Site to be removed

Allocation of site in Llangan for the purpose of G&T breaches agreement with local community and will be subject to a legal challenge.

Thank you for your email.

It has since become apparent that the village WhatsApp group was incorrectly informed in suggesting that the land adjacent to Twchwyn Garth was being proposed as a traveller site. I understand that this site has instead been identified for affordable housing. While I appreciate the need for such provision, I would like to raise concerns, as our village already accommodates a significant amount of affordable housing in close proximity, including developments at Timbers Green, Fferm Goch, and Canna (adjacent to the school). I therefore feel that Llangan has already made a substantial contribution in this regard.

In relation to the existing Traveller site (Site 403), my understanding is that following a court case approximately five years ago, it was agreed that the family currently occupying this site would relocate further up the road to join the rest of their family. At that time, it was also agreed that the original site would be returned to the village of Llangan for use as allotments. This resolution followed considerable effort, distress, and financial contribution from local residents to resolve the matter.

I fully recognise and respect the need for Traveller families to have appropriate and secure places to live. However, I believe that Llangan has been more than accommodating to the existing families over many years, and I am concerned about the cumulative impact of further development on a small rural village with already limited infrastructure.

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.

TA or best equivalent to give everyone a high quality of life on many grounds outlined.

Thank you for consulting the Welsh Government on the Vale of Glamorgan Council Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) – Deposit Plan. It is essential the authority is covered by an up-to-date LDP to give certainty to local communities and businesses and provide a robust basis for decision making.
Without prejudice to the Minster’s powers, the Welsh Government is committed to assisting Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) minimise the risk of submitting unsound plans by making comments at the earliest stages of plan preparation. The Welsh Government looks for clear evidence that the plan is in general conformity with Future Wales: The National Development Framework, aligns with Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and the tests of soundness, as set out in the LDP Manual.
National planning policies are set out in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 12 and seek to deliver high quality, sustainable places through a place-making approach (the LDP should ensure it takes into account any further iterations of PPW prior to the examination). The implementation of the core policy areas in PPW, such as adopting a sustainable spatial strategy, appropriate housing and economic growth levels, infrastructure delivery and place-making, are articulated in more detail in the LDP Manual (Edition 3). We expect the core elements of the Manual, in particular Chapter 5 and the ‘De-risking Checklist(s)’ to be followed. Failure to comply with these key requirements may result in unnecessary delays later in the plan making process. The development planning system in Wales is evidence-led and demonstrating how a plan is shaped by the evidence is a key requirement of the LDP examination.
After considering the key issues and policies in Future Wales, the Welsh Government is of the opinion that the Replacement Deposit Plan is in general conformity with Future Wales: The National Development Framework. Specific comments are set out in the Statement of General Conformity (Annex 1 of this letter). Annex 2 highlights a range of issues that need to be addressed for the plan to align with PPW and the DPM. Collectively, our comments highlight a range of issues that need to be addressed for the plan to be considered ‘sound’ as follows:
Annex 1 – General Conformity with Future Wales
• No significant concerns
Annex 2 – Core matters that need to be/have been addressed (PPW and the DPM)
• Spatial Strategy and Primary Settlements
• Housing and Economic Growth Levels – Regional Collaboration
• Maximising Affordable Housing Provision
• Delivery & Implementation – General
• Gypsy and Travellers
• Renewable Energy
• Minerals
• Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (BMV)
• Welsh Language

I would urge you to seek your own legal advice to ensure you have met all the procedural requirements, including the Sustainability Appraisal (SA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), as responsibility for these matters’ rests with your authority. A requirement to undertake a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) arising from the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, if appropriate, should be carried out to assess the likely effect of the proposed development plan on health, mental well-being and inequality.
My colleagues and I look forward to meeting you and the team to discuss matters arising from this response.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Hemington
Chief Planner Welsh Government

Annex 1 - Statement of General Conformity
The Welsh Government is of the opinion that the Vale of Glamorgan Council Replacement Local Development Plan (2021-2036) Deposit Plan is in general conformity with the National Development Framework: Future Wales, as set out in paragraphs 2.16 – 2.18 of the Development Plans Manual (Edition 3).
There is a joint position statement on the relationship between Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan (BP20A), which considers population growth, migration patterns, housing completions, employment characteristics, demographics, commuting and transport links between the three adjoining authorities. The Welsh Government supports the principle of this work which demonstrates how change in the Vale of Glamorgan relates and complements growth in adjoining local authorities. This approach illustrates a good mechanism for other local authorities to follow.
Reasons
Future Wales places emphasis on the development of National Growth Areas in a sustainable manner. Growth areas must be sustainably planned, reduce the need to travel by car, encourage walking and cycling (active travel), maximise public transport usage and incorporate green infrastructure. Growth areas must embed these principles within a wider regional consensus, focussing on the opportunities they bring to promote social and economic benefits across a broader geographical area. The Welsh Government supports sustainable growth in National Growth Areas to respond to the climate change and biodiversity emergencies, making the best use of resources.
Policy 1 and Policy 33 of Future Wales states that Cardiff, Newport, and the Valleys will be the main focus for growth and investment in the region. The strategic diagram (p163) also identifies the Vale of Glamorgan within the National Growth Area. The Vale of Glamorgan RLDP, specifically BP20A, provides robust evidence on the interrelationship and key issues with adjoining authorities, including their interaction and how they have shaped and influenced the scale/location of growth in the RLDP. This is set out in the three Joint Position Statements (JPSs).
BP45 ‘Regional Assessment of Future Growth and Migration for the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), May 2024, provides further evidence on how the scale of growth indicated for the region has shaped the scale of future economic growth within the Vale of Glamorgan. This results in a higher level of employment growth in the Vale of Glamorgan primarily to increase self-containment and reduce out-flows to adjoining urban areas. Two key areas for future economic growth are identified at Cardiff Airport/Bro Tathan Enterprise Zone and Aberthaw Power Station.
The result is a Sustainable Transport Orientated Growth spatial strategy focusing on the Cardiff – Bridgend railway line and A48 corridor, with the key settlement for growth at Barry, followed by service centres on public transport corridors. On balance, the Welsh Government considers the Deposit Plan is in general conformity with key policies in Future Wales namely (not exhaustive):
Policy 1: Where will Wales grow
Policy 2: Shaping Urban Growth and Regeneration – Strategic Placemaking
Policy 6: Town Centre First
Policy 10: International Connectivity – Cardiff Airport
Policy 12 Regional Connectivity
Policy 33: National Growth Area – Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys
Policy 36: South-East Metro
Future Wales brings a new perspective that all LDPs have to embrace on how each LDP sits within the region as a whole and the relationship to other LDPs, in essence, a strategic approach to cross boundary relationships. There is evidence to support that approach in advance of an SDP. 4

Annex 2 – Core matters that need to be addressed (PPW and the DPM)
Spatial Strategy - Location of Growth
The Council tested 4 spatial options:
Option 1 – Continuation of the adopted LDP growth strategy
Option 2 – Dispersed Growth
Option 3 – Focused Growth
Option 4 – Sustainable Transport Orientated Growth
The Council has chosen Option 4: Sustainable Transport Orientated Growth for its Deposit Plan. The strategy seeks to locate most of the new growth in those settlements well served by existing/proposed rail infrastructure along the Vale of Glamorgan/Penarth branch lines. This will encourage and maximise the use of sustainable transport modes in the plans designated Strategic Growth Area (SGA). The SGA encompasses most of the Council’s largest and more sustainable settlements and the Council considers that focussing development here will reduce the need to travel and will co-locate housing with employment opportunities, services, and community facilities.
With a significant proportion of the Council’s brownfield land already developed/committed, there are limited opportunities for brownfield development moving forward. The existing land bank is stated as 5,140 dwellings (land supply 3,837 + windfall assumptions 1,303), to meet a proposed housing requirement 7,890 (provision 8,660). The authority has allocated 3,520 dwellings on new sites (Policy SP6, Table 2). As a result, the plan has adopted a predominantly greenfield strategy allocating the majority of new development on five key sites (Policy HG1, Sites KS1-5 totalling 2,278 dwellings) well-connected edge of settlement sites, close to existing or proposed rail stations. We note the Council has used TfW data in the site assessment process to assess sites and their proximity to transport nodes. The remaining sites are mainly ‘rolled’ forward from the adopted LDP. The Welsh Government supports the spatial strategy, which accords with Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and is in general conformity with Future Wales.
Spatial Strategy - Primary Settlements
The Council’s settlement hierarchy allocates circa 92% of all housing development (committed and proposed) to settlements in the top three tiers of the hierarchy. The Welsh Government does not object to this approach. The recognition that Culverhouse Cross with few facilities on site and the presence of BMV Land, the expectation for limited growth (paragraph 6.14 & 6.15) is welcomed. Similarly, it is noted that Wick benefits from a primary school and has some scope for future growth, albeit in keeping with the scale and accessibility of the settlement. The Welsh Government is content that the scale of growth reflected in these two locations will reflect the availability of local facilities and services.
The Level of Growth - Homes and Jobs
The Deposit Plan (Policy SP1 & SP6) makes provision for 8,660 homes to deliver a housing requirement of 7,890 new homes (526 p/a) over the plan period 2021-2036, of which a minimum of 3,070 homes will be affordable. The flexibility allowance proposed by the Council is 9.8%. The delivery of new jobs is for 5,388 over the plan period (Policy SP14).
Homes: The 2018 WG Principal Projection results in a requirement of 431 units p/a, or 6,465 units over the plan period. The housing growth proposed in the plan (requirement) is around +1,425 units (22%) above the WG 2018 principal projection, the provision being +2,195 (34%) above. The Council consider the 10 year average housing completions to represent a more realistic level of growth to deliver the key issues the plan is seeking to address. The Council considers that a lower level of growth (2018 projection) is not appropriate because the projections do not take account of 5

any policy decisions and were prepared in advance of the Covid-19 pandemic with implications for migration patterns and fewer jobs proposed.
BP8A (November 2025) considers the latest 2022 Welsh Government population and housing projections, noting they are higher than the 2018 based projections. The projections for the Vale of Glamorgan show significant variation in internal migration in particular which the Council considers should be treated with caution. The projections are trend based and are affected by specific factors that may have occurred within the previous 5 years. The 5 years in question included a period of high housebuilding associated with a newly adopted LDP, as well as the Covid 19 pandemic, where many students returned to home from term-time addresses and re-registered with GPs in the Vale.
Given the fluctuation in recent migration figures, the Council consider longer-term trends are more appropriate, and it is noted that the population change identified in the 10-year migration variant is of a similar level to that proposed under the RLDP projection. In conclusion, for the reasons identified above, despite the updated projections, the Council considers the RLDP housing requirement continues to represent a robust basis to deliver a sustainable and deliverable level of growth over the plan period. The Welsh Government does not object to the scale of housing contained within the plan.
The demographic evidence (February 2023, Edge Analytics) tested 12 growth scenarios comprising: demographic-led, dwelling-led, and employment-led scenarios. The preferred housing requirement is based on a 10-year dwelling-led scenario (526 dpa) that would result in a population growth of 9.7% over the plan period with an annual net in-migration of 1,009 persons. The Council considers this level of housing growth is deliverable with a large proportion met through existing commitments (51%) and a jobs total (4,875 jobs) that broadly aligns with the level of new jobs forecast in the Employment Land Study (5,338 jobs). Moreover, the scale of growth is considered by the Council to be compatible with Future Wales and the role the authority plays within the wider southeast region. With inward migration to the Vale of Glamorgan from Cardiff expected to slow as Cardiff’s strategic sites deliver higher levels of housing and with employment opportunities in the Vale co-located with housing sites, there are further opportunities to reduce the high levels of out-commuting into Cardiff. Overall, this approach is proposed by the Council to deliver a level of growth that is balanced with the emerging Cardiff LDP and wider southeast region. The Welsh Government does not object to the level of growth proposed in the plan.
We note that historic completion rates in the Vale of Glamorgan have fluctuated considerably over recent years. The past 10-year (2011-2021) average completion rate is 526 dwellings p/a. This has been exceeded over the last 5-years (2016-2021) with 698 dwellings constructed p/a. Build rates in recent years are in part attributed to the delivery of the current adopted LDP strategy that has more of a ‘rural settlement' focus, with multiple sites across many settlements being built out. Replicating this approach going forward (10,470 dwellings) would not comply with FW/PPW in terms of sustainable development and transport, potentially adversely impacting on Cardiff’s growth strategy. On this basis, the Council considers that achieving 526 dwellings p/a in the preferred 10-year dwelling-led scenario is sustainable and deliverable and would provide a level of job growth (5,338 jobs) that is balanced with the housing requirement. The Welsh Government does not object to the level of housing proposed in the plan but demonstrating delivery of the key housing sites will be essential.
The Welsh Government notes that BP0A identifies small and large windfalls, based on historic trends of 53/yr and 80/yr respectively. Also, the large windfalls are not included in the first two years of the trajectory, as per the DPM. A non-delivery allowance of 5% is identified, which reflects local characteristics in the Vale of Glamorgan. A flexibility allowance of 9.8% has been factored into the provision. The Welsh Government supports this approach, although whilst Appendix 1 contains a housing trajectory, there is no table to mirror that of Table 21, DPM. This should be included in Appendix 1. 6

Jobs: The Council’s 10-year dwelling-led growth option results in a requirement for 4,875 new jobs (325 p/a) over the plan period. This broadly aligns with the projected growth for 5,338 (355 p/a) new jobs in the Employment Land Review (BP12) and as set out in Policy SP14.
The level of employment growth proposed (5,338 jobs) over the plan period is below the target in the currently adopted plan (7,610-10,610 jobs). The lower target is considered by the Council to more accurately reflect the cohort of working aged people in the Vale of Glamorgan and would support a continuation of long-term housing delivery trends that takes into account lower housing growth post-recession and a shorter period of historically high dwelling completions (2016-2021). The Welsh Government does not object to the level of job growth proposed in the plan.
In summary, (and subject to the above clarification), the Welsh Government has no significant concerns with the level of homes and jobs proposed in the plan, which is in general conformity with Future Wales.
Affordable Housing Provision
The Local Housing Market Assessment 2023 (LHMA) (BP10B) calculates affordable housing need over the replacement plan period using the ‘policy neutral’ Welsh Government 2018 Principal Projection and the preferred growth option. The LHMA provides the latest evidence on affordable housing need, identifying a net annual need for 1,075 affordable units per annum for the next five-years and a further 154 units per annum over the following 10 years (BP10B, Executive Summary), resulting in a requirement for 6,915 affordable homes over the plan period (461 p/a) with a tenure split of 65% social rent and 35% intermediate. The Welsh Government note that the RLDP housing requirement is higher than the 2018 projections. Accordingly, to take this into account the affordable housing need for the RLDP is 502/yr which equates to a need of 7,530 over the plan period (RLDP, paragraph 6.116, Table 4).
Policy SP7 identifies a target of delivering a minimum of 3,070 affordable homes, the housing need being across all 13 Housing Market Areas, albeit it is more acute in Barry, Penarth, and Llantwit Major for 1-bed properties. The Welsh Government notes that most of the new housing development (51%) is proposed in the Key Settlement of Barry and Service Centre Settlements, which include Penarth and Llantwit Major.
The Welsh Government has no significant concerns regarding the relationship between the LHMA and the Deposit Plan.
Affordable Housing Led Sites
To deliver additional affordable housing above that which market led housing can provide, the authority proposes (Policy SP3 & HG4) to permit small scale affordable housing-led developments that provide a minimum of 50% affordable housing on sites up to 25 dwellings in minor rural settlements and 50 dwellings in primary settlements. The principle of this approach is supported.
Paragraph 6.137 of the plan states:
“Policy HG4 makes provision for affordable housing-led sites in locations outside the Strategic Growth Area. These sites, which are allocated for a minimum of 50% affordable housing, are included within the settlement boundary.”
The reference to being within the settlement boundary is not referenced in policy HG4. It would be beneficial to either include such a reference or demonstrate that settlement boundaries do include those sites listed in policy HG4 for clarity.
These sites must be in addition to the market housing led requirement and identified in the LDP. This policy approach is justified by the high level of affordable housing need evidence by the LHMA and must be accompanied by additional control over the land by the local planning authority to 7

ensure effective delivery. Evidence should include ownership of the land, a binding legal agreement where the land is in private ownership or a resolution of the council to use compulsory purchase powers. RLDP, paragraph 6.133 references to such controls, however, should such controls be contained within the policy?
Affordable Housing Exceptions Sites
Policy HG5, states 100% affordable housing exception sites can be located outside a settlement boundary where they comply with PPW/TAN2 and any threshold/policy requirements set in the Deposit Plan. The Welsh Government supports this approach.
Employment Land
The Council’s Employment Land Study (BP12, March 2023) identifies a requirement for 67.80ha of employment land, which includes a 5-year buffer. The requirement is based on rolling forward past trends (over 25 years) and is of a sufficient scale to meet the 5,338 jobs forecast. However, Policy SP14 identifies employment land allocations totalling 182ha, which is an increase of around 114ha above the employment land requirement. The sites that make-up this supply are largely major employment allocations that attract significant regional inward investment at Cardiff Airport and Bro Tathan Enterprise Zone totalling 127.85ha (70%) of the total provision. The Welsh Government does not object to the over-provision of employment land in the plan. The Enterprise Zone designation must be identified and the allocations within it (SP14: 1-3).
Delivery and Implementation
PPW and the DPM (Chapter 5) contain guidance on the requirements in respect of the delivery and implementation of plans. The Deposit Plan should set out site-specific details for Key Sites that includes general phasing timescales, key infrastructure requirements, placemaking principles (including concept / schematic masterplan frameworks), constraints, and developer requirements, where appropriate. We note the Deposit Plan has included emerging master planning/infrastructure work on key sites.
The phasing, timing, funding, and delivery of Key Sites will be critical to ensure the plan delivers the scale of growth required over the plan period. This includes the relationship between the two Key Sites in St Athan (KS4 and KS5) totalling up to 1,150 units and the delivery of a new rail station in St Athan to meet the objectives of the strategy and encourage a modal shift to more sustainable forms of public transport.
The development sites may also impact on the trunk road network, in particular the M4 J34 and there will need to be a suitable level and form of traffic assessment to accompany the plan. (The transport case may consider the South East Wales Traffic Model as part of any masterplan impacts on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) (Wales Regional Transport Models | TfW)). The Council will also need to demonstrate that all housing components are deliverable through a housing trajectory prepared by the Council and Housing Stakeholder Group. Statements of Common Ground for key allocations, especially those that have ‘rolled over’ from the adopted plan, would be advantageous to demonstrate the sites are deliverable in the timescales set out.
The Deposit plan is supported by a high-level affordable housing study and site-specific viability appraisals for Key Sites. All viability work and must be prepared in conjunction with the Viability Steering Group and site-specific promoters.
It will be for the Council to justify deliverability supported by robust financial viability.
Gypsy and Travellers
The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment GTAA (June 2022, approved June 2024) identifies a total need for 11 pitches over the plan period up to 2036, of which 9 pitches are ‘immediate’ by 2026. WG note that 4 pitches have since gained planning permission, reducing the remaining need over the plan period being 7 pitches. 8

Policy SP9 identifies a site at Llangan (0.76Ha) to accommodate the 7 pitches needed. It will be for the Council to demonstrate the appropriate site selection assessment process has been followed and that the site complies with requirements in PPW (4.2.35), Circular 005/2018 (paragraph 35) any relevant guidance and the DPM (5.80-5.85) to allocate a deliverable site in the plan period. The views of the relevant statutory bodies must also be agreed with no outstanding objections to the delivery of the site. The Welsh Government has no objection in terms of meeting the numerical need for gypsy traveller accommodation.
Renewable Energy
Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 identifies Barry as a District Heat Network (DHN) Priority Area. The Renewable Energy Assessment (BP15) explores the opportunity for a DHN using waste heat from Barry Biomass, but as there is some uncertainty on the future of the plant, the study concludes there is considerable risk to using the plant as a source waste heat. Could the Council provide an update on alternative options for a DHN in Barry?
It is welcome that the Renewable Energy Assessment (REA) has considered BMV policy, specifically for solar PV, and use of the Predictive ALC Map. The assessment has only considered non-BMV land (Subgrade 3b, Grade 4 and 5). The assessment would benefit from referencing the clarification provided in the DCPO letter of 1st March 2022 in respect of solar PV and BMV agricultural land for completeness.
The study identifies that in the Vale of Glamorgan solar development is more suitable than wind energy because of the flight path of aircraft in the south of the County Borough. However, there are some opportunities for wind sites, but these are likely to be small (<10MW) where aviation risks are lower and there is some grid access. Conversely, there are large expanses of land suitable for solar areas (>10MW) to the West of the County Borough, where there is little existing development. The study identifies 20 large-scale solar areas but recognises that grid constraints may impact the ability of sites to come forward.
Solar and wind search areas (where appropriate) below the 10MW Developments of National Significance (DNS) have been identified (Policy CC3). The plan also includes a criteria-based policy for all renewable energy proposals, particularly wind development, under 10MW (Policy CC4). Policy CC3 makes reference to adhering to the criteria in Policy CC4. However, would it not be the case that if search areas have been identified in Policy CC3 have they not already met the criteria? If they would not, should they be identified in the first place? Clarity would be beneficial. The Welsh Government supports the approach but seeks clarity on the point raised.
The Welsh Government notes the proposed search areas for wind energy near Morfa Ystrad Owen/Nant Rhydhalog, according to the Peatlands of Wales Evidence Score Map, the search area includes areas of peatland (Evidence Score 4). The site is also a SINC. This raises concerns as to how the inclusion of this search areas meets the policy test in PPW 6.4.15, 1a and 1b (Stepwise) regarding avoidance of irreplaceable peatland habitats and PPW 6.4.34.
Policy CC4 refers to Developments of National Significance (DNS) in 6.344 and 6.346. This should now refer to Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIP) which replaced DNS.
Minerals
The Regional Technical Statement (RTS 2nd Review) identifies a nil apportionment for land-won sand and gravel provision in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Welsh Government policy clarification letter (dated 11 November 2021) identifies a surplus of 1.68mt of crushed rock. As there is a surplus of crushed rock reserves and a lack of sand and gravel production in the Vale, no specific allocations are required in the replacement plan. It is unclear whether a Statement of Sub-Regional Collaboration with adjoining authorities in the Cardiff City sub-region been agreed, or does the latest Position Statement (July 2022) explain how any shortfall will be met across 9

the region, particularly for crushed rock, of which the Vale has a surplus? Clarification would be beneficial.
BMV Agricultural Land
The Welsh Government has engaged with the Council for land quality advice, survey advice and ALC survey validation for candidate sites. The LPA has produced a specific topic paper on BMV policy application. BP23A. The Deposit RLDP allocates 188 hectares of housing land, 5.62 ha is identified as BMV land (under 3% of total housing allocations). The RLDP:
• Has sought to avoid BMV land wherever possible;
• Uses the Predictive ALC Map as a core evidence layer to inform: The spatial strategy;
• Settlement hierarchy decisions; and
• Candidate site assessments.
•
• Directs strategic growth to areas with least BMV land
• Removes or avoids allocations where BMV impacts were significant or unjustified.
• Quantifies total BMV loss and demonstrates it is minimal (5.62ha) and proportionate at plan level.
• Applies a sequential approach through: Preference for brownfield and non-BMV sites;
• Replacement of higher-BMV sites with lower-grade alternatives where possible.
•
• Requires site-specific ALC surveys to verify actual land quality before allocation.
• Demonstrates that allocated BMV land is: Often small, fragmented, or constrained;
• Sometimes previously disturbed or incapable of being farmed differently from surrounding lower-grade land; and
• Necessary to deliver the Plan’s housing strategy where reasonable alternatives are unavailable.
•

In conclusion, the Welsh Government consider the Authority has demonstrated a sensible and pragmatic approach to considering BMV loss in the context of national planning policy, and on that basis no objection is offered.
Green Infrastructure
Policy SP19 should explicitly reference the need for development to be accompanied by a Green Infrastructure Statement.
PPW12 requires decision makers to apply the step wise approach to GI, with enhancement secured at every stage where possible, there is no distinction made between the quality of the GI assets – the qualification in the policy statement that states proposals will incorporate measures that protect and enhance high quality multi-functional green infrastructure should be redrafted to remove the quality reference. The need to avoid an impact in the first instance should also be explicitly incorporated into the policy.
Criterion 1 (Policy SP20) should be redrafted – the stepwise approach in PPW 12 6.4.15 1a - does not distinguish between relative ecological value – the avoidance step applies to biodiversity in its widest sense (i.e. the variety of species and habitats and their abundance) and ecosystem functioning.
Welsh Language
There is limited reference to the Welsh language in the plan, either potential adverse impacts arising through development, or mechanisms via a policy framework to support and grow the use of the language. There are references to a number of Welsh-medium schools (3.26) and the increase in the number of people able to speak Welsh according to the 2011 census (3.52) but there is no mention of the authority's Welsh Language Strategy or promoting or cross-referencing to the aims of 10

Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh-speakers. Paragraph 6.81 of the plan refers to development north west of Barry:
“Land at North West Barry is allocated for a residential development of up to 376 dwellings and public open space. The site is in a sustainable location on the edge of the Barry, a key settlement, in a location that is well served by services and facilities, including a major supermarket, GP surgery, community centre, three primary schools (English Medium, Welsh Medium and Church in Wales) and two high schools (English and Welsh Medium) all located in reasonable walking distance. There is an active travel route along Port Road West, bus stops in close proximity providing buses to Llantwit Major, Cardiff and the centre of Barry. Barry station is 1.3 miles from the site entrance.”
There is no mention that the Council want to undertake a Welsh Language Impact Assessment (WLIA) so there appears no attempt to measure the impact on the Welsh schools resulting from housing development? Could the Council clarify if such implications have already been covered in the WLIA for the plan, ISA, or are any specific policies necessary?

The VoG will make good on its commitment to return this land to the Llangan Community Council for use as a village green and to be used as allotmeents, green space etc.etc as decided by the local community. It will be protected by codicils from disposal by the LCC for any development.

Objections to SP9 - GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITE PROVISION / SP9 - DARPARIAETH SAFLEOEDD SIPSIWN A THEITHWYR
I regard this site as unsuitable for this proposed use on the following grounds.
A Judicial Review found the original process to be illegal and directed the then South Glamorgan Authority to return it to its previous use (Agricultural land)
It was subsequently (2017) agreed with the VoG that it should be transferred to Llangan Community Council for use as a village amenity site i.e. allotments, exercise area, community orchard etc. This position was reaffirmed in 2022 directly with Marcus Goldsworthy and the Planning Department.
The area has no public transport
Access to the site is via single track lanes with infrequent passing places used frequently by agricultural vehicles. Movement of trailers, Caravans etc is particularly difficult and hazardous and for that reason no hauliers visit the village with articulated vehicles.
The existing cesspit system is faulty and insufficient at present and maintained at considerable expense by VoG. The village pumping station cannot cope with the site being tied into the mains sewage system and would require upgrading.
There are no play areas for local children or outside community space.
There are no health facilities
There are very limited spaces in Llangan School and no safe pedestrian access to the nearest bus stop ( 1 mile)

The site is in an unsustainable location.
The site is in open countryside.
The site has restricted access and is unsafe.
There are no public services and the local school is at capacity.
The site does not promote sustainable access to employment, shopping, education, health, community, leisure and sports facilities.

Llangan Gypsy and Traveller Site.
Site in village is unauthorised. Judicial Review found local authority acted illegally in creating this site which should have been returned to its previous agricultural state and subsequently in 2017 Vale of Glamorgan reached an agreement with Llangan Action Group to return the site to the Community Council.
Any granting of planning permission would have to be considered ultra vires.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site should not be used for the proposed purpose or for any other purpose by the VOG as a consequence of the following:
The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.

July 2017 meeting with the VOG. Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. Had the VOG done so, it would have discharged the obligations it had bound itself to under the undertaking. The VOG have, however, without any explanation, gone back on that agreement without any further discussions with the Community.

In any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:

Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m
The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.
Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.
The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.
Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.
The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.
The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.

The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.

Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.

Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA)

emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.

The assessment makes no reference that the site is in a Special Landscape Area. The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Special Landscape Area – Background Paper – BP-28, November 2025, provides at para 1.6:

“The designation of the SLA was not intended to prevent development, but to ensure that where development was acceptable, careful consideration was given to the design elements of the proposal such as the siting, orientation, layout and landscaping, to ensure that the special qualities and characteristics for which the SLAs have been designated are protected.”

In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site should not be used for the proposed purpose or for any other purpose by the VOG as a consequence of the following:
The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its
original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.
July 2017 meeting with the VOG.
Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. Had the VOG done so, it would have discharged the obligations it had bound itself to under the undertaking. The VOG have, however, without any explanation, gone back on that agreement without any further discussions with the Community.

In any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:
Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m
The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.
Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.
The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.
Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.
The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.
The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Survey and Assessment of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation – Final Report – August 2008, prepared by the Fordham Research Group Limited made a finding that there was a preference for members of the Gypsy / Traveller community for smaller, family sized sites. The expansion of the site to 7 pitches is wholly contrary to the findings of the report commissioned for the benefit and assistance of the VOG.
The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Issues, Vision and Objectives June 2023 (Background Paper – BP2) states, at 4.1. that:
“Our Vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is a place:
That is safe, clean, and attractive, where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing; and
Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.”
The RLDP objectives are set out at paragraph 5 as follows:
"To sustain and further the development of sustainable communities within the VOG, providing opportunities for living, learning, working and socialising for all."
The location of the site does not support this objective.
""To ensure that development within the VOG makes a positive contribution towards reducing the impact of and mitigating the adverse effects of Climate Change. In respect of mitigating climate change, it is stated this means:
“Encourage development that reduces the need to travel by car and encourage people to participate in active travel and use sustainable transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Ensure that all new development and infrastructure is reliant to future impacts arising from Climate Change, Direct development away from areas prone to flood risk and incorporate water management, biodiversity enhancement and adaptation measures.” ""
Development of the site will not contribute towards this objective. In particular, as stated above, the lack of public transport will no doubt result in multiple vehicles being used to transport to and from the site. Such a need could be avoided if the allocation requirement was situated in an area with better public transport / an area close to facilities such as healthcare etc.
Alternatively, the agreement previously reached with the VOG to return the site to the Community Council for use as allotments would have a positive impact in respect of climate change, not least due to the fact that produce would be grown locally. The success of allotments in Treoes has demonstrated the viability of such a programme and the VOG had previously indicated its support for returning the site to the Community Council for such a purpose.
"To reduce the need to VOG residents to travel to meet their daily needs and enabling them greater access to sustainable forms of transport."
As above, the site does not meet this objective due to its distance from facilities such as healthcare, shops etc. and the lack of public transport.
"To protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built, and natural environment."
The proposal would adversely impact the undeveloped rural character of the area.
"To maintain, enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG."
The VOG’s previous agreement to return the site to the community for use as an allotment is a key illustration of achieving this objective. The proposed extension of the site for 7 pitches does not promote this objective, but wholly detracts from it. Llangan does not any other land to enhance and promote community facilities and services. Further, as the VOG is aware, the Community Council is not seeking funding from the VOG for the maintenance of the site which the VOG agreed to transfer management of to the Community Council.
"To provide the opportunity for people in the VOG to meet their housing needs."
It is accepted the VOG has a lawful duty under section 101(1) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers residing in its area. That is not disputed. That fact that the VOG has a legal requirement to meet this legal obligation does not, however, mean that the selection of an unsuitable site is acceptable to ‘tick a box’ to meet that obligation is acceptable.
The fact that the VOG own the site is not a reason on its own for extending the site from 2 to 7 pitches. Further, the fact that the VOG were, through its predecessors in time, party to a lawful undertaking to clear the site and return it to its previous agricultural status, coupled with the VOG’s agreement to transfer the management of the site to the Community Council is evidence of a competing obligation in law for the use of the site.
"To ensure that development within the VOG uses land effectively and efficiently and to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources."
As above, this objective would not be met by extending the site to accommodate 7 pitches. Further, this is agricultural land in a Special Landscaped Area.
Further:
The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.
Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA)
emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.
The assessment makes no reference that the site is in a Special Landscape Area. The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Special Landscape Area – Background Paper – BP-28, November 2025, provides at para 1.6:
“The designation of the SLA was not intended to prevent development, but to ensure that where development was acceptable, careful consideration was given to the design elements of the proposal such as the siting, orientation, layout and landscaping, to ensure that the special qualities and characteristics for which the SLAs have been designated are protected.”
In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

Fuirthermore, new site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:
Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m
The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.
Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.
The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.
Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.
The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.
The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.

Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.
Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA) emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.

.

The allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

There is an existing formal agreement in place that states the land will be returned to its original agricultural condition once vacated by the current occupiers. Why is this agreement not being honoured?

Access to the site is poor (from all directions) and does meet the requirements for emergency vehicles. There is no public footpath or street lighting. There is no public transport and no facilities within walking distance, so any expansion will lead to more traffic on the already limited lanes. A previous report found that the area was only suitable for two pitches.

For the reasons sety out above the allocation of the site at Llangan for Gypsy/Traveller site is not justified and is inconsistent with the councils own policies and renages on the existing agreement made between the Council,Llangan Action and the current site occupier.
It ignores the instructions set out by the judge in the judicial review.

In 2017 Llangan Action ,Community Council and the site occupier reached an agreement for vacation of the site and transfer to LCC for Community use. The inclusion is a breach of this agreement. Also of the original Judicial review.The site remains unsuitable , does not meet the VoG's own criteria and is counter to much of the policies because - access is inadequate( lane 2.5m wide in places, emergency vehicles require 3.7m): land is on a flood plane:no footpath,no street lighting;no public transport;limited school places, no amenities. No infrastucture to dispose of waste water. VOG pay for cesspit emptying.Site is in a Special Landscape Area and close to Llangan Conservation Area.
Size and number of pitches is inappropriate - doesn't meet social housing standards which apply to gypsy/traveller sites.

For the reasons set out above the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified, it does not meet the legal ruling of 1997 and is indeed inconsistent with the Council's (VOG) own policies regarding land use and in particular facilities that must be available to support such sites and those living there The site should be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and an alternative identified that better meets VOG's policy criteria.

Planning permission to use the site to provide Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation was legally rejected in 1997. This ruling remains in force. In 2017 a further agreement to restore the site upon departure of the original family living there was made. The site fails to meet VOG's criteria for Accommodation Assessment. The lane by the site regularly floods, is narrow and in poor condition. Access to the village is constrained by narrow lanes; they flood; there is no streetlighting or footpaths; there is no bus service. There are no facilities or employment opportunities within the village environs.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site should not be used for the proposed purpose or for any other purpose by the VOG as a consequence of the following:
• The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its
original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.
July 2017 meeting with the VOG.
Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. Had the VOG done so, it would have discharged the obligations it had bound itself to under the undertaking. The VOG have, however, without any explanation, gone back on that agreement without any further discussions with the Community.
In any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:
• Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m
• The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.
• Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.
• The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.
• Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.
• The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.
• The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
• The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Survey and Assessment of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation – Final Report – August 2008, prepared by the Fordham Research Group Limited made a finding that there was a preference for members of the Gypsy / Traveller community for smaller, family sized sites. The expansion of the site to 7 pitches is wholly contrary to the findings of the report commissioned for the benefit and assistance of the VOG.
• The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Issues, Vision and Objectives June 2023 (Background Paper – BP2) states, at 4.1. that:
• “Our Vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is a place:
o That is safe, clean, and attractive, where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing; and
o Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.”
• The RLDP objectives are set out at paragraph 5 as follows:
RDLP objective Comment
To sustain and further the development of sustainable communities within the VOG, providing opportunities for living, learning, working and socialising for all.
The location of the site does not support this objective.
To ensure that development within the VOG makes a positive contribution towards reducing the impact of and mitigating the adverse effects of Climate Change. In respect of mitigating climate change, it is stated this means:
“Encourage development that reduces the need to travel by car and encourage people to participate in active travel and use sustainable transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Ensure that all new development and infrastructure is reliant to future impacts arising from Climate Change, Direct development away from areas prone to flood risk and incorporate water management, biodiversity enhancement and adaptation measures.”
Development of the site will not contribute towards this objective. In particular, as stated above, the lack of public transport will no doubt result in multiple vehicles being used to transport to and from the site. Such a need could be avoided if the allocation requirement was situated in an area with better public transport / an area close to facilities such as healthcare etc.
Alternatively, the agreement previously reached with the VOG to return the site to the Community Council for use as allotments would have a positive impact in respect of climate change, not least due to the fact that produce would be grown locally. The success of allotments in Treoes has demonstrated the viability of such a programme and the VOG had previously indicated its support for returning the site to the Community Council for such a purpose.
To reduce the need to VOG residents to travel to meet their daily needs and enabling them greater access to sustainable forms of transport.
As above, the site does not meet this objective due to its distance from facilities such as healthcare, shops etc. and the lack of public transport.
To protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built, and natural environment.
The proposal would adversely impact the undeveloped rural character of the area.
To maintain, enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
The VOG’s previous agreement to return the site to the community for use as an allotment is a key illustration of achieving this objective. The proposed extension of the site for 7 pitches does not promote this objective, but wholly detracts from it. Llangan does not any other land to enhance and promote community facilities and services. Further, as the VOG is aware, the Community Council is not seeking funding from the VOG for the maintenance of the site which the VOG agreed to transfer management of to the Community Council.
To provide the opportunity for people in the VOG to meet their housing needs.
It is accepted the VOG has a lawful duty under section 101(1) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers residing in its area. That is not disputed. That fact that the VOG has a legal requirement to meet this legal obligation does not, however, mean that the selection of an unsuitable site is acceptable to ‘tick a box’ to meet that obligation is acceptable.
The fact that the VOG own the site is not a reason on its own for extending the site from 2 to 7 pitches. Further, the fact that the VOG were, through its predecessors in time, party to a lawful undertaking to clear the site and return it to its previous agricultural status, coupled with the VOG’s agreement to transfer the management of the site to the Community Council is evidence of a competing obligation in law for the use of the site.
To ensure that development within the VOG uses land effectively and efficiently and to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources.
As above, this objective would not be met by extending the site to accommodate 7 pitches. Further, this is agricultural land in a Special Landscaped Area.
Further:
• The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
• The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
• Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.
• Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA)
emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.

The assessment makes no reference that the site is in a Special Landscape Area. The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Special Landscape Area – Background Paper – BP-28, November 2025, provides at para 1.6:
“The designation of the SLA was not intended to prevent development, but to ensure that where development was acceptable, careful consideration was given to the design elements of the proposal such as the siting, orientation, layout and landscaping, to ensure that the special qualities and characteristics for which the SLAs have been designated are protected.”
In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land. The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site should not be used for the proposed purpose or for any other purpose by the VOG due to the following reasons:
Breach of contract of the agreement made in the July 2017 meeting between the local community, traveller family and VOG. Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site, reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community.
2/ The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.

In any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:

Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m. The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge. Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.

The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.

Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.

The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.

The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.

The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Survey and Assessment of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation – Final Report – August 2008, prepared by the Fordham Research Group Limited made a finding that there was a preference for members of the Gypsy / Traveller community for smaller, family sized sites. The expansion of the site to 7 pitches is wholly contrary to the findings of the report commissioned for the benefit and assistance of the VOG.

The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Issues, Vision and Objectives June 2023 (Background Paper – BP2) states, at 4.1. that:

“Our Vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is a place:
That is safe, clean, and attractive, where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing; and
Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.”
The RLDP objectives are set out at paragraph 5 as follows:
To sustain and further the development of sustainable communities within the VOG, providing opportunities for living, learning, working and socialising for all. The location of the site does not support this objective.
To ensure that development within the VOG makes a positive contribution towards reducing the impact of and mitigating the adverse effects of Climate Change. In respect of mitigating climate change, it is stated this means:
Development of the site will not contribute towards this objective. In particular, as stated above, the lack of public transport will no doubt result in multiple vehicles being used to transport to and from the site. Such a need could be avoided if the allocation requirement was situated in an area with better public transport / an area close to facilities such as healthcare etc.

Alternatively, the agreement previously reached with the VOG to return the site to the Community Council for use as allotments would have a positive impact in respect of climate change, not least due to the fact that produce would be grown locally. The success of allotments in Treoes has demonstrated the viability of such a programme and the VOG had previously indicated its support for returning the site to the Community Council for such a purpose.

To reduce the need to VOG residents to travel to meet their daily needs and enabling them greater access to sustainable forms of transport.
As above, the site does not meet this objective due to its distance from facilities such as healthcare, shops etc. and the lack of public transport.

To protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built, and natural environment.
The proposal would adversely impact the undeveloped rural character of the area.

To maintain, enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
The VOG’s previous agreement to return the site to the community for use as an allotment is a key illustration of achieving this objective. The proposed extension of the site for 7 pitches does not promote this objective, but wholly detracts from it. Llangan does not any other land to enhance and promote community facilities and services. Further, as the VOG is aware, the Community Council is not seeking funding from the VOG for the maintenance of the site which the VOG agreed to transfer management of to the Community Council.

To provide the opportunity for people in the VOG to meet their housing needs.
It is accepted the VOG has a lawful duty under section 101(1) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers residing in its area. That is not disputed. That fact that the VOG has a legal requirement to meet this legal obligation does not, however, mean that the selection of an unsuitable site is acceptable to ‘tick a box’ to meet that obligation is acceptable.
The fact that the VOG own the site is not a reason on its own for extending the site from 2 to 7 pitches. Further, the fact that the VOG were, through its predecessors in time, party to a lawful undertaking to clear the site and return it to its previous agricultural status, coupled with the VOG’s agreement to transfer the management of the site to the Community Council is evidence of a competing obligation in law for the use of the site.

To ensure that development within the VOG uses land effectively and efficiently and to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources.
As above, this objective would not be met by extending the site to accommodate 7 pitches. Further, this is agricultural land in a Special Landscaped Area.

Also:
The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.

Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.

Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA) emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.

The assessment makes no reference that the site is in a Special Landscape Area. The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Special Landscape Area – Background Paper – BP-28, November 2025, provides at para 1.6:

“The designation of the SLA was not intended to prevent development, but to ensure that where development was acceptable, careful consideration was given to the design elements of the proposal such as the siting, orientation, layout and landscaping, to ensure that the special qualities and characteristics for which the SLAs have been designated are protected.”

In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land. The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

The site should not be used for the proposed purpose or for any other purpose by the VOG as a consequence of the following:

The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its
original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.

July 2017 meeting with the VOG.
Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. Had the VOG done so, it would have discharged the obligations it had bound itself to under the undertaking. The VOG have, however, without any explanation, gone back on that agreement without any further discussions with the Community.

In any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:

Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m

The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.

Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.

The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.

Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.

The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.

The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.

The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Survey and Assessment of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation – Final Report – August 2008, prepared by the Fordham Research Group Limited made a finding that there was a preference for members of the Gypsy / Traveller community for smaller, family sized sites. The expansion of the site to 7 pitches is wholly contrary to the findings of the report commissioned for the benefit and assistance of the VOG.

The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Issues, Vision and Objectives June 2023 (Background Paper – BP2) states, at 4.1. that:

“Our Vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is a place:

That is safe, clean, and attractive, where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing; and

Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.”

The RLDP objectives are set out at paragraph 5 as follows:

RDLP objective

Comment

To sustain and further the development of sustainable communities within the VOG, providing opportunities for living, learning, working and socialising for all.

The location of the site does not support this objective.

To ensure that development within the VOG makes a positive contribution towards reducing the impact of and mitigating the adverse effects of Climate Change. In respect of mitigating climate change, it is stated this means:

“Encourage development that reduces the need to travel by car and encourage people to participate in active travel and use sustainable transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Ensure that all new development and infrastructure is reliant to future impacts arising from Climate Change, Direct development away from areas prone to flood risk and incorporate water management, biodiversity enhancement and adaptation measures.”

Development of the site will not contribute towards this objective. In particular, as stated above, the lack of public transport will no doubt result in multiple vehicles being used to transport to and from the site. Such a need could be avoided if the allocation requirement was situated in an area with better public transport / an area close to facilities such as healthcare etc.

Alternatively, the agreement previously reached with the VOG to return the site to the Community Council for use as allotments would have a positive impact in respect of climate change, not least due to the fact that produce would be grown locally. The success of allotments in Treoes has demonstrated the viability of such a programme and the VOG had previously indicated its support for returning the site to the Community Council for such a purpose.

To reduce the need to VOG residents to travel to meet their daily needs and enabling them greater access to sustainable forms of transport.

As above, the site does not meet this objective due to its distance from facilities such as healthcare, shops etc. and the lack of public transport.

To protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built, and natural environment.

The proposal would adversely impact the undeveloped rural character of the area.

To maintain, enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.

The VOG’s previous agreement to return the site to the community for use as an allotment is a key illustration of achieving this objective. The proposed extension of the site for 7 pitches does not promote this objective, but wholly detracts from it. Llangan does not any other land to enhance and promote community facilities and services. Further, as the VOG is aware, the Community Council is not seeking funding from the VOG for the maintenance of the site which the VOG agreed to transfer management of to the Community Council.

To provide the opportunity for people in the VOG to meet their housing needs.

It is accepted the VOG has a lawful duty under section 101(1) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers residing in its area. That is not disputed. That fact that the VOG has a legal requirement to meet this legal obligation does not, however, mean that the selection of an unsuitable site is acceptable to ‘tick a box’ to meet that obligation is acceptable.

The fact that the VOG own the site is not a reason on its own for extending the site from 2 to 7 pitches. Further, the fact that the VOG were, through its predecessors in time, party to a lawful undertaking to clear the site and return it to its previous agricultural status, coupled with the VOG’s agreement to transfer the management of the site to the Community Council is evidence of a competing obligation in law for the use of the site.

To ensure that development within the VOG uses land effectively and efficiently and to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

As above, this objective would not be met by extending the site to accommodate 7 pitches. Further, this is agricultural land in a Special Landscaped Area.

Further:

The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.

Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.

Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA) emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.

The assessment makes no reference that the site is in a Special Landscape Area. The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Special Landscape Area – Background Paper – BP-28, November 2025, provides at para 1.6:

“The designation of the SLA was not intended to prevent development, but to ensure that where development was acceptable, careful consideration was given to the design elements of the proposal such as the siting, orientation, layout and landscaping, to ensure that the special qualities and characteristics for which the SLAs have been designated are protected.”

In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area.

I don't think this plan is appropriate at all.
This plan should be cancelled and a more appropriate site found elsewhere that is more suitable.
For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.
New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

I object because there is a legally binding agreement from 2017 involving the VOG council, Llangan Community Council, and the 'ONE' traveller family, although it is unenforced. The site does not meet VOG guidelines due to poor access, flood risk, inadequate drainage, lack of public footpaths, street lighting, and public transport, making it dangerous. It is located in a special landscape area near a conservation site and contradicts VOG's sustainability objectives by increasing vehicular traffic on poorly maintained rural lanes which hampers access to local facilities and emergency services.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration

Summary:
The Council (under its previous iteration) previously granted planning permission to itself for use of the site as a gypsy site on 20 December 1994. That decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court in R v South Glamorgan County Council ex parte Harding (1997). Following those proceedings, the Council through its Chief Executive, Mr Foster, entered into a formal undertaking dated 1 May 1996 requiring that once the existing family vacated the site, the Council would restore the land to its
original agricultural condition. That undertaking remains binding and has not been discharged. The proposed allocation and expansion of the site appears inconsistent with that undertaking and raises questions as to whether the Council can lawfully promote the site for further development.
July 2017 meeting with the VOG.
Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. Had the VOG done so, it would have discharged the obligations it had bound itself to under the undertaking. The VOG have, however, without any explanation, gone back on that agreement without any further discussions with the Community.

any event, the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation), including because:

Access to the site is poor. The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m

The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge.

Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.

The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.

Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.

The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.

The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.

The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Survey and Assessment of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation – Final Report – August 2008, prepared by the Fordham Research Group Limited made a finding that there was a preference for members of the Gypsy / Traveller community for smaller, family sized sites. The expansion of the site to 7 pitches is wholly contrary to the findings of the report commissioned for the benefit and assistance of the VOG.

The Replacement Local Development Plan 2021 – 2036: Issues, Vision and Objectives June 2023 (Background Paper – BP2) states, at 4.1. that:

“Our Vision for the Vale of Glamorgan is a place:

That is safe, clean, and attractive, where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing; and Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.” This clearly doesn’t fit the vision

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

· The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.

· New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.

The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18

Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.
· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
· Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.
New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

· In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.
· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
· Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

There are no changes that, in my mind would support any such proposal. There are no provisions to restrict the use of this site in the future should this inappropriate proposal be passed; furthermore the VOG Council has shown that they can agree to certain lawful proposals only to renege on them in future years. Therefore this proposal should be removed from the development plan.

Similarly this proposal, like SP9, is ill thought out and contrary to a previous LAWFULL agreement between the VOG council, LLangan community council and the 'ONE' traveller family to transfer the site in 2017 to the community council for community use.
Points 1-7 outlined in the proposal are not correct.
1,2 & 5. The site only has vehicular access leading to increased traffic on poorly maintained, unlit rural lanes with no public pathways, hampering safe access to local facilities and emergency services. No public transport within a safe walking distance.
3. The site would not meet the standards required for social housing.  The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
4. The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
6. Situated in a Flood risk area with on site services/amenities not being adequate without serious work - who will pay for this work?
7. The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area.  The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas.  The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
Furthermore the nearest settlement with appropriate facilities and services is Cowbridge 7.5 km away.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

Access to local amenities from the site is poor. There is no public transport or safe (walking) route to Cowbridge / Pencoed, therefore journeys will need to be by car. The road is narrow and access for emergency services would be difficult.
The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
Furthermore, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.

Access to the site is poor and there are very limited facilities within a 3mile radius. Vehicular access is particularly restricted. The scale of the proposal is not proportionate to the scale of the site.
The site is in a Special Landscape Area whereas the RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
The site would not meet the standards required for social housing.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.

· The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.

· New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.
· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
· Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

The site’s transfer to the Community Council for allotments better aligns with local objectives to enhance community facilities, protect the environment, and reduce travel needs.

· In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.

· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:

o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.

o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.

o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.

o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.

o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.

· Further:

o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.

o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.

o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.

o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.

o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.

o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

This site remains wholly unsuitable for any expansion of traveller provision and indeed as per previous agreements and in the spirit of previous legal judgements against South Glamorgan Authority (1997) there should be action to close it and return the site to its original agricultural purpose

This proposal is contrary to previous agreements between VOG and local representatives in 2017. The objections were based on the unsuitability of the site. It remains unsuitable for exactly the same reasons: it is in low lying land which is a flood risk, there are no amenities nearby, access is critically restricted, no footpaths or lighting, it is in and adjacent to protected areas.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework, previous legal commitments given in relation to the land, Welsh Government guidance and national planning policy.

The site should therefore be removed from the RLDP and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.

New site grants are available and costs of facilitating an alternative site should not be a material planning consideration.

The proposed allocation of the Penllyn Glebe site disregards the agreement reached in 2017 between Llangan Action Group, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site, for vacation of the site and subsequent lease to Llangan Community Council for community use.
Further, the Council is bound by an undertaking given in 1996, pursuant to Judicial Review proceedings, to use its best endeavours to achieve vacant possession and return the site to agricultural use. The residents have a legitimate expectation that this undertaking be complied with and the aforementioned agreement which took place in 2017 gave the residents the long-awaited assurance that the undertaking would be discharged.
Notwithstanding the above, a host of reasons exist which render the site unsuitable for the proposed use, added to which the proposal does not meet the criteria of the Vale of Glamorgan Council (“the Council”) for a gypsy and travellers site.
Set out below are the reasons why the site fails to meet the Council’s own criteria, t/w further issues which demonstrate the inadequacy of the site for the proposed use:
Access to the site is via a single file traffic lane of 2.5m width. The recommended access width for emergency vehicles is 3.7m Increased capacity would further frustrate the manoeuvrability of such vehicles which raises safety concerns that would be compounded by increased capacity.
The topography of the land in question renders it unsuitable for residential use. The site is situate on low-lying land which gives rise to a multiplicity of issues. There is a propensity for flooding which is exacerbated by the poor drainage, as reflected in the name of lane - historically known as “Waterston” or “Watery Lane”. As a consequence, the site is damp and blanketed in a dense mist which gives rise to health issues that have been previously communicated to the Council.
As such, the proposal is contrary to the RLDP objective to:

“Ensure that all new development and infrastructure is resilient to future impacts arising from Climate Change. Direct development away from areas prone to flood risk …”

There is no public transport serving Llangan. The nearest bus service is 1.7 miles away on the A48 and the nearest railway stations are in Bridgend, approx 4.5 miles, and Llantwit Major, being 5 miles away.
This is compounded by unsafe pedestrian access. Llangan is known as an isolated rural village with narrow, unlit lanes which would not accommodate pavements. The lane adjacent the lane accessing the site is particularly dangerous in that children cannot walk or cycle to school; the only transport option being via car. Recent representations by National Grid to the Council concerning street lighting in the village met with the response that the deliverability of such would only be considered if petitioned by residents. Development in such an area is contrary to the Council’s Active Travel policies and could not comply with, inter alia, the WG’s transport and sustainability policies which actively encourage the use of public transport.
The proposals for the site go against the Council’s own objective to reduce the need for travel for Vale of Glamorgan residents to meet their day-to-day needs as set out below.
The site is not reasonably accessible to public facilities, such as shops and community services and would not meet, eg day-to-day medical requirements, which are accessible in Cowbridge, some 7.5km from the site.
The site has no mains drainage and is served by a cesspit, the emptying costs of which are disproportionately high and would, arguably, be unaffordable. Connection to mains drainage is frequently not an option considered by WW, in rural locations, given costs/benefits.
The standards required for social housing are equally applicable to accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller community and the site does not meet these standards.
The proposed site, given its location within a Special Landscape Area and adjacent Llangan Conservation Area, is contrary to the RLDP background paper, which acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas.
Inclusion of the site in the RLDP is not in accordance with the Council’s objective to protect and enhance the Council’s historic, built and natural environment.
The RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse affect of climate change and to promote community facilities would have been served, had the Council followed the assurance given to lease the land to Llangan Community Council, noting that the Council was aware of the Community Council’s intention to use the land for allotment purposes, in line with the successful allotment scheme in place in the neighbouring village of Treoes.

For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
· The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.
· New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration

In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community.  The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.
· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m.  Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities.  Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
· Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing.  The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

· For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments relating to the land.
· The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and alternative sites identified which better meet the criteria set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment and Policy MD18.
· New site grants are available and cost should not be a material planning consideration.

· In around June 2017, Llangan Action, Llangan Community Council and the traveller family occupying the site reached an agreement with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The proposal in the RLDP for the site is wholly contrary to what was agreed.
· The site is not suitable for the proposed use and does not meet the VOG’s own criteria for a gypsy and traveller site, including because:
o Access is poor, with the lane being only 2.5m wide, which is less than the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles of 3.7m. Extending the pitches would also restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to turn around on the site.
o The site is situated in low-lying land and has poor drainage.
o There is no public footpath near the site and no street lighting.
o There is no public transport and the site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, such as medical facilities, shops and community facilities. Cowbridge is around 7.5km from the site.
o The size of the site and number of pitches is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs.
· Further:
o The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
o The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
o The site is in a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RDLP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion is contrary to that view.
o The agreement reached with the VOG to transfer the site to the Community Council for use as allotments (following the success of a similar project in the neighbouring village of Treoes) would better meet the VOG’s vision to in its RLDP objectives to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance and promote community facilities and services in the VOG.
o The proposed expansion of the site goes against the VOG’s objective to reduce the need for travel for VOG residents to meet their daily needs.
o The proposed development would also be contrary to the VOG’s object to protect and enhance the VOG’s historic, built and natural environment.
o The fact that the VOG owns the site does not in and of itself make it suitable for the proposed expansion.

The agreement from 2017 should be upheld and the land transferred to the community.

Llangan Community Council (CC) would like to object to the proposed expansion of the Traveller site at Llangan.
In July 2017 there was a meeting between Llangan Community Council, Llangan Action and the traveller family occupying the site and an agreement was reached with the VOG for vacation of the site and for the site to be transferred to the Community Council for use by the community. The current family was granted planning permission for their own private site and have mostly moved to the new location, just leaving a few family members on the original site to protect the land as requested by the VOG at the meeting. Our understanding was that the action taken by all parties fulfilled the requirements of the meeting and the land could now be transfer to the Community Council as agreed. The VOG have breached this agreement with no further discussion with the Community over the last 9 years.
Also in the opinion of the CC the site does not meet the criteria set in the VOG’s own current Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (“GTAA”) and with reference to Policy MD18 (Gypsy and Traveler Accommodation).
The access lanes is too narrow (2.5m min) and can’t be widened due to new houses built at the junction near Llangan Primary School. This could impact emergency vehicle access: the recommended access requirements for emergency vehicles is 3.7m. The alternative route through Llangan village is not suitable for emergency vehicles due to it having a weak bridge. Extending the proposal to 7 pitches on the site would further restrict the ability of emergency vehicles to manoeuvre around the site.
The fact that access is poor was recognised in the Report on the examination into the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2016, prepared by Richard E. Jenkins BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI, as Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers, dated 25 May 2017, which also found that drainage at the site was poor. The Report stated, “It is clear that access and drainage works would need to be improved for the site to meet Welsh Goverment guidance.”1 These constraints remain relevant when considering the proposed significant expansion of the site.
Site access is “unsafe” having extended walks (in excess of 800m) along unlit land with no public footpath or street lighting.
The local area cannot support an increase from 2 to 7 pitches. The site is not reasonably accessible to day-to-day services, facilities and employment, medical facilities, shops and community facilities (there are no shops, restaurants, pubs/bars in the area) and there is no public transport. Cowbridge, the nearest town, is circa 7.5km from the site which is the nearest settlement providing a range of services. As there is no public transport serving the site and no local facilities within walking distance, the location therefore conflicts with the RLDP objective of reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable transport.
The size of the site and number of pitches proposed is not appropriate to its location and accommodation needs. It does not meet the criteria for a safe, clean, and attractive area , where individuals and communities have sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity, and wellbeing. Where there is a strong sense of community in which local groups and individuals have the capacity and incentive to make an effective contribution to the future sustainability of the area.”
The site would not meet the standards required for social housing. The same standards apply for housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The scale of the proposed number of pitches poses a real risk of escalating fear and tension within the local community, which would be contrary to encouraging and developing good relations between Gypsy Travellers and the settled community.
Notwithstanding the above, the independent inspector’s report concluded the site was only suitable for 2 pitches after reviewing all the evidence. It is not clear what has changed for the VOG to conclude that a 350% increase in the number of pitches is suitable.
Mixing families from the Gypsy and Traveller community. The Welsh Government’s approach to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA) emphasizes culturally appropriate, safe, and secure accommodation that meets the needs of families, rather than dictating the forced mixing of specific family groups on sites. The guidance was updated in March 2025.
In addition to being in a designated Special Landscape Area and the site is adjacent to the Llangan Conservation Area. The RLDP background paper acknowledges the importance of protecting views and landscape character within these areas. The proposed expansion to seven pitches risks materially affecting the rural character and important views from the conservation area of Llangan.
The VOG’s previous agreement in 2017 to return the site to the community for use as an allotment is a key illustration of achieving this objective. The proposed extension of the site for 7 pitches does not promote this objective, but wholly detracts from it. Llangan does not any other land to enhance and promote community facilities and services. Further, as the VOG is aware, the Community Council is not seeking funding from the VOG for the maintenance of the site which the VOG agreed to transfer management of to the Community Council.
The fact that the VOG own the site is not a reason on its own for extending the site from 2 to 7 pitches. Further, the fact that the VOG were, through its predecessors in time, party to a lawful undertaking to clear the site and return it to its previous agricultural status, coupled with the VOG’s agreement to transfer the management of the site to the Community Council is evidence of a competing obligation in law for the use of the site.
For the reasons set out above, the allocation of the site at Llangan for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches is not justified and is inconsistent with the Council’s own policy framework and previous legal commitments and community agreements made in 2017 relating to the land. The site should therefore be removed from the Replacement Local Development Plan and transferred to the Community Council to be used as a community space and allotments