Remove site HG1(8) Land at Clive Road, St Athan

I bought my property over 24 years ago on the understanding before signing the paperwork that nothing would ever be built on the land in front Annington Homes said there would most definitely not be anything built due to it being next to the golf club land and being the flight path for the RAF base, this land has never in all my time living in st Athan previously as a child had anything on it and used to be used for open space as football and play area for children and a walking area for dog walkers which it still is being. I understand that the golf club were refused extension to their land onto this due to it being unsafe so how is putting 51 properties safer? We have daily aircraft flying low over this area, police helicopter, rescue helicopter, jets, training aircraft and commercial aircraft so how is building more houses safer than having extension to a golf course. We as home owners pay council tax and annual fees to Eastvale management company to manage land that appears will be removed when we have been unable to have this land ourselves to provide more parking area but will have this taken for council to provide council housing and parking 😡 this is a very quiet part of st athan and residents in this street work shifts and enjoy the peace which with building work going on for a very long time will cause a lot of stress and disturbance. More traffic will build up along the main road in and out of st athan also. It will also result in home owners reluctantly giving up their homes and causing a lot of upset to those who have lived here a long time and have brought their kids up in this area. There is also the worry of what will be moving into the area and the impact it will have on the community.

- This field is used for dog walking & recreation by local community. Its the only area we have left in this area of St Athan.
- Infrastructure is extremely poor in St Athan especially here where we are separated from the village by a very steep hill. The buses are 1 per hour and often skip St Athan when they are delayed
- The green space along Clive Road belongs to the estate. Residents already struggle with parking on the narrow road so the entrance on suggested plans will not work.

I think the site is not suitable for the proposed planning for a number of reasons.
The access will create a major problem as it is off the only road in and out of that side of the current estate, plus the facilities in the area are already inadequate, eg schools, doctors, shops.
The land is almost directly under the flight path, so planes coming in to land would be extremely close to the proposed flats/houses which is dangerous.
With so much land available on the old air force base, why not put houses there.

This is one of the only few remaining available patches of grass to walk my dog in the local area, that aren't recreational grounds used for sports. Previously accessible green land in the area have had new housing estates built on them such as by the gathering place. I also take my daughter to play football safely in the old basketball court, as here she's not at risk of getting injured by traffic.

I object to the building on Clive Road as this land is actively used daily by myself and lots of others as a safe area to exercise our dogs.
There a few places locally where dogs can run off lead in a safe environment.
It is also a safe area for lone women to walk and exercise which I fully appreciate and need due to having health issues.

I object to the building on land at Clive Road as the local community including myself and family use this field for exercise of our dogs and to take our grandchildren to play.
There are few safe flat areas locally where dogs can run free and children can play safely in a natural environment.
As a person over sixty it’s important to have areas that are accessible for our age group where we feel safe.

East Camp has very few green spaces. This site is an important third space that is used frequently by the community here. I myself have used this site to walk my dog, walk with friends or to simply get outside to clear my head and get away. If it is taken away It will be a bit loss for the area.

First and foremost, the field alongside Clive Road is busy with dog walkers and children playing. Do we really need more housing, especially here when there are more suitable locations without trying to cram hundreds more into a small space? St. Athan does not have the infrastructure to accommodate more people. If the land is used, it would be better suited to businesses, shops or a base for police or ambulance.

This field is used by many residents in the area. It’s one of the few green spaces left for residents on East Camp after the Parc Wen estate took most of it.

Children play here, dogs are walked here and I feel that putting housing on this land would be detrimental to the community.

We, also, do not have the infrastructure in place for the houses that are here now and if this goes ahead it would put a strain on the community as well as bringing the price of houses in the area down.

This Field and basketball court are used daily by the community for leasure and community gatherings. It has been used for such things for 20+ years.
The infrastructure in St Athan is poor at best with the nearest shop being over half a mile away.
Transport links are also awful in the area with the bus times not even linking with train times in LLANTWIT MAJOR!
The lost of the field would have a negative impact on the mental health/ quality of life of the community already losing the field next to the gathering place a well as others.

I have lived in Drake close for 22 years my only entry/exit being via Clive road. I note there are those who say this is a " much used green space ". This I believe on my evidence to be disingenuous. I have NEVER seen children playing in the grassed area and only once or twice a year I have seen children kicking a ball about in the hard court area. The field IS used by dog owners to let their pets run and defaecate at will. The field is rarely mown. I support the use for much needed housing.

This land is used so frequently by the local community for dog walks and children. We have no safe enclosures like this to divert to if this land is built on.

I understand that the need for more housing, however there isn’t enough services and safe spaces in St Athan before adding extra housing

I oppose the Clive road proposal, as I believe social housing needs to be supported by infrastructure, shops, pharmacy etc in particular and there is zero provision at this end of St Athan. I believe there is little justification sacrificing this valuable community space unless more is done to develop at least local shops at the Eglwys Brewis, Flemingston Road area of St Athan where there are several planned developments.

I'm utterly shocked as to thick you think it's ok to build more houses on are only green space,it is used by all, for walk dog grandchild play safely . Why do you need to build more houses it's not viable for the village and sertaley not for us the residents on the estate.

It's on Clive Road Field, the proposal over private land which the local resident have paid for and maintain, this will be a big loss. We don't have enough open green space as it is.

I object to the development of Clive Rd Field as I believe it will impact negatively on biodiversity, human and wildlife wellbeing, traffic and congestion in the surrounding area.
Please stop developing our community green spaces before there are none left.

I grew up in Clive Road and as a child I have built snowmen on the field, walked dogs, played, picked wild flowers and berries to make crumble and pies. I still walk dogs there when I visit. I feel building on this field will limit exercise, play and the freedom that I had as a child, and now also as an adult to walk freely in an open space. The field is used continuously throughout the day by walkers, children and it is a point to meet and socialise with others. Building on the field will be to the disadvantage of local peoples who have used the field daily, and for children learning about the outdoors, biodiversity and wildlife. It will have an impact on people’s mental health that use this space daily also not to even mention the building/construction right opposite the houses that house animals, this will cause major stress for them as it will be extremely loud!

I wish to object to any redevelopment of this long-standing natural area.

There are less and less natural habitat areas for insects and animals to breed, lay their eggs, develop and mature into adults to continue the cycle of biodiversity.

Many insects are dying away, possibly never to be replenished again! This will affect other species and plants that rely on them for their cycle of life, as everything is interlinked in the biodiversity of nature.

Please stop selling off land for profit and start truly protecting life and the planet before it's too late and for greed you have destroyed everything!

I want to have this included in the Consultation please as an official objection, thank you.

Yours faithfully
Susan Jones CertHSC(Open)
People's Forum Wales

DON'T CLOSE/BUILD ON THE FIELD 🤬

That field is there specifically for walking the dogs around because there are alot of animals around here and there to play with them on too

If that goes there's gonna be nothing left you've already built on the last field a few years ago and now you've gone too far I don't want that field to go like I said it's there for a reason for walking and playing with the dogs and because alot of animals around St Athans

SAVE THE FIELD 😭
NO BUILDING ON IT 🤬

I wish to express my concern regarding the proposed housing developments at this site.
My very first visit here was about 6 years ago and my reason for the visit was to look for a species of spider namely, Wasp Spider. Knowing this area well it looked excellent for this species.
These Spiders were discovered in the Thaw Valley not very far from this site the year before. Wasp Spiders in this area represent the first record for Wales.
As hoped the area held good numbers of Wasp Spiders despite the dog walkers and public use.
Over the course of 6 years and many visits I have also, along with many common Species of birds and insects discovered Essex Skipper Butterflies and Roesel`s Bush Crickets, both quite rare in this area.
It would be a shame to see another area of unique biodiversity lost to housing!

This piece of land is used daily for people to walk dogs, children play on this field and a much needed green space easily accessible to many.

Hello,
I would like to put forward my opinion on the plans to develop the Clive road field. There has been much opposition from locals regard the field including them knocking on people's doors asking us to email in against the development.

I for one am absolutely and wholeheartedly in favour of the development. The field isn't used by the community at all. The local children do not play there either; they cannot play there safely at all. That field is only used by local dog owners most of whom refuse to pick after their dogs. This problem is made worse in summer when the grass is left to grow to above knee height, making the excrement impossible to see. I have never once witnessed any children playing there in my 10 years of living overlooking the field. Every single person going into that field is an adult with a dog and the majority of dogs are immediately taken off the lead and left to run loose.

The smell in the field from the excrement is unpleasant in the heat of summer and the extra housing would be welcome. The field is currently at best an overgrown dog toilet and at worst a health and safety risk from off lead dogs and their excrement. The local dog owners who oppose the development are only doing so because they will be forced to use the open spaces in the east camp estate where the children actually do play and where they will be under more pressure to pick up after their pets, whereas the field offers the perfect cover.

Please please do get rid of the dog toilet.

Regards

Clive Road Field.

Objections to the plans.

This is a fine space for all ages to enjoy, walk the dogs in, good for mental health and wellbeing.

It is important to live up to promises of prioritising nature and the environment in acknowledged emergency.

Where are the facilities to meet the needs of more residents when already an issue for the local population's needs

This will add even further to the current traffic congestion problems.

John Davies.

Remove the housing allocation for Clive Road Field and re designate the site as protected community green space to support placemaking, wellbeing, and sustainable growth in St Athan.

I am writing to object to the proposed housing allocation at Clive Road, St Athan (51 units) in the Vale of Glamorgan Deposit RLDP (2021–2036) and to request that the site is removed (de-allocated) at adoption.

1. The allocation conflicts with the RLDP’s own strategic distribution logic.
The Deposit RLDP confirms a “Sustainable Growth Strategy” that focuses development in a Strategic Growth Area. Clive Road is not a strategic site and its inclusion appears to be driven by a package deal arrangement rather than spatial strategy.

2. Weak alignment with national planning policy.
Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 expects growth to be concentrated in locations with high accessibility and public transport. Clive Road does not meet this threshold due to its rural setting.

3. Over-concentration of growth in St Athan.
Other major allocations (Church Farm and Land West of St Athan) already place significant development pressure on the village. Adding Clive Road further intensifies unsustainable car-dependent expansion.

4. Delivery-led rather than policy-led reasoning.
Council documentation confirms the Clive Road allocation is tied to a housing package deal rather than best spatial performance.
Requested change: Remove/de-allocate Clive Road from the Deposit RLDP.


Strategic Need for Community Infrastructure in St Athan
St Athan is already accommodating substantial planned growth, including more than 1,100 homes across Church Farm and Land West of St Athan (as noted in your existing document). With this scale of population increase, local policy requirements in the RLDP and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) emphasise a matching increase in community, recreational, and social infrastructure.
Clive Road is a community space, used for the community by the community on a daily basis.
Allocating Clive Road Field as community space would:
• Address the infrastructure deficit resulting from cumulative development.
• Provide a central, walkable green space for existing and future residents.
• Support RLDP placemaking goals by improving access to recreation, wellbeing amenities, and active travel.
Proximity to the Golf Club Does Not Reduce the Need for Allocated Community Green Space
The presence of St Athan Golf Club does not lessen or replace the requirement for accessible public green space within the settlement. Golf courses are privately owned, fee based leisure facilities, not public open spaces, and therefore cannot be counted toward the RLDP’s standards for usable recreational or community land

2. Alignment With Placemaking Principles (Planning Policy Wales)
PPW sets out five key “placemaking outcomes,” including:
• Health & Wellbeing
• Active, Social Places
• Locally Distinctive Communities
Repurposing Clive Road Field for community space directly supports these outcomes by:
• Offering safe outdoor space for residents of all ages.
• Encouraging walking, informal play, and outdoor activity.
• Preserving a familiar, village scale landscape element that contributes to St Athan’s identity.
Housing on this site, by contrast, would worsen dispersal, car dependence, and loss of green amenity — contrary to PPW.

3. Accessibility Advantage Over Other Locations
Clive Road Field has a uniquely beneficial location:
• It sits within an established residential area, meaning residents can easily access it without driving.
• It provides a natural buffer and relief space between housing clusters.
• It enables inclusive access for children, elderly residents, and those with mobility challenges.
This makes it more suitable for community use than peripheral or private green spaces that lack public accessibility.
4. Mitigating the Cumulative Impact of Large Allocations
With the village absorbing two major strategic allocations, St Athan is at risk of:
• Settlement over intensification
• Loss of green breaks between housing areas
• Increased pressure on play facilities, walking areas, and open space
Retaining Clive Road Field as community space:
• Balances the impact of new housing estates
• Ensures the community is not left with insufficient recreation land
• Meets RLDP open space standards, which require accessible green space within 400–600m of homes

5. Preventing Settlement Coalescence and Preserving Village Character
Clive Road Field provides an important visual and spatial break within the built form of St Athan.
Development would eliminate this break, reducing the village’s rural character and contributing to urbanisation inconsistent with:
• PPW guidance on rural settlement character
• RLDP design and landscape policies
A community space designation would protect local distinctiveness.

6. Demonstrated Community Value and Potential Uses
Local open spaces deliver quantifiable social value. Clive Road Field could support:
• Informal recreation
• Community events
• Play areas or outdoor gym equipment
• Community gardens or biodiversity areas
• A safe route for active travel between neighbourhoods
Such uses strengthen social cohesion and align with Welsh Government’s commitment to promoting healthy, resilient communities.

Conclusion
Given the cumulative growth in St Athan, policy requirements for healthy placemaking, and the strategic importance of accessible green space, Clive Road Field offers exceptional value as a community space rather than a housing allocation.
Requested modification:
Remove the housing allocation for Clive Road Field and re designate the site as protected community green space to support placemaking, wellbeing, and sustainable growth in St Athan.

St Athan Community Council requests that the proposed development at Clive Road Field be reconsidered. The Council believes the site should remain as it is and continue to be used as a recreational space for the community. Retaining the field for public use would protect one of the last accessible green spaces in this part of the village and would help reduce additional pressure on local infrastructure and services.

If development is to proceed, the scale of the proposal should be reduced so that a significant portion of the site can remain available for public and recreational use. In addition, consideration should be given to providing a local supermarket or retail facility nearby, as there are currently no shops or services at this end of the village to support an increased population.

St Athan Community Council objects to the proposed development at Clive Road Field. While recognising the need for additional housing, the Council has significant concerns regarding the loss of one of the last accessible green spaces in this part of the village, currently used by residents for recreation and community wellbeing. The proposal would place additional pressure on existing infrastructure, including schools, healthcare services, transport networks, and sewage capacity. This end of the village also lacks local shops or services, increasing reliance on private vehicles. The site’s proximity to the active runway at MOD St Athan also raises suitability concerns. In reiteration, the St Athan community formally objects to the development as proposed.

Build somewhere else, there has already been a lot of building in this area

Clive Road fields are a community resource, building there you take away children's safe place and dog walkers safe place.

This plot was previously identified as being too close to the runway - I do not see that this has changed!
The local community have for a number of years being trying to connect with Addington Homes and the Welsh Government to secure this site for potential allotments and play area. Loss of this site to more housing is not sustainable.
We are putting the greed of landowners/developers over the well-being of residents current and new.

Remove site.

I am writing to submit my formal objection to the above planning application. My concerns relate to the significant and long-term impacts this proposal would have on public open space, safety, local infrastructure, and overall community wellbeing. Residents have used this land openly and continuously for recreational purposes for decades. I urge the Council to ensure this land is not entered into the LDP for the reasons set out below.

1. Loss of Public Open Space and Informal Recreation Land Although the land is not formally designated as a park, it has been used for decades by the community for walking, dog walking, and informal recreation. It is the only large, publicly accessible open space within walking distance for many residents.

The loss of this field would have a clear negative effect on: - Physical and mental health - Older residents and those without transport- Local families and dog walkers

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) emphasises the importance of protecting open space and promoting community wellbeing. TAN 16 (Sport, Recreation and Open Space) also resists the loss of open space unless it is proven surplus to requirements. The Council must therefore demonstrate that this land is not needed by the community-something that is clearly not the case.

If replacement land is considered, it must be equivalent in size, location, accessibility, and usability, which is unlikely to be achievable.

2. Safety and Compatibility with RAF/MOD St Athan (Runway Approach) The site lies near the approach path to the runway at RAF/MOD St Athan. This raises serious safety concerns, including: - Aircraft noise and vibration affecting residents - Increased risk to occupants during aircraft approach or emergency situations - Potential constraints on MOD operations due to new housing - Risk of bird strike if residential landscaping attracts birds - Proximity to Public Safety Zones (PSZs)

I request that the Council obtains: - Formal consultation with MOD St Athan - A full aircraft noise and aviation safety assessment - Clarification regarding the exact position of Public Safety Zones

If the MOD objects, this should carry substantial weight.

3. Highway Safety, Access, and Parking IssuesLocal roads-particularly Clive Road and other connecting streets-already experience: - Heavy on-street parking - Narrow and restricted carriageways - Poor visibility and turning space

Adding further traffic from new housing would: - Increase accident risk - Reduce emergency vehicle access - Create congestion at peak times - Place further strain on an already limited public transport system

It is the Council's responsibility to demonstrate that the highway network can safely accommodate the additional traffic. At present, it cannot. Active travel routes are minimally used, are purposeful for young people who have no responsibilities or disabilities, and for fair weather and so cannot be a consideration in the case to reduce congestion.

4. Strain on Local Infrastructure (Schools, Health, Services) St Athan's population has increased 22% in just 11 years, yet local infrastructure has not expanded to meet this demand.

Current issues include: - One small primary school with only one class per year group - Overstretched GP and dental services - Limited community and recreational facilities

By comparison, Cowbridge has a smaller population than St Athan, yet benefits from three primary schools and one comprehensive school.With new developments already built-and more planned on the old athletic track and Burley Place-this proposal would worsen already critical infrastructure shortages.

Planning policy requires sustainable development, not simply achieving housing targets.

5. Lack of Alternative Green Space Provision There are no other large, accessible green spaces within reasonable walking distance. The loss of this field would disproportionately affect: - Elderly residents - Children and families - Individuals without cars

TAN 16 supports the protection of such spaces where no suitable alternatives exist.

Replacement green space elsewhere is not an acceptable substitute.

6. Biodiversity and Environmental Impact Even informal fields support a range of wildlife. Concerns include: - Loss of wildlife corridors and habitats - Potential removal of hedgerows or mature trees - Increased light, noise, and domestic disturbance - Failure to meet biodiversity net-gain expectations

Developers must demonstrate not only no net loss but ideally a net gain in biodiversity.

7. Failure to Meet Sustainable Development PrinciplesUnder Welsh planning law, sustainable development is central. This proposal conflicts with these principles by: - Removing essential green space - Encouraging car dependency - Increasing pressure on already stretched services - Reducing long-term community resilience

The development does not meet the requirements of a sustainable, health-promoting community.

8. Community Value / Potential Town or Village Green Status Residents have used this land openly and continuously for recreational purposes for decades. The field would meet the criteria for: - Town or Village Green registration - Asset of Community Value (ACV) listing

Even if not successful, these processes highlight the land's importance and further justify refusal.

Conclusion For the reasons outlined above-including loss of vital open space, safety risks linked to RAF/MOD operations, inadequate infrastructure, biodiversity concerns, and unsustainable development principles-I respectfully request that the Council refuses this planning application.

Thank you for considering my objection.

Scrap it. St Athan is too small for the current traffic flow as it stands. The roads are narrow, and the amenities are 3rd world considering the housing we already have. Do nature a favour for once and leave the field alone.

Clive Road field has provided a small but necessary service to the local residents and wild animals and insects for many years. St Athan has already seen so much nature destroyed over the past decade due to 'housing needs'. Clive Road field is used on a daily basis by families for dog walking, children playing, and some of the older generation who like to get out for a short walk. There are very few areas left in St Athan that satisfy these needs. Furthermore, this proposed plan is just another step towards destroying a small, but delicate eco system.

Fully consider concerns as part of the process.

St Athan Community Council objects to the proposed development at Clive Road Field.
The Council acknowledges the need for additional housing within the Vale of Glamorgan. However, the proposal raises significant concerns regarding the loss of valued green space, the suitability of the site for residential development, and the ability of existing infrastructure and services to accommodate further growth.

Loss of Green Space and Local Amenity
The proposed development would result in the loss of one of the last remaining areas of accessible green space within this part of the village. The field is used informally by residents for recreation, including children’s play and dog walking, and contributes positively to the character and wellbeing of the local community. The loss of this space would be detrimental to local amenity and would undermine the protection and enhancement of the green infrastructure network.

Infrastructure and Services
The Community Council has significant concerns regarding the capacity of existing infrastructure to support additional development. Local residents have highlighted pressures on schools, healthcare services, transport networks, and essential utilities. In particular, there are concerns that the existing sewage network may not have sufficient capacity to accommodate the increased demand generated by the proposed development.
In the absence of clear and robust evidence demonstrating that the necessary infrastructure improvements can be delivered, the proposal risks placing additional strain on already limited services.

Traffic and Transportation
The development would likely result in a material increase in traffic on the local highway network. Local roads within St Athan already experience congestion, and public transport services in the area are limited. Without appropriate mitigation measures and improvements to sustainable transport options, the proposal could have an adverse impact on highway safety and the efficient operation of the local transport network.

Access to Services
This end of the village currently has no local shops or nearby services. Future residents would therefore be required to travel elsewhere within the village or to neighbouring settlements to access everyday amenities. As a result, the development would be likely to increase reliance on private vehicles, contrary to the principles of sustainable development.

Proximity to MOD St Athan Airfield
The site lies in close proximity to the active runway at MOD St Athan. The suitability of the site for residential development in such close proximity to operational aviation infrastructure raises concerns regarding potential noise impacts and compatibility with ongoing airfield operations. These factors should be carefully assessed when considering the appropriateness of residential development in this location.

Planning Policy Conflict
For the reasons outlined above, the Community Council considers that the proposal is contrary to key policies within the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan, including:
• Policy SP1 – Delivering the Strategy, which seeks to ensure development takes place in sustainable locations supported by appropriate infrastructure.
• Policy SP7 – Transportation, which requires development to minimise adverse impacts on the highway network and promote sustainable transport.
• Policy SP18 – Green Infrastructure, which aims to protect and enhance the Vale’s network of green spaces.
• Policy MD2 – Design of New Development, which requires development to respect local character, protect amenity, and provide appropriate access to services and facilities.

Conclusion
In summary, the proposed development would result in the loss of valued green space, place additional pressure on local infrastructure and services, increase reliance on private vehicles due to limited access to local facilities, and raises concerns due to its proximity to an active runway.
We respectfully request that these concerns are fully considered as part of the planning consultation process.
In reiteration, the St Athan Community Council formally objects to the proposed development at Clive Road, St Athan, as the proposals currently stand.

To the Planning Committee.

As a resident of East Camp, I strongly oppose the proposed development of Clive Road Field.

This is now our only green space following the large housing estate built in recent years which took away access for walking. As a disabled person, Clive Road Field is accessible for short walks. There are also field mice nests and an array of bugs when the grass is allowed to grow here.

We have now had a few housing developments in this area without any investment in infrastructure, with more planned at the top of the village. Our transport links are poor, access to GP and other services are limited unless you drive, so please, leave us some space for our wellbeing and make use of the alternative brown sites which arose from the development of Bro Tathan.