Cardiff (up 11.1%).
5.15 In turn these trends are carried through into WG’s 2025-based estimates of additional housing need, which identifies an existing unmet need of 9,400 homes. This is supplemented by a requirement to deliver an average of 8,700 new homes annually over the next five years to account for newly arising need alone. The combination of which demonstrates that there is an urgent need to increase delivery rates on both a national and local level, and therefore it’s imperative that the latest position with regards to the need for affordable and full market homes are accurately reflected within the Council’s housing figures.
5.16 In terms of considering the level of housing provision for a plan, Paragraph 5.34 of the DPM is explicit in that the most up-to date suite of Welsh Government Population and Household Projections must form the foundation of any evidence base. LPAs are then required to use a household conversion factor when translating households to dwellings to establish overall need. Once again, the DPM explains that failure to include a robust conversion rate from the outset is a high-risk strategy and may undermine the overall soundness of any emerging plan. To avoid such circumstances, we believe it’s essential the LMNA is updated to reflect the latest WG datasets, which in turn is likely to provide grounds to warrant extending the proposed 15% threshold further. Ultimately this approach intends to ensure the emerging RLDP more effectively meet local need over the entire plan period and thus soundly prepared.
5.17 As mentioned above, Policy SP6 provides a high-level breakdown of how the Council’s housing growth is expected to be delivered over the plan period. For completeness this includes: i) 3,837 dwellings from the existing land supply; ii) 3,520 dwellings on allocated sites; & iii) 1,303 dwellings from large and small windfall developments.
5.18 Whilst we do not dispute those relating to proposed site allocations and/ or windfall developments. The proportion of dwellings set to be accounted for within the Vale of Glamorgan’s existing landbank (3,837 units) is considered excessive given it represents 44.3% of the Council’s overall housing requirement.
5.19 Although Barratt Redrow acknowledge that this is partly derived on the basis that emerging plan period has technically already commenced (2021 to 2036) and therefore is made up of


Figure 2. Extract of the Welsh Government’s Calculation Method for Total Dwellings as per the Development Plan Manual Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


sites at various different stages of planning process (i.e. either already built out, being constructed or secured consent - as shown below). It is important to recognise the potential implications this approach has in terms of stifling opportunities for growth, which is contrary to the Welsh Government’s aspirations for the Vale of Glamorgan as part of a National Growth Area within Future Wales: The National Plan 2040.
5.20 From an objective standpoint this means there is only a need for 2,561 additional dwellings (3,520 dwellings minus 959 units rolled forward) to be delivered from new allocations over the emerging plan period. This reinforces the point that in reality the overall quantum of new homes will be significantly lower than the figure set out within the RLDP’s vision and strategic objectives. In turn this prevent opportunities for new sites to come forward as part of the plan-making process and in doing so hinder the Council’s ability to account for historic unmet need. Collectively this substantiates Barratt Redrow’s position that in order for the plan to be considered sound the Council must accommodate a greater flexible allowance, optimising sites such as Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe, to ensure the emerging local plan complies with the Welsh Government’s aspirations set out within Future Wales.
5.21 As illustrated above, the Council anticipate 1,303 dwellings coming forward in the form of windfall sites. This accounts for both small and large sites which in turn represents around 15% of the Council’s overall housing requirement. Once again, whilst we do not contest the overall windfall provision or the projected delivery rate of 87 dwellings per annum up to 2036. It is important to recognise that based on past trends the annual number of homes which comes forward on windfall sites varies significantly year on year.
5.22 Table 18 of the Development Plan Manual is explicit in that respect and explains that although due regard must be attributed to analysis of past delivery rates, periods of abnormally high or low completions should be considered inappropriate/anomalies when extrapolating future rates of windfall sites. On that basis ensuring the RLDP incorporates a greater flexible allowance will not only provide certainty that any shortfalls/fallow periods are offset but also enable a more consistent supply of homes to be achieved over the plan period as a whole.
5.23 Lastly, in terms of overall growth Paragraph 5.8 of the Deposit Plan states that the level of growth they have identified ‘’has been demonstrated to be deliverable and is sufficiently ambitious to reflect the Vale’s position in the Future Wales national growth area.’’ It also notes that this level of growth has been chosen so that it is ‘’complementary to, rather than competing with, the neighbouring authority of Cardiff and the wider Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).’’.
5.24 Whilst it is agreed that the level of growth may be realistic based on past trends, the claim that this is sufficiently ambitious and needs to be at this level to avoid competing with Cardiff is not substantiated by evidence to suggest that a higher level of growth could not also achieve these principles.
5.25 Cardiff, as the capital city of Wales, also demonstrated historic under delivery when publishing its deposit plan for consultation in February 2025, which was the case for allocated sites as well as generally for annual delivery rates over the adopted plan period. This resulted in a failure to meet targets over the last 10 years of their adopted plan. Whilst Cardiff has made progress in more recent years, the latest Annual Monitoring Report published in October 2025 notes that to date the region has met just 58% of its overall dwelling requirements over the plan period from 2006-2025.
5.26 Accordingly, with Cardiff opting to continue with a medium growth option for their RLDP despite these shortfalls, there is no sound basis to suggest that adopting a higher growth level within the Vale would detrimentally impact upon housing delivery or ‘compete’ with Cardiff.
5.27 In summary, Barratt Redrow acknowledge the overall medium growth strategy, however given the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region and its designation as a national growth area, Barratt Redrow maintain that the proposed RLDP should be more ambitious when it comes to housing targets. Drawing on examples from Bridgend (14% flexibility), Swansea (20%), and Monmouthshire (15%), alongside evidence of historic under-delivery and recent Welsh Government household projections, there are sufficient grounds to warrant increasing the proposed flexibility allowance to a minimum of 15%, equating to a total requirement of 9,074 homes up to 2036.
5.28 These steps would help account for any potential overreliance on existing landbanks and variable windfall delivery rates which could in theory limit the plan’s ability to address unmet housing need. Overall, we conclude that a higher flexibility allowance and additional site allocations, such as Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe, are necessary to ensure the RLDP is able to effectively meet local need over the plan period. The benefits of which shall also demonstrate the emerging RLDP is supported by a robust, proportionate and credible evidence base to accord with the requirements of the Development Plan Manual for Wales and national growth objectives.
Policy SP2 – Settlement Hierarchy
5.29 Policy SP2 highlights that development will be focused with the Strategic Growth Area and that its distribution will be shaped by settlement hierarchy and seeks to direct ‘growth to locations that will provide the greatest opportunities for delivering housing to meet affordable needs, community infrastructure and enhanced sustainable transport provision’.
5.30 Accordingly, despite Wenvoe being identified as a primary settlement, Policy SP2 notes that development in this location will be limited to ‘the efficient and sustainable use of existing buildings, infill opportunities, small-scale affordable housing led schemes, and rural enterprise/ agricultural related developments.’ Similarly, it is noted that Policy SP2 does not consider Wenvoe to be an appropriate location for ‘’substantial additional growth’’.
5.31 Barratt Redrow object to the approach to Primary Settlements as set out under this Policy, as Wenvoe is inherently sustainable and the explanation for discounting it as an area to accommodate growth is considered unjustified.
5.32 First of all, the Deposit Plan acknowledges that it performs a similar function to the Primary Settlements located within the Strategic Growth Area and it is described as one of the ‘sustainable communities’ in The Vale of Glamorgan Key Characteristics section, as noted previously in Section 3.
5.33 Likewise, the site benefits from excellent accessibility the local public transport network, active travel routes and local services. These characteristics fully accord with Welsh Government’s strategic objectives and emphasise the fact that Swn Y Coed constitutes an appropriate location for future housing.
5.34 With regard to Policy SP2 discounting Wenvoe as a location to accommodate growth, this is due to the Vales’s stance that the settlement is ‘’significantly limited by the presence of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land on the edge’’. Barratt Redrow do not consider this to be sufficient justification to discount the site from allocation as there would be limited impact on BMW agricultural land arising from the development of Swn Y Coed.




5.35 For example, as set out in the ALC report prepared by Kernon CCL and provided as part of the Candidate Submission Ref 437, the highest grade on site would be Subgrade 3a, with the site comprising a mix of Subgrades 3a and 3b. This means that in National Policy terms, development of the site would be in accordance with paragraph 3.59 of PPW 12 as the lowest grade available.
5.36 Furthermore, any perceived harm in terms of agricultural land is not considered to outweigh the benefits brought by the development in terms of contributing to both affordable and market housing need over the plan period, not least given the historic shortfalls identified earlier in this submission.
Policy SP4 - Placemaking
5.37 Policy SP4 is recognised as a key Policy in the emerging RLDP to ensure that new proposals align with existing communities and placemaking principles across the county.
5.38 Policy SP4 also requires all major development to provide a ‘Placemaking Statement’. It should be made clear in the Policy, as per Paragraph 6.34 of the Deposit Plan, that this is not expected to be a standalone statement, but will form part of a Design and Access Statement. We recommend the policy is amended as follows:
5.39 Nonetheless, the development of Swn Y Coed is considered to coincide with the objectives of Policy SP4, where the illustrative masterplan submitted as part of previous representations demonstrates its capability to deliver a range of housing types and tenures, whilst integrating key green infrastructure features.
5.40 Local services and facilities are also accessible from this location, tying in with criteria 7, and supports public transport use (as per criteria 4) given the close proximity to a frequent bus route.
5.41 Likewise, the quantum of units proposed demonstrates efficient use of the land based on the net developable area and site constraints in line with emerging Polic PGD2.
5.42 In principle Barratt Redrow supports Policy SP4 and the aim of ensuring all new development is of high-quality sustainable design.
Policy PGD1 – Creating Well Designed and Inclusive Places
5.43 Barratt Redrow question the need for both Policies SP4 and PGD1 as there is repetition. In principle the criteria as set out is as to be expected, however there is a need to recognise that not all criteria can always be accommodated on development sites. There are other environmental and economic factors need to be considered. However, if Policy PGD1 remains, then the text needs to be updated to suggest a site by site basis rather than the current blanket approach suggested.
Policy PGD2 – Residential Development Densities
5.44 Residential densities are supported as a principle, however, should not be so prescriptive as to unnecessarily restrict development. Policy PGD2 outlines that residential development over 0.5ha will be permitted where the residential density is a minimum of 35 dwellings per net hectare within Key, Service Centre and Primary Settlements and 30 dwellings per net hectare in Minor Rural Settlements.
5.45 A minor point in relation to the policy wording is the ‘dwellings per net hectare’ and the removal of non-developable space in any calculations. Whilst this is normal, the increased requirements relating to SAB, green infrastructure requirements and increased ecological mitigation all have a direct impact on the remaining available land and it is positive to see there is an allowance for some flexibility.
5.46 The density requirement appears to be reasonable in approach, and the flexibility to allow individual site adjustments (as per the remaining text within the Policy) is supported. There will be occasions where the density will need to be considered due to other on-site factors.
5.47 Policy SP5 is supported in principle insofar as it seeks to promote healthier and more inclusive places, consistent with the objectives of Planning Policy Wales and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. However, to ensure the policy is robust and effective, it is important that it is supported by an up-to-date and clearly evidenced policy framework. In this regard, the supporting evidence base, particularly BP36 – Planning Healthy Places (June 2024), should be reviewed to ensure that the datasets referenced reflect the most recent available information. For example, life expectancy data currently cited (2018–2020) and indicators based on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019 should be updated where possible to reflect the most recent datasets, including the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2025 and any updated public health, active travel, air quality and demographic data. Ensuring that the evidence base reflects the latest available information is necessary to demonstrate that the policy is justified and based on an accurate understanding of local health conditions and inequalities.
5.48 The policy framework should also be updated to reflect the Health Impact Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2025, which were approved by the Senedd in November 2025 and will come into force on 6 April 2027. At present, these forthcoming statutory requirements are not referenced within Policy SP5 or the supporting guidance. Given that the regulations will establish a statutory framework for the preparation of Health Impact Assessments in Wales, it will be important for the RLDP and supporting documents to clarify how the policy’s screening, checklist and Rapid HIA requirements will interact with the statutory regime once implemented. Including reference to the regulations would help ensure that the policy remains aligned with national legislation and is future-proofed over the plan period.
5.49 The supporting Rapid Participatory HIA of the Deposit RLDP (BP3, September 2025) provides useful background regarding the Council’s engagement with stakeholders in preparing the plan. However, it would be beneficial for the Council to clearly explain how the findings of that work have informed the specific requirements contained within Policy SP5. Providing a clearer link between the outcomes of the participatory HIA and the policy approach adopted in the RLDP would improve transparency and demonstrate that the policy has been shaped by the evidence gathered through the stakeholder engagement process.


Policy SP5 - Creating Healthy and Inclusive Places and Spaces


5.50 The emerging Health Placemaking Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) is broadly welcomed as a practical tool to support implementation of the policy. Nevertheless, a number of matters require further clarification prior to its adoption. In particular, whilst the SPG provides greater clarity regarding the use of the Healthy Placemaking Checklist and Rapid HIAs, it does not clearly identify the circumstances in which a comprehensive (full) HIA would be required. The SPG should also be updated to reflect forthcoming guidance from the Welsh Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU) expected in 2026, and ensure alignment with other relevant policies and guidance, including those relating to design, travel plans, public transport accessibility and open space provision. Given the number of cross-references within the SPG, it will be important that these documents are fully aligned and consistent.
5.51 Finally, any requirement for a Health Impact Assessment should be applied on a proportionate basis, reflecting the scale, nature and likely impacts of the development proposed. The policy should therefore make clear that the scope and level of detail required for HIAs will be proportionate to the scale and type of development. Subject to these amendments and clarifications, the policy would provide a clearer and more effective framework for integrating health considerations into the planning process.
5.52 Please refer to Policy SP1 as written response also accounts for information proposed under this particular policy.


Policy SP6 – Housing Requirements
Policy HG1 – Housing Allocations
Policy HG1 (B) – Housing Allocations
• HG1 (3) Barry - Land at Hayes Lane 5.53 Barratt Redrow question the suitability of allocating residential development on the site known as Land at Hayes Lane, The Bendricks. These concerns are centred on the following:
• 5.54 Whilst the site is technically identified within the settlement boundary, it is clearly not a sustainable location for residential development. This is evident by virtue of the fact that Land at Hayes Lane is situated within an existing industrial estate and lacks any supporting facilities. The former reinforces the principle that as a whole the area is characterised by a mix of light industrial and heavy industrial uses which naturally conflicts with the prospect of future residential housing. Moreover, it is reasonable to assume vehicles using the local highway network will be larger in nature (such as HGV’s) and given the majority of streets do not contain dedicated pedestrian footpaths/ cycleways, this raises concerns from a highway safety perspective.
• 5.55 Although we note the Transport Statement from AECOM suggests access can theoretically be achieved to Barry and Sully. Both of these settlements remain over 2km from the site and lie outside of the distances deemed acceptable by Transport for Wales (TfW) to support resident development.
•

Unsustainable Location & Poor Connectivity Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.56 Allocating housing on Land at Hayes Lane which therefore does not comply with such criteria would clearly undermine the Council’s objective of pursuing a Transport Orientated Growth approach and by virtue of which risk promoting an unsustainable pattern of development within the emerging RLDP.
• 5.57 As outlined above given the nature of the area there are almost no existing active travel routes in this part of the region. This lack of provision would ultimately lead to future residents using alterative options and many of which would require residents to overcome physical barriers in order to travel in a more sustainable manner. For instance, due to the level of infrastructure associated with the port, the site is effectively detached from the main urban area of Barry and would involve crossing an active railway line halfway along Wimborne Road without sufficient mitigation measures in place. On the other hand, whilst Hayes Road extends further west towards Sully, it follows the southern boundary of the Polaris Industrial Estate which contains various access points that are in regular use throughout the day. Collectively these characteristics would prevent future occupants travelling in a more active manner which is in direct conflict with both local and national planning policy objectives.
• 5.58 The site’s geographic isolation means that access to modes of public transport are extremely limited. Most notably that includes railway stations with the nearest being Cadoxton Station which is located circa 3.8km north of the site. By AECOM’s own accord this is considered to equate to a minimum walking distance of 52 minutes which exceeds TFW’s standards for residential development. Again, this reinforces the fact future residents would be overly reliant on private vehicles to access local services (such as employment opportunities, schools, doctor surgeries etc) which in turn shall achieve an unsustainable pattern of growth and increase associated carbon emissions.
• 5.59 Crucially, the site remains allocated in the adopted LDP for B1/B8 employment uses. These intended to facilitate small industrial and workshop units as part of the Atlantic Trading Estate’s expansion and in turn support opportunities for local businesses/ enterprise ventures. The council’s latest Employment Land Review confirms a clear demand for such uses in Barry, with Land at Hayes Lane representing the most logical location for further growth. Reallocating this land for housing would therefore diminish the Vale of Glamorgan’s ability to attract sufficient economic investment to support the requisite levels of growth over the emerging plan period, and potentially displace businesses to other less suitable parts of the region which would not be in the interests of good placemaking as per PPW12.
• 5.60 Although the RLDP’s evidence base suggests there are other development opportunities within the region that could compensate for the proposed loss of employment land. Upon further review it is apparent these are in less favourable locations from both a strategic and operational standpoint. Reassigning Land at Hayes Lane from employment to residential would therefore undermine the Council’s objective of safeguarding existing employment land and prioritising business/ industrial uses in area’s well served by infrastructure designed to accommodate such activities (such as Barry Docks). Furthermore, it would also set a precedent for other potential losses and in doing so impact the Council’s ability to meet the region’s employment needs up to 2036.
•

Loss of Allocated Employment Land Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.61 By virtue of the above, Barratt Redrow object to the proposed allocation of residential development on Land at Hayes Lane. The principle of which is in direct conflict with the Welsh Government’s objectives set out within PPW12 & Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and the need to ensure existing employment land is suitably protected. The latter is crucial in attracting future investment to the region and shall act as a catalyst to enable housing to be delivered elsewhere, in more sustainable locations better connected to local services/ facilities, such as Wenvoe.
• 5.62 Whilst we do not oppose the overall principle of residential development at Site C (Central Parcel), this position must be considered in the context of the wider allocation. Applications for Sites A and B (2020/00351/OUT (Site A) & 2020/00352/OUT (Site B)) are currently pending subject to respective Section 106 Agreements, with prolonged negotiations resulting in significant delays to delivery. This experience clearly demonstrates that development within this allocation is complex and subject to extended viability and legal discussions, which inevitably impacts the rate at housing is able to come forward.
• 5.63 According to the Council’s register we understand Site C has not been subject to any formal planning application, and therefore there is no detailed evidence available regarding the proposed layout design, infrastructure requirements, viability, or anticipated submission and determination timeframes. Despite this, the Council’s housing trajectory assumes development commencing in 2028/29, with 35 units initially and 45 units annually thereafter. Given the absence of a live application and the precedent of delays on Sites A and B, these delivery assumptions appear overly optimistic based on current evidence.
• 5.64 On that basis we maintain that the Council should reassess the trajectory assumptions for this particular site and identify other alternatives to help account for any unforeseen slippage on Site C. The provision of Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe represents an ideal opportunity to absorb the fallout in terms of housing numbers whilst ensuring the RLDP incorporates sufficient flexibility to consistently meet housing need over the entire plan period.
• 5.65 Although we do not necessarily dispute this sites progression, given Wates have submitted a full planning application (Ref 2024/01152/FUL) which is currently under consideration.
• 5.66 It is important to recognise that, according to the Council’s online planning register, two substantive consultation concerns remain outstanding. Firstly, the Highways response raises fundamental layout issues; and secondly, the Ecology department maintains a holding objection on the basis of insufficient supporting evidence. To date we understand both matters remain unresolved and may well require extensive design amendments, additional technical work, and potentially further consultation before the application can ultimately be determined.
• 5.67 In the absence of confirmed solutions to these issues, there remains uncertainty regarding the timeframe for determining the planning permission. Furthermore, even if consent is secured, there will be a need to discharge conditions and address any pre-commencement requirements, which will inevitably impact the lead-in time before development gets underway.
•

• HG1 (5) Llantwit Major - Land between the Northern Access Road and Eglwys Brewis Road (Site C – Central Parcel)
• HG1 (7) St Athan - Former Stadium Site, adjacent to Burley Place
Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.68 Given these outstanding matters, the assumption that development will commence in 2027/28 appears optimistic at this stage. Delivery timescales may be extended depending on the scale of amendments required and the duration of condition discharge processes. With this in mind, we believe it is prudent for the emerging RLDP to identify a broader and more diverse portfolio of site allocations to support housing delivery earlier on in the plan period. Ensuring flexibility through additional deliverable sites (such as Swn Y Coed) will reduce the Council’s overreliance on sites such as this one and provide greater certainty in maintaining a more consistent supply of homes over the plan period irrespective of potential delays that may arise on this site.
• 5.69 Whilst we understand that the proposed developer, Edenstone Homes, has recently engaged with the Council through its pre-application service. According to the Council’s planning register, no formal planning application has been submitted to date. As such, there remains no confirmed development proposal, agreed technical evidence base, or indicative determination timeframe associated with the allocation.
• 5.70 In the absence of a live application, there is a considerable degree of uncertainty surrounding the anticipated delivery programme. The housing trajectory assumes development commencing in 2027/28; however, this appears optimistic given that an application has yet to be submitted, validated or determined. Even following any grant of planning permission, there would be a requirement to discharge pre-commencement conditions and satisfy any relevant planning obligations before development could lawfully begin. From experience these processes can be time-consuming and may result in significant delays with regards to lead-in times prior to first completions.
• 5.71 Given this uncertainty, reliance on the site to deliver within the early phases of the plan period carries risk. It is therefore important that the emerging RLDP identifies a broader and more diverse portfolio of deliverable site allocations to support housing delivery, particularly in the earlier years of the plan. Incorporating additional sites with stronger prospects of short-term delivery will provide flexibility, resilience, and greater confidence in maintaining a robust housing land supply should delays arise on this allocation.
• 5.72 Barratt Redrow acknowledges the Council’s position in respect of Site HG3 (1) – Former Eagleswell Primary School, including the temporary five-year consent (2024–2029) for 90 units of short-term accommodation and their inclusion within housing completions for monitoring purposes.
• 5.73 Given their expressly temporary nature and planned relocation to other sites within the Vale by 2029, it is essential that these units are not double counted in a way. As the risk of doing so would artificially inflate the Vale’s housing numbers, thereby preventing delivery opportunities elsewhere over the plan period.
• 5.74 Although Barratt Redrow welcome the clarification provided at paragraph 6.111 which states that once the temporary units are removed and the site is redeveloped for permanent accommodation, any future dwellings will not be included within the RLDPs housing supply
•

• HG1 (8) St Athan - Clive Road, St Athan

Policy HG3 – Housing Led Redevelopment Opportunity Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• figures. In the interest of soundness, we believe this should explicitly set out within the proposed wording of Policy HG3 to avoid any potential ambiguity and thus ensure no additional net housing contributions will arise from the site upon its redevelopment later down the line.
• 5.75 This approach is critical given the Vale’s substantial existing landbank and the number of allocations being rolled forward, as cumulatively factoring in additional units from this site would further constrain opportunities to accommodate genuine growth elsewhere. Thereby limiting the Council’s ability to effectively meet local housing need up to 2036.
• 5.76 In principle, Barratt Redrow support Policy SP7’s objective to secure a minimum of 3,070 affordable homes over the plan period. That said, given the level of affordable housing is directly proportionate to the total housing provision within RLDP we believe there is scope for further uplifts in that respect.
• 5.77 As mentioned above Barratt Redrow maintain that there is sufficient evidence to justify increasing the proposed housing requirements through the Vale’s flexibility allowance in order to maximise opportunities for growth. In turn this would prevent artificially capping affordable housing provision at 3,070 homes to ensure the plan is positively prepared by incorporating measures that proactively address demand across the region.
• 5.78 National policy clearly supports this approach. Planning Policy Wales requires development plans to be positively prepared and to maximise the delivery of affordable housing as a key component of sustainable placemaking. The Development Plan Manual reinforces the need for plans to be aspirational, evidence-led and sufficiently flexible to ensure delivery. Furthermore, the Welsh Government 2025-based estimates of additional housing need report highlights the need for a step change in affordable housing delivery across Wales, recognising that continuation of past trends will not address the current affordability challenges. Collectively, this provides a clear direction of travel in that it’s imperative to uplift housing provision where affordability pressures are acute such as the Vale of Glamorgan.
• 5.79 To ensure the RLDP is sound, the Council should increase the overall housing requirement by apply a meaningful flexibility allowance that ensure sufficient contingency measures are in place to consistently meet local need over the plan period. This would directly increase the quantum of affordable housing secured through policy mechanisms, thereby aligning the Plan with national policy objectives. The latter goes to the heart of the tests of soundness within the Development Plan Manual in ensuring the plan is not only appropriate but capable of delivering the step change required to address affordable housing needs up to 2036.
• 5.80 Similarly, it is considered that Policy SP7 should be updated to allow flexibility and avoid the risk of contradicting Policy SP8. At present the blanket approach to affordable provision does not allow for site-specific delivery or viability requirements which may arise and as such, the amplification text should also include a note similar to the following:
•

Policy SP7 – Affordable Housing Provision
‘Where the target affordable housing percentage is considered unviable due to physical, financial, or other constraints, sites will be reviewed on an individual basis following submission of a detailed viability assessment and any supporting evidence as necessary’. Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.81 Barratt Redrow supports the position that residential development should help meet affordable housing need. Although to ensure Policy SP8 is effective its important the percentage requirements and site thresholds proposed must be viable across a range of site types and market areas to ensure they do not inadvertently suppress delivery.
• 5.82 On that basis we believe it would be prudent for the Deposit Plan to clarify that affordable housing targets are subject to site-specific viability considerations and can be adjusted in circumstances where comply with such parameters would render the sites viable and thus prevent delivery. Greater flexibility is also needed in tenure and mix to better reflect evolving local needs over the entire plan period including the point when planning applications are formally submitted. This would help ensure that the approach is consistent with paragraph 4.2.32 of PPW 12 which suggests that ‘site specific targets are indicative affordable housing targets which should be established for each residential site…’.
• 5.83 As noted above, the blanket approach to affordable housing requirements based on the Council’s latest needs evidence does not have due consideration for the event of unique technical complexities that many sites could face, nor viability considerations which may affect delivery, particularly early on in the plan period. As such, re-wording of the policy text to allow for sites to be reviewed on an individual basis where such circumstances apply is considered necessary for soundness.
• 5.84 Barratt Redrow support the overall objective of Policy SP10 in seeking to promote sustainable transport, increase active travel opportunities and reduce reliance on the private car in accordance with national placemaking objectives. Encouraging development in accessible locations such as Wenvoe and enhancing connectivity between settlements is welcomed. However, for soundness its important the policy recognises the different physical characteristics across the Vale of Glamorgan, particularly in edge-of-settlement and rural contexts where flexibility is necessary to ensure sustainable growth is not unduly constrained.
• 5.85 In this regard, the Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe site (Ref 437) represents a sustainable and deliverable opportunity that aligns fully with the objectives of Policy SP10.
• 5.86 The Candidate Site submission was accompanied by a Technical Note prepared by Lime Transport. Seen as the site abuts the defined urban area of Wenvoe it represents a logical extension to the existing settlement and is well served by a range of local amenities and public transport. In terms of the latter the nearest bus stop is located within 100 meters of the site whilst the majority of local amenities are situated within 1.2 kilometres walking distance. Together these factors naturally promote the principle of linked trips which fully accords with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportations (CIHT) guidelines and reinforces the fact the site is a sustainable location for residential development.
• 5.87 As shown within the latest illustrative masterplan the proposed site will be served by a new junction off Old Port Road. This is confirmed as being the most appropriate arrangement from a highway safety perspective and would be supported by other technical analysis to demonstrate that sufficient visibility can be achieved on to the road for all potential users.
•

Policy SP8 – Affordable Housing Requirements
Policy SP10 – Sustainable Transport Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.88 The accompanying Transport Assessment also demonstrates that there is sufficient capacity within the local highway network to accommodate the projected level of demand associated with this level of development. Where necessary, any future scheme would also facilitate other improvements which may well include widening the highway along Old Port Road and/ or Walston Road to accommodate two-way traffic and providing a dedicated pedestrian/ cycle junction to connect on to the existing active travel route which leads into the centre of Wenvoe. The existing field access would also be blocked up to create a more cohesive layout. However as shown within the latest masterplan the existing public right of way which crosses the site shall be retained and enhanced to promote better pedestrian connectivity throughout the local area.
• 5.89 In terms of active travel, dedicated pedestrian footpaths and cycleways will be incorporated throughout the scheme before filtering into the surrounding area. The site is also situated within an area which benefits from good access on to existing active travel routes and a number of which have also been identified for further improvements which reinforces the schemes sustainability. These principles fully accord with the relevant placemaking objectives set out within the National Plan 2040 and PPW12, and demonstrates that safe and suitable access can be achieved for all users.
• 5.90 Subject to proportionate application of Policy SP10 and recognition of the robust mitigation proposed, the site clearly supports and advances the sustainable transport objectives of the emerging RLDP.
• 5.91 Barratt Redrow object to Policy CC1 on the basis that it duplicates and potentially exceeds Welsh Government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is intended to ensure all new homes are “zero-carbon ready” through a consistent national Building Regulations framework. Introducing a separate and more onerous operational net zero requirement at the local level risks imposing additional cost and complexity that undermines site viability and deliverability. The Development Plans Manual for Wales is clear that development plans must avoid repeating national policy and should not introduce requirements that are more appropriately addressed through other regulatory regimes. In this respect, Policy CC1 conflicts with the principle that plans should be clear, proportionate and not duplicate national controls, raising concerns under the tests of soundness relating to coherence and consistency with national policy (Test 2) and whether the plan is justified (Test 3).
• 5.92 The proposed step change in standards from 1 April 2030 — particularly the reduction in space heating demand from 40 kWh/m²/year to 15 kWh/m²/year — represents a significant and abrupt escalation in performance expectations. Whilst reference is made to initiatives such as Tai ar y Cyd and AECB CarbonLite, these have largely been associated with grant-funded affordable housing schemes. There is no clear evidence that equivalent standards can be viably delivered across mainstream private housing schemes without public subsidy. The Development Plans Manual requires policies to be underpinned by robust evidence and deliverable over the plan period. In the absence of clear viability evidence across different site typologies and market conditions, the policy fails to demonstrate that it is justified and effective (Tests 3 and 4).
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Policy CC1 - Residential Operational Net Zero Carbon Development Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.93 Policy CC1 also risks creating fragmented energy performance standards across different Local Planning Authorities in Wales. This undermines the benefit of a consistent national approach through Building Regulations and makes it more difficult for volume housebuilders operating across multiple authority areas to deliver homes efficiently at scale. The Manual emphasises that development plans should facilitate delivery and avoid unnecessary complexity. By introducing bespoke operational monitoring requirements, energy modelling thresholds and potential financial offset mechanisms, the policy blurs the boundary between planning and Building Control functions. This raises concerns as to whether the policy is effective and capable of consistent implementation (Test 4).Finally, the Council’s own Viability Assessment (BP42, paragraph 6.60) acknowledges uncertainty pending Welsh Government’s consultation outcome and suggests that, if national regulation progresses, it may be more appropriate for such matters to be addressed through Building Control rather than planning policy. This reinforces the concern that Policy CC1 is premature and may quickly become misaligned with national policy. As drafted, the policy risks undermining housing supply, affordable housing delivery and overall plan implementation. For these reasons, it fails to satisfy the tests of soundness in respect of coherence with national policy, justification and effectiveness, and should be deleted or fundamentally amended to align fully with the national regulatory framework.
• 5.94 Alternatively, if Policy CC1 is kept in the RLDP, there must be some flexibility introduced for the requirements of Policy CC1 to fall away should Building Regulations catch up or exceed or require different provisions than the requirements of Policy CC1 during the lifetime of the RLDP. To not provide this flexibility would mean that the ability of the RLDP to deliver the new homes in VoG needs could be compromised. Clarification is also required on how the contribution to the Council’s Project Zero fund is to be calculated and whether the timeframes in Policy CC1 relate to the date of planning approval.
• 5.95 Furthermore, the demands of Policy CC1 have to be considered in the context of all of the other demands that impact on development viability (e.g. affordable housing). The Council must provide evidence that an assessment has been undertaken to demonstrate that development, specifically the housing allocations in Policy HG1, can bear the cumulative policy costs of the RLDP, including Policy CC1.
• 5.96 The policy wording should be amended so that the performance requirements apply based on the date of planning permission rather than the RLDP adoption date. Changes in energy performance requirements can significantly affect site layout, building orientation, and design considerations. Without this amendment, approved schemes could unnecessarily require variations via Section 73 or Non Material Amendment applications.
• 5.97 As such, Policy CC1 should be amended to ensure that it is precise, measurable and enforceable and achieves the three tests of soundness. The proposed amended wording is as follows:
•

Developments that secure a planning permission from RLDP adoption to 31st March 2030 will be required to meet the following criteria:
i. Space heating demand less than or equal to 40kWh/m2/year;
ii. Energy use intensity less than or equal to 75kWh/m2/year; and Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.98 Barratt Redrow do not consider that Policy SP13 – Community Infrastructure and Planning Obligations is required. This is predicated on the basis that such matters are dealt with under separate legislative and policy frameworks. Therefore, as currently drafted the proposed policy (and supporting text) do not add anything further information for planning purposes and risk unnecessary duplication.
• 5.99 Whilst there are no comments regarding the principle, thresholds and use of the FIT standards in terms of the open space provision, Barratt Redrow do question the requirement for an Open Space Strategy for all sites that meet the thresholds.
• 5.100 The requirement within emerging Policy CI1 for applicants to prepare or submit an Open Space Strategy is not considered to be sufficiently justified or proportionate when assessed against Planning Policy Wales, which promotes access to open space and recreational provision but does not prescribe the preparation of standalone Open Space Strategies for individual planning applications. There is a lack of clarification as to what it proposed and also how the level of detail would be proportional to the size of the site, which would be addressed comprehensively in a DAS or Green Infrastructure Statement in any event.
• 5.101 Furthermore, the proposed 62.2 m² per dwelling requirement is overly prescriptive and not aligned with FiT’s methodology, which is per person and intended to be applied strategically across different open space typologies, not as a uniform per dwelling metric. FiT’s approach emphasises flexibility, multifunctionality and local context, meaning that applying a rigid per dwelling standard oversimplifies the guidance and risks generating disproportionate land take and unnecessary design constraints. When combined with the wider cumulative policy burdens of the RLDP, such an approach has the potential to impact development viability and reduce delivery.
• 5.102 In principle Barratt Redrow support the aim of this policy in ensuring proposed development incorporate measures that protect and enhance green infrastructure provision.
• 5.103 For completeness Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe exhibits a landscape led design that sensitively responds to its existing features, and provides an attractive, landscaped and high-quality public realm throughout. A number of priority habitats including a network of hedgerows have been retained throughout. Extensive landscape buffers and a continued natural edge will be provided to the site to accommodate root protection zones of existing trees and hedgerows which visually screen the development from adjacent uses. Moreover, a dedicated area of Public Open Space and Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) is proposed to the south of the site.
•

Developments that secure a planning permission from 1st April 2030 onwards will require:
i. Space heating demand less than or equal to 15kWh/m2/year;
ii. Energy use intensity less than or equal to 40kWh/m2/year; and
Policy SP13 - Community Infrastructure and Planning Obligations
Policy CI1 – Open Space Provision
Policy SP19 – Green Infrastructure Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.104 Barratt Redrow object to the continued inclusion of Swn Y Coed within the Dyffryn Basin & Ridge Slopes - 5 Special Landscape Area (SLA) under Policy DNP1.
• 5.105 As highlighted in Background Paper BP28 – Special Landscape Areas, Paragraph 1.8, the Council considers that the SLA as defined in the 2008 ‘Designation of Special Landscape Areas - Final Report’ remain relevant, up-to-date, and based on current best practise and have therefore not undertake a review of the report to inform the emerging Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP).
• 5.106 Whilst the Authority have not sufficiently updated their evidence base, the site was subject to a detailed review as part of the Candidate Site submission by Soltys Brewester Landscape which highlighted that the site is located on the edge of land subject to Dyffryn Basin and Ridge Slopes SLA. This designation is ‘underpinned’ by LANDMAP Areas St Nicholas and Bonvilston Ridge Slopes, (VLFGLVS614) and St Nicholas and Bonvilston Ridge Crest (VLFGLVS271), both evaluated as High.
• 5.107 However, the vast majority of the designated land will fall outside the visual envelope for the Swn Y Coed site and there will be no change to the key characteristics of the SLA or the LANDMAP areas to the west or to the north of the site boundary.
• 5.108 A noted characteristic of the SLA relates to the prominence of the sloping edge, (i.e. St Nicholas and Bonvilston Ridge Slopes, (VLFGLVS614), within views from Wenvoe Valley to the east. The visual appraisal establishes that site development has the potential to partially change the appearance of this edge within available views.
• 5.109 However, opportunities for GI provision within the site including retention and enhancement of the existing boundary hedges and trees which has the potential to minimise any visible change. Furthermore, as illustrated on the submitted masterplan, the existing hedges and field pattern within and around the site will be key structural elements guiding and sub-dividing the development form.
• 5.110 When considered in the context of the extensively wooded nature of the slopes visible to the east, any visible change to valley slope characteristics is likely to be very marginal and visually insignificant within the study area.
• 5.111 Moreover, the illustrative masterplan includes measures that will assist with GI mitigation and enhancement, including SUDs features, accessible landscape buffers and green spaces.
• 5.112 Therefore, it was concluded that from a landscape and visual perspective the site has the ability to suitably incorporate residential development and include GI enhancements, to assist with its visual integration, as a visually appropriate extension to Wenvoe, and should be removed from the Dyffryn Basin & Ridge Slopes - 5 Special Landscape Area under Policy DNP1.
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Policy DNP1 - Special Landscape Areas Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.113 Barratt Redrow object to the site at Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe still forming part of Green Wedge 3 - North of Wenvoe within Policy DNP2, which seeks to prevent coalescence between the western edge of Cardiff and Wenvoe.
• 5.114 Barratt Redrow have reviewed BP27 Green Wedges and consider that the assessment under NW2 does not consider nor reference the fact that the site at Swn Y Coed relates to the context of built development at Wenvoe and is very well-contained by both mature woodland and landform and possesses strong intervisibility with the northern edge of Wenvoe. Instead, BP27 looks to discuss the southern boundary of Culverhouse Cross and the association with the wider countryside.
• 5.115 As previously states Barratt Redrow consider that the site boundaries are well-defined and would provide a strong established ‘defensible’ limit to development. The topography connects with the main settlement to the extent that any new development would appear well connected to the existing settlement, physically and visually. This is a similar situation to the adjoining former Wenvoe Quarry and Vale of Glamorgan Council Depot which are considered to be ‘largely shielded from view by woodland blocks/strips’.
• 5.116 Furthermore, the existing dispersed housing and the hotel/pub along Old Port Road also provide some precedent for ‘infilling’ the site. Proposed development should seek to reflect the low density, height and well-treed character of Wenvoe to help ensure it has a coherent and visually connected relationship. GI mitigation and enhancement benefits likely to result from the site development, including placemaking, value or integration in relation to landscape and visual considerations.
• 5.117 The proposed development of the small area of the Green Wedge would not undermine the principles and would still prevent the coalescence of Wenvoe with Cardiff by maintaining a minimum 0.7km separation and would not significantly impact upon the openness of land.
• 5.118 Moreover, the illustrative masterplan provided as part of Candidate Site 437 includes measures that will assist with GI mitigation and enhancement, including SUDs features, accessible landscape buffers and green spaces. Further recommendations to maximise opportunities to reinforce GI, including placemaking, value or integration are outlined below:
• 5.119 Overall, Barratt Redrow maintain their objection to the inclusion of the Swn Y Coed site within Green Wedge 3 - North of Wenvoe under Policy DNP2. From a landscape and visual
•

Policy DNP2 – Green Wedges
• Retention, management and strengthening of structural green corridors and boundaries to the site, including the overgrown hedges and trees;
• More visible areas on elevated sections of the site should include a higher proportion of trees, including gardens and street trees and woodland to more visually integrate the development when viewed from the Wenvoe Valley to the east; and
• Footpath corridors through the site could be integrated with the development through appropriate hedge and garden vegetation to ensure attractive recreational corridors are provided. Similarly informal routes around the perimeter could continue to offer amenity value through sympathetic boundary treatments and informal planting.
Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• perspective, the site has the ability to suitably incorporate residential development and include GI enhancements, to assist with its visual integration, as a visually appropriate extension to Wenvoe. Moreover, the development of the site immediately adjoining the existing settlement boundary at Wenvoe would not detract from the purpose of the wider Green Wedge.
• 5.120 Policy DNP8 seeks to address recreational pressure on the Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site. Whilst Barratt Redrow appreciate the overarching purpose in its current form the proposed policy lacks sufficient supporting information explaining how it will operate in practice. The supporting text suggests that key details relating to mitigation delivery, including mechanisms such as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace and wider access management measures, will be set out in future Supplementary Planning Guidance. Deferring these important details until later down the line creates uncertainty at the plan-making stage and makes it difficult to assess whether the policy is sound, effective and/ or capable of being implemented on a consistent basis.
• 5.121 The policy also provides no clear threshold or criteria for determining what level of activity would constitute “visitor pressure” or an “adverse impact” on the integrity of the designated sites. Similarly, the evidence demonstrating what level of impact residents moving into new homes across the Vale of Glamorgan will generate additional recreational pressure on the Severn Estuary does not appear to have been quantified to date. While a 12.6 km recreational catchment is referenced (in which Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe would technically sit within), the supporting text does not clearly explain the evidence or methodology underpinning this distance. Moreover, the proposed text also fails to set out how new residential development will be assessed in terms of measurable impacts on the European site and thus the scope of mitigation that would subsequently be required.
• 5.122 From a practical standpoint this level of uncertainty is concerning given the implication of this policy are unable to be fully assessed due to the lack of evidence. For instance, if development sites within the catchment are expected to contribute financially towards mitigation measures, then the scale and mechanism of those contributions must be clearly established as part of the plan-making process. Without this clarity, there is a risk that Policy DNP8 could introduce unforeseen costs and extensive time delays, potentially affecting the viability and overall deliverability of proposed housing sites. The cumulative impact of which would then undermining the plan’s ability to meet its housing requirements and risk finding the RLDP unsound.
• 5.123 Barratt Redrow understand the need for a sustainable provision of minerals, as per Policy SP18, however object to the continued inclusion of Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe within an area that is designated as a Category 1 Limestone mineral resource. The site should not be safeguarded from permanent development as detailed in response to Policy MIN1.
•

Policy DNP8 – Severn Estuary Recreational Pressure
SP18 - Sustainable Provision of Minerals Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 5.124 Barratt Redrow object to the continued inclusion of the land at Swn Y Coed as a Category 1 Limestone mineral resource safeguarding area.
• 5.125 A Mineral Resource Assessment, undertaken by Wardell Armstrong, was provided as part of the Candidate Site Assessment and considered the proposed development against the four criteria of Policy MG 22 of the current Adopted Local Development Plan and National Policy. Those criteria are carried forward into Policy MIN1 and the following conclusions are reiterated:
• 5.126 As the resource is constrained by sensitive development any prior extraction would have an unacceptable impact on environmental and amenity considerations.
• 5.127 Limestone extraction has the potential to give rise to unacceptable impact to the immediate residential properties and would be wholly inappropriate.
• 5.128 The extraction of limestone resources beneath the Site has the potential to have an unacceptable impact upon:
•

MIN1 - Development in Minerals Safeguarding Areas
• Criterion 1: Prior extraction of economic minerals prior to development
• Criterion 2: Demonstrating extraction would have unacceptable impact

a) Ambient noise levels,
b) Air quality,
c) Ground vibration and air overpressure from blasting,
d) Limited site access/egress onto the Old Port Road would be problematic, and
e) Increased traffic generation by HGVs.
• Criterion 3: Development would have no significant impact on the possible working of the resource by reason of its nature or size 5.129 Development would not have significant impact on mineral resources
•
• Criterion 4: Poor quality resource 5.130 The quality and quantity of the mineral resources have not been assessed given the resource is already constrained by sensitive development and any testing or extraction would not be viable nor possible.
• 5.131 As already demonstrated the Category 1 resources cannot be extracted under Criteria 1 and 2 (due to the impact upon amenity) and the proposed residential development would not have a significant impact upon the wider mineral resource (Criterion 3).
• 5.132 Therefore, it is considered unnecessary to undertake site investigations by boreholes and trial pits to determine the ratio of overburden to mineral resource, mineral quality and estimation of the gross mineral resource affected by the proposed development.
• 5.133 Overall, Barratt Redrow consider that the presence of the mineral resource does not preclude the allocation and development of the site as any extraction does not accord with the criteria
•
Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• requirements in MIN1. Therefore, the site at Swn Y Coed should be removed from the safeguarding area.
• 5.134 Barratt Redrow acknowledge the need to retain buildings in some circumstances, however consider that the wording of Policy CC2 is overly restrictive in the sense that a presumption against demolition could impact upon delivery timescales for sites, particularly those including farm buildings.
• 5.135 Accordingly, it is considered necessary to re-word the policy to allow for the demolition of buildings where they are no longer used or needed in the event that a site is proposed to be developed for residential purposes, to assist in meeting the housing need over the plan period.
• 5.136 An additional point should be added to the list of 4 criteria, to note that demolition will be acceptable where it is demonstrated that ‘The existing building occupies a minority portion of the site, and to not demolish the building would prevent and/or restrict the delivery of the wider land for the provision of housing’.
•

CC2 – Presumption Against Demolition Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


• 6.1 In summary, Barratt Redrow, remain committed to the development opportunities at ‘Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe’. By virtue of its location the site represents a sustainable extension to the existing settlement of Wenvoe, and we maintain that its inclusion within the emerging RLDP would help promote a more sustainable pattern of development in line with the Council’s vision for the VoG.
• 6.2 Although we understand the Council have opted to pursue a ‘medium growth option’. Having reviewed the accompanying evidence base there is clear justification to warrant higher levels of growth, particularly in respect of housing over the emerging plan period. This would better accommodate the identified housing requirements and align with the Welsh Government’s aspirations to prioritise future development within a National Growth Area. These principles fully accord with PPW12 and Future Wales, whilst also enabling the VoG to proactively take action in order to account for historic unmet need across the county as shown within the latest Annual Monitoring Report (7th Edition).
• 6.3 Barratt Redrow Homes’ most pertinent comments on the consultation document are summarised below:
•

6. CONCLUSION
• Barratt Redrow fully supports the proposed approach to prioritise development in sustainable locations near existing rail and bus infrastructure as depicted by the strategic growth area within the RLDP Key Diagram. However, to optimise the effectiveness of this strategy growth should be focused in areas of high demand, such as Wenvoe, which is near to Cardiff but also inherently well connected by the existing bus network.
• Barratt Redrow support the principle of the Settlement Hierarchy and the identification of Wenvoe as a Primary Settlement. Whilst the importance of which is noted, Barratt Redrow maintain that Wenvoe, in particular, is capable of a higher role and function which can be accommodated at Candidate Site Ref. No 437. This is particularly relevant given the fact that the Service Centres at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth are generally more constrained physically and environmentally.
• Barratt Redrow maintain that a higher growth option should be followed. Given the Vale’s position within the Cardiff Capital Region and its designation as a national growth area, we maintain that the proposed RLDP should be more ambitious when it comes to overall housing targets. Drawing on examples from Bridgend (14% flexibility), Swansea (20%), and Monmouthshire (15%), alongside evidence of historic under-delivery and recent Welsh Government household projections, there are sufficient grounds to warrant increasing the proposed flexibility allowance to a minimum of 15%, equating to a total requirement of 9,074 homes up to 2036.
• In the interests of soundness these changes shall help account for any potential overreliance on existing landbanks and variable windfall delivery rates which could in theory limit the plan’s ability to address unmet housing need. Barratt Redrow therefore conclude that a higher flexibility allowance and additional site allocations, such as the land at Swn Y Coed, are necessary to ensure the RLDP is able to effectively meet
Vale of Glamorgan Deposit Plan Representations | Swn Y Coed, Wenvoe – Site 437


local need over the plan period. The benefits of which shall also demonstrate the emerging RLDP is supported by a robust, proportionate and credible evidence base to accord with the requirements of the Development Plan Manual for Wales and national growth objectives.
• Whilst Barratt Redrow welcome the majority of the proposed planning policies from a development management perspective. They strongly object to Policy CC1 (Residential Operational Net Zero Carbon Development) on the basis that it duplicates Welsh Government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is intended to ensure all new homes are “zero-carbon ready” through a consistent national Building Regulations framework.
• Although Barratt Redrow support the requirements for affordable housing in new development. In its current form the proposed policies SP7 and SP8 lack sufficient flexibility for site specific circumstances and physical constraints which may impact upon delivery. This inevitably creates uncertainty for a number of sites, where the blanket approach to affordable housing requirements based on the Council’s latest needs evidence does not have due consideration for the event of unique technical complexities.
• From a planning perspective it is also important to recognise the additional benefits the site (Candidate Site Ref No. 437) could provide in accommodating the increased housing need generated by the suggested 15% flexibility allowance within a highly sustainable location. The principles of which clearly align with the Council’s aspirations and would maximise opportunities for linked trips, enabling residents to meet a greater proportion of their daily needs locally while benefiting from high-quality public transport

Amend to be only one policy.

Policy SP1 - Sustainable Growth Strategy
Policy SPl sets out that the plan will deliver 7,890 dwellings by 2036, including a minimum of 3,070 affordable homes. Policy SP1 also sets out that outside of the Strategic Growth Areas, the allocation of new sites will be limited to small-scale affordable housing led sites.
The number of households in VoG in mid-2021 (i.e. the start of the RLDP period) was 57,676. Based on Welsh Government's 2022-based household projections, the number of households is projected to increase to 67,299 in VoG in mid-2036 (i.e. the end of the RLDP period). This equates to a household increase of 9,623 which is 22.0% more than the 7,890 dwellings the RLDP targets in Policy SPl. In addition, the Development Plan Manual requires a conversion factor from households to dwellings with 4% being the baseline (it is acknowledged that this will vary depending on local circumstances). Taking a 4% uplift, the dwelling requirement figure would be 10,008 which is 26.8% more than the RLDP seeks to deliver in Policy SPl. The number of overall dwellings identified in Policy SPl will therefore not meet the identified household growth needs ofVoG for the RLDP period. The Council should review the position in terms of the updated household projections.
It is important to note that the above calculations are purely to meet newly arising need and do not make any allowance for existing unmet affordable housing needs or any policy aspirations. As stated in the supporting text of Sustainable Growth Strategy 4 of the RLDP (paragraph 5.23) "The Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA) 2023 identifies a need for 1,075 affordable homes per annum over the next five years based on principal projections or 1,114 based on the RLDP projections. There is an identified backlog of need across all the sub-market areas in the Vale of Glamorgan, and the issue is acute in many communities." Policy SPl seeks to deliver only 3,070 affordable homes over the RLDP period, equating to 205 affordable dwellings per annum. This is only 18.4% of identified need per annum for the five-year period from 2023-2028 in the LHMA. The number of affordable homes identified in Policy SPl therefore falls drastically short of the identified need for affordable homes in VoG for the RLDP period.
In order for Policy SPl to achieve the third test of soundness (Will the plan deliver?), the policy must be updated to accommodate a greater level of housing delivery, that reflects the most up to date evidence. The Development Plans Manual states:
"In terms of considering the level of housing provision for a plan, the most up-to- date suite of Welsh Government Population and Household Projections are a fundamental part of the evidence base [paragraph 5.35]"
Policy SP1 as drafted sets out that the allocation of new [housing] sites will be primarily focused within the Strategic Growth Areas (SGA) identified on the Key Diagram and outside of the SGA, the allocation of sites will be limited to small-scale affordable housing led sites. The identification of St Athan as a settlement where development should be concentrated is supported.

Policy SP2 - Settlement Hierarchy
The identification of St Athan as a 'Primary Settlement' is supported. It is important that sufficient growth is directed to the Primary Settlements to reflect the opportunities presented for delivering new homes, both market and affordable.
As recognised at Paragraph 6.11 of the Deposit Plan, St Athan is a key location for employment growth and also benefits from a range of services and facilities. This is also reflected in the Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (Paragraph 9.2.10), which recognises that locating new development in proximity to the Cardiff Airport and Bro Tathan Enterprise Zone will help integrate housing and employment, supporting sustainable travel and local labour markets. Future growth at St Athan will therefore support its role within the wider regional growth area, as well as existing and future transport proposals.

Policy SP4 - Placemaking
We support the recognition in Policy SP4 that successful placemaking can add social, economic, environmental and culture value to new development. Placemaking is an important part of all developments brought forward by Barratt Redrow.
The identification of high level placemaking principles in the Deposit Plan is supported, but a degree of flexibility should be applied. This is important to ensure the appropriate placemaking approach can be applied for each site / development. For example, it will not necessarily be appropriate for all developments to incorporate a 'diverse mix of uses... ' or to be developed at 'high densities... and supporting mixed uses'. Where developments are delivered on a phased basis, any mix of uses, residential densities etc may vary between each phase.
Policy SP4 also requires all major development to provide a 'Placemaking Statement'. It should be made clear in the Policy, as per Paragraph 6.34 of the Deposit Plan, that this is not expected to be a standalone statement, but will form part of a Design and Access Statement. We recommend the policy is amended as follows:
"Placemaking Statements will be required as part of Design and Access Statements for all... " Paragraph 6.33, which supports Policy SP4 should also be amended. It is not appropriate to state that development will be 'favoured' where meaningful community involvement has been demonstrated. Taking allocated sites, significant consultation will have already taken place through the LDP process,
with further engagement required at the application stage through the PAC process. The RLDP should be amended to note that consultation will be 'encouraged' or similar.

Policy PGDl - Creating Well Designed and Inclusive Places
There is a degree of crossover and repetition between Policy PGDl and Policy SP4. For clarity and brevity of the Plan, a single policy could be taken forward.

Policy PGD2 - Residential Site Densities
It is noted that the minimum density sought for sites within the Key, Service Centre and Primary Settlements is higher than that currently required by the adopted LDP. It is important that flexibility is adopted where proposed allocations in the RLDP crossover with existing LDP allocations.

This is relevant to Church Farm, St Athan, which is allocated in the adopted LDP. The Deposit Plan retains this allocation, but also proposes a further phase of development to the east (through Policy HGl KS4). A planning application is currently being prepared for the first phase of development (relating to the existing allocation), which accords with the adopted LDP requirement of 30 dph. The RLDP should recognise that flexibility will be required where sites are delivered on a phased basis, with earlier phases also being identified in the adopted LDP.

The inclusion of caveats recognising that lower residential densities can, in some cases, be acceptable is welcomed. It is important that the characteristics of each site/ surrounding context can be taken into account, along with sites constraints and other technical requirements (such as SuDS).

Policy SP6 - Housing Requirement
Policy SP6 currently includes a flexibility allowance of 10%. The provision of a flexibility allowance is supported, but it should be increased to 15%. The Development Plan Manual 3 indicates that 10% should be the starting point. This would be consistent with a number of other adopted and emerging LDPs, which have been based on allowance above the standard 10% (e.g. adopted Bridgend LDP at 14% and emerging Monmouthshire LDP at 15%). A higher figure is considered appropriate due to the low level of new allocations, the limited number of key sites allocated in the plan and the need to increase the level of required growth (as referred to in our response to Policy SPl).

The number of homes delivered through new allocations should be increased to make the Plan more ambitious and align with Future Wales and the Vale's identified role as a National Growth Area.

Policy HSI - Housing Allocations
We support the identification of Church Farm, St Athan as a 'Key Site'.

The table within Policy HG1 should be amended to make it clear that the number of units listed for each site are approximate figures, allowing a degree of flexibility.

Policy HG1 KS4 - Land at Church Farm, St Athan
Paragraph 6.96 rightly acknowledges that the allocation will be delivered on a phased basis. With the first phase (the western parcel), representing land allocated through the adopted LDP. A hybrid planning application is due to be submitted in March 2026 for this phase of development. The application proposes 232 new homes and a new Class Al foodstore - as per Paragraph 6.99 of the Deposit Plan.
Paragraph 6.102 states that there is limited capacity in West Aberthaw Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW). It continues by stating that if the development wishes to connect in advance of the planned AMP scheme, a Developer Impact Assessment to establish the reinforcement works needed at the WwTW will be required. It should be recognised in the Deposit Plan that this applies to the wider allocation, with sufficient capacity existing for the first phase of development.
Policy HG1 KS4 should be amended to read that the site will deliver "approximately 532 homes over the plan period... ".
The policy requires the development to comply with the Placemaking Principles set out in Policy SP4. This policy has been commented on separately, but as previously noted, it is important that the phased nature of the Church Farm development is recognised when applying the placemaking principles. As a result, there may be slight differences in what is appropriate across each phase.
The policy currently requires affordable dwellings to be dispersed across the site in clusters of not more than 10. This should be amended to clusters of no more than 15 units.
Policy HG1 KS4 also sets out a number of other requirements that the development "must" comply with. We do not support the current wording and use of "must comply with". Some of the requirements listed will require further consideration during the design development of the scheme. This will be supported by detailed technical work to be prepared in support of a future planning application. The wording should be amended to reflect that the list 'requirements' will be subject to further consideration, and should not be treated as definitive.
For example, the points listed under 'Sustainable Transport and Highways' should be informed by a Transport Assessment. This is reflected in Background Paper BP44 (Infrastructure Delivery Plan), which recognises that contributions towards off-site improvements to the capacity/ flow of junctions will be determined through a site-specific Transport Assessment.
The first bullet point under Policy HGl KS4 should be amended to read:
"A proportionate contribution towards off-site improvements to the capacity and flow of junctions on the strategic highway network, if identified as being necessary by a site-specific Transport Assessment". As per Policy HGl KS4, the first phase of development at Church Farm has been developed on the basis of an access point from Gileston Road. This is as per the request from the Highway Authority. The hybrid planning application will also deliver localised road widening on Gileston Road and provision of a new active travel route.

(continued) Policy HG1 KS4 - Land at Church Farm, St Athan
The third bullet point under the 'Sustainable Transport and Highways' heading should be amended. Transport work undertaken to date has demonstrated that there is no need for a new signalised junction at Gileston Road/ B4265. The need for and nature of any work required to this junction should be determined through the planning application process, informed by a Transport Assessment. It is therefore not appropriate for the Policy to state that an upgraded signalised junction 'must' be provided. The intention is for a second access point to be provided for the second phase of development from the B4265. This is in line with the access strategy requested by the Highway Authority. The form and nature of this access point will be agreed through the planning application process, informed by a Transport Assessment.
The hybrid planning application for the first phase makes provision for a new pedestrian and vehicular access to St Athan Primary School. Whilst the developer can make provision for such a link, it will be down to the Highway Authority and Education Department to determine whether it is provided. Policy HGl KS4 should be amended to reflect that it is not within the developers gift to guarantee the link is taken up, delivered or actually 'replace' the existing access on Rock Road. At the moment is unclear what type of access could be sought (e.g. pedestrian and / or vehicular) and whether this would solely be through Phase 1 (as indicated by Figure 16).
Upgrades to existing bus infrastructure is expected to be delivery through planning obligations. Again, the nature of any improvements will be determined through the planning application process.
The Policy sets out a number of requirements relating to 'Community Infrastructure'. This includes the transfer of land to the east of St Athan Primary School and an off-site contribution towards the delivery of additional school places. No detail is provided as to the quantum ofland expected to be transferred. It is also noted that Policy CI3 states that land 'may be' required.
Whilst the principle of transferring land for the redevelopment I expansion of St Athan Primary School would be considered in principle by BWD, further information will be required to consider this request in full. As it stands, no information has been provided as to the extent ofland required. It is also important that Policy HG1 KS4 recognises that the need to provide for/ contribute towards education facilities will need to be determined at the point of any future planning application.
If a land transfer is required and agreed as part of the second phase of development at Church Farm, this must be reflected in any request for off-site contributions. Background Paper 44 (Infrastructure Delivery Plan) states that the second phase of development will require the transfer ofland, or a Section 106 contribution of £5.8 million. The basis and justification for this sum of contribution is not detailed within the Plan or supporting documents. Full details will need to be provided and considered at the planning application stage.

(continued) Policy HG1 KS4 - Land at Church Farm, St Athan
Policy HG1 KS4 also identifies the need for a contribution towards the provision and enhancement of community facilities in the area, and a contribution towards training and development for the commercial element of Phase 1. Whilst the principle of providing a community facilities contribution is accepted, evidence of need for such a contribution will be required at the planning application stage. The Policy should also be amended to recognise that training and development could either be provided a contribution or as part of the development itself.
The need to respect the setting of the listed War Memorial is reflected in the hybrid planning application due to be submitted imminently for Phase 1. The scheme has been carefully designed, with the relocation of the proposed foodstore to the northwest corner of the site, setting housing back from the B4265 and realignment of the central green corridor.
The importance of green infrastructure, recreation spaces and biodiversity is recognised and supported. Land at Church Farm offers the opportunity to deliver high-quality landscape buffers, accessible green space, integrated SuDS features and pedestrian and cycle connectivity with the village of St Athan and the wider strategic active travel route.
It is important that the Policy is not overly prescriptive about the types of green infrastructure and open spaces to be provided, which could potentially constrain the ability to deliver a design and landscape led masterplan. Instead, the policy should focus on outcome-based placemaking principles and flexibility in how these outcomes are achieved through design. It is also important that the ability to provide GI and open space across the site reflects other policy requirements, such as the delivery of SuDS.
The Deposit Plan includes an indicative plan for Church Farm at Figure 16. Whilst referred to as 'indicative', the purpose and status of this plan should be made clear in the supporting text. It should only be treated as illustrative, with the final development for Phase 1 and 2 being subject to further detailed design and technical work. For example, it is noted that within the Phase 1 development, land identified as 'Significant POS' on the plan is actually intended to accommodate the main attenuation basin. Whilst it would serve a qualitative purpose, it would not act as POS per se.

Policy SP7 - Affordable Housing Provision

The provision of a range of tenures, types and sizes of affordable homes is supported in principle. This should be assessed on a site by site basis at the application stage, with the LHMA being a starting point for discussions with the Housing Strategy Service. This flexibility will ensure that the most appropriate mix of dwellings is brought forward based on factors such as site characteristics, local context, placemaking etc.

It is also important that Policy SP7 acknowledges that affordable housing provision should also consider the evidenced viability of a development. This would be consistent with Policy SPS.

Policy SP8 - Affordable Housing Requirements

Recognition that the provision of affordable housing should be negotiated on a site by basis, considering the evidenced viability of a development, is supported. Recognition that the exact mix of affordable housing will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis is also welcomed. This is important to ensure sufficient flexibility when discussing the most appropriate mix of affordable homes at the application stage.

Policy TRI - Transport Proposals
Policy TRI states that to mitigate the impact of development on the highway network, strategic highway improvements have been identified to the Gileston Road junction in St Athan. As per our comments under Policy HG I KS4, the need, and nature of any works to the Gileston Road / B4265 junction must be informed by detailed technical work.

We can confirm that the first phase of development, which will be subject to a hybrid planning application in March 2026, has been designed to not prejudice any future improvement works to the junction (should measures be demonstrated as necessary in the future).

Policy SP12 - Retail Floorspace Provision
The identification of new convenience floorspace at Church Farm, St Athan is supported. The provision of new retail floorspace in this location will support the existing and future population of St Athan, reducing the need to travel to other settlements to serve their needs.

Policy SP13 - Community Infrastructure and Planning Obligations.
We support the recognition in Policy SP13 that any requirement for planning obligations must be appropriate and have regard for development viability.
Policy SP13 also states that the delivery of new/ improved infrastructure should be timed to meet the needs of communities prior to, or from the commencement of, relevant phases of development. It must be recognised in the policy or supporting text that the delivery / timing of some infrastructure measures will be outside the control of developers I developments. This is particularly the case where financial contributions are made and measures will be delivered by others. Flexibility should therefore be allowed for through Policy SP13.

Policy Cll - Open Space Provision
The wording of Policy Cll, and/ or the supporting text, must allow greater flexibility to be applied to the open space standards. This is essential to ensure that the spaces provided are design, rather than standards led. It is also important that the type and range of provision is reflective oflocal context/ needs. This is reflected in Paragraph 6.233 of the Deposit Plan but Policy Cll should also be amended to reference this directly.

The proposed 62.2 sq m per dwelling requirement is overly prescriptive and not aligned with FiT's methodology, which is per person and intended to be applied strategically across different open space typologies, not as a uniform per dwelling metric. FiT's approach emphasises flexibility, multifunctionality and local context, meaning that applying a rigid per dwelling standard oversimplifies the guidance and risks generating disproportionate land take and unnecessary design constraints. When combined with the wider cumulative policy requirements of the RLDP, such an approach has the potential to impact development viability and reduce delivery.
The recognition that in some instances off-site contributions will be appropriate in lieu of on-site provision is welcomed.

Policy Cll requires an 'Open Space Strategy' to be submitted for all housing developments that meet the relevant thresholds. In many instances, the provision of open space within a scheme will be addressed through a Design and Access Statement and/ or Green Infrastructure. This ensures that open space provision is considered as part of the comprehensive approach to design, landscape and biodiversity. We would question the need for a standalone strategy or statement. The Policy should be amended to reflect this.

Policy CI3 - New Community Facilities
Policy CI3 identifies the 'allocation' ofland at St Athan Primary School for new community facilities. The supporting text (Paragraph 6.245) confirms that this land is allocated for the redevelopment and expansion of the existing school site. It continues by stating that a "small area of additional land may be required required ... to facilitate the delivery of the school" as part of the Key Site allocation at Church Farm. It states that improved access "may also be necessary".

As worded, the Policy is not clear what land is allocated - whether it is actually within the Primary School and/ or adjoining land. Ifland may be required within the Church Farm development (as implied by Policy HG1 KS4), it is currently unclear what quantum ofland would be sought. Whilst the principle of transferring land for expansion of the school (as part of Church Farm Phase 2) and facilitating improved access would be considered by BDW, it is important that what is being sought is clear.

It is important that there is coordination between policies in the Plan - for example, Policy CI3 and Policy HG1 KS4. This should include an amendment to Policy HG1 KS4 that the land 'may' be required, rather than must be provided. It is also important that ifland is provided for the school expansion, or improved access is facilitated, by the development at Church Farm, this is reflected in other requirements and expectations across the Plan (e.g. in terms of design, planning obligations etc).

Policy CCI - Residential Operational Net Zero Carbon Development
Current Building Regulations targets are sufficient to achieve Welsh Government's objectives for improving energy efficiency and delivering net zero carbon development. Additional local policy requirements risk creating inconsistency across Local Planning Authorities and may exceed what is necessary to align with national policy.

The policy should clarify that it applies only to regulated energy use. Developers have no control over how future homeowners use their homes, and therefore unregulated energy consumption such as appliance use, occupant behaviour, and plug loads, cannot form part of compliance requirements. This is consistent with Building Regulations methodology

Alternatively, if Policy CCI is kept in the RLDP, there must be some flexibility introduced for the requirements of Policy CCI to fall away should Building Regulations catch up or exceed or require different provisions than the requirements of Policy CCI during the lifetime of the RLDP. To not provide this flexibility would mean that the ability of the RLDP to deliver the new homes in VoG needs could be compromised. Clarification is also required on how the contribution to the Council's Project Zero fund is to be calculated and whether the timeframes in Policy CCI relate to the date of planning approval.
Furthermore, the demands of Policy CCI have to be considered in the context of all of the other requirements that impact on development viability (e.g. affordable housing). The Council must provide evidence that an assessment has been undertaken to demonstrate that development, specifically the housing allocations in Policy HGI, can bear the cumulative policy costs of the RLDP, including Policy CCL

The policy wording should be amended so that the performance requirements apply based on the date of planning permission rather than the RLDP adoption date. Changes in energy performance requirements can significantly affect site layout, building orientation, and design considerations. Without this amendment, approved schemes could unnecessarily require variations via Section 73 or Non Material Amendment applications.