I wish to oppose RLDP ID 379 Proposal Number SP12(2), on the grounds of the position and proposed access road to and from this Lidle development will be a major safety concern and danger both to the traffic through the village of Llanmaes and to the traffic on the Llantwit Major bypass B-4265. The current Llanmaes village traffic consists of mainly light vehicles and some HGV, whilst the B-4265 is increasingly HGV, supplying quarried materials to Aberthaw Cement works. Both roads are used extensively by cyclists particularly through the village since this is the recognised Vale cycleway to Ewenny. The single footpath through the village to the traffic light controlled crossings is more importantly the main route used by pedestrians both residents and visitors, including local school children going to and from the schools in Llantwit Major, plus many runners and walkers from the larger recreational areas. In addition there are stables and a riding school just before the exit of the village with the junction with the B-4265. I am of the opinion that as indicated on the Lidl proposal it will only be a matter of time before serious accidents, injuries and fatalities will occur.

Additionally I support Proposal Number ID 436 Number DNP2 (6), for the Conservation /Green Wedge to prevent the coalescence of Llanmaes and Llantwit Major and hence preserve the unique village amenity of the Llanmaes setting which is enjoyed by residents of both locations and the many walkers,runners and cyclists who daily frequent the village and adjoining countryside.

I would like to submit comments with regard to the consultation process on the Deposit (Draft) Plan for the RLDP.

Conservation/ Green Wedge. Site ID 436 Proposal Number DNP2(6)

All of the land between the village of Llanmaes and the Llantwit Major by-pass should be dedicated to a Green Wedge and thus exempted from any development. It is important to resist a coalescence between town and village. Any single development would undermine the principle of countryside protection and provide a precedent for further intrusions. The Llanmaes Conservation area should be protected. I understand that, at present, the site of the proposed retail development is unprotected, pending the outcome of the Inquiry. Granting permission for the store to be developed would undermine, render pointless the idea of coalescence-avoidance and countryside protection.

Retail - Land at Bridge House Farm Site ID 379 Proposal Number SP12(2)

The proposed Lidll development should be rejected for the following reasons:

It would introduce a coalescence of town and Village, an action that goes against present policy. The coalescing effect would be accentuated by the increased traffic, the increase in visitors and the negative effects such as littering that would accompany greater human presence.

It would be situated outside the RDLP's defined Strategic Growth Area.

It would mark a major intrusion into the countryside, visually and in terms of human movement.

It may be the case that, especially with prospect of 500 houses to be built near St Athan, that an additional supermarket might be necessary to meet the needs of the growing population. It doesn't make more sense to site the development in Green Wedge land, on a difficult corner, resulting in an inevitable increase in traffic, a loss of countryside and adding a visual plight to the local perspective.

I have already commented on this site under the 'green wedge' proposal which I support.

I believe that this proposal is necessary to ensure that there is not 'urban creep' of Llantwit Major into the rural vale. Llanmaes is a separate community and whilst currently part of the Llantwit Major electoral organisation will not be in the future. Llanmaes is a rual community with agricultural traffic and regular horse movements through the village and joining onto Llantwit Major would have a significant detrimental effect on the village. This gree wedge would protect the setting of the Llanmaes Conservation Area.

I support this proposal because I don't want Llanmaes and Llantwit Major to become one amorphous mass. Llanmaes is a rural village and should be kept that way. It also protects the Llanmaes conservation area.

Green Wedge/Conservation. Land Between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes Site D436 Proposal Number DNP2(6)
I would strongly support the proposal for a 'green wedge' for the land between the village of Llanmaes and the Llantwit major bypass, but this should also include the land currently under proposal for the above retail development site. This would protect this land from further hostile development proposals, protect the intrusion into the countryside and the setting of the Llanmaes Conservation Area and protect the village against physical and visual coalescence with a town, protecting its rural and village character. It would protect the setting of the Llanmaes Conservation Area as per the adopted Management Plan.
Flood Alleviation
There is a desperate need for not just a flood alleviation plan, but action to protect the residents of Llanmaes from the continuing effects of flooding in the area. More properties have been affected this year. Recently our own 400-year-old property, which has never been previously affected, was subjected to a backlog of sewage from the main sewer in the road on which we live. Fortunately, a manhole on our drive gave way under the pressure, releasing water and sewage down the road. Otherwise, like other properties in the village we would be at risk of the property itself flooding with sewage.
I would call upon both the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government to come up with a coherent, joined up plan and solution to this long running problem and implement it with urgency.
No building should be allowed in the village until a solution has been completed, there is too much risk to existing properties.

Conservation /Green Wedge - land between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes Ste ID 436 Proposal Number DNP (6)
In order to preserve the conservation status of Llanmaes as a small rural village community with agriculture as its mainstay, including a Church dating back to 1234, ancient ruins, listed dwellings, the setting up of this Green Wedge is essential. It will also ensure there is no risk of coalescence betwee Llanmaes and the nearby small town of Llantwit Major.
Llanmaes is a small , but thriving community accessed from Siggingston, St Mary Church, St Athan, Eglwys Brewis, and indeed Llantwit Major by a network of narrow unclassed lanes. These are enjoyed by walkers, horse riders, cyclists and of course shared by motor vehicles, incuding numerous working agricultural traffic. The proposed Green Wedge would serve to conserve this village as part of a network of small villages , which it is important to preserve, and is of particuar relevance as Llanmaes will form part of a group of villages as part of the Boundary Commission's recommended changes.

Hi, The land between the Village of Llanmaes and the Llantwit Major Bypass should be designated as Green Wedge , us villages don’t won’t Llantwit Major joining our village . Protects the conservation area as previously mentioned by CADW .and should restrict building work of any description as this should remain Greenfields for the beauty on views of our countryside and Historical Church .
Resident of Llanmaes :-

A Green wedge area should be designated between Llanmaes and Llantwit Major bypass, Which would protect the Llanmaes conservation area & also Protect our Countryside .

I attended the consultation at CF61 about the RLDP and was advised to write to you with my comments.

I was pleased to see that in the RLDP that the fields adjacent to the LLantwit Major Bypass (site ID 436 Proposal number DN2(6) is designated as a Green wedge That application was made by our Community council and I fully support this proposal. the reasons they gave and I agree with this , are that protection of the open country side, protects against the coalescence of the town and our rural village, and protects the setting of the conservation area.



I see that the Planning policy has ring fenced the location of the proposed Lidl development (ID 379 Proposal number SP12(2) that is currently called in by the Welsh government . You will be aware that the Planning committee voted against the recommendation of the planning officer. when they made there decision, that is now being challenged as procedurally against a lot of Vale and Welsh Government policies. Looking forward to this site being included in the green wedge when this ridicules decision is over turned

I note with interest that several fields to the north east of Llanmaes have been designated as potential solar farm sites. These very fields are partially responsible for the flooding risk in Llanmaes. I suspect that solar farms would not help this problem.

The deferred flood alleviation scheme for Llanmaes affected our land in Siginstone lane. The RLDP mentions this scheme several times but no response has been forth coming. The village floods and for many many years The council and the Welsh government have put in funding in 2023, the Welsh government allocated £3,090,855 and in 24/25 £16,000 to solve this. Nothing has yet happened, indeed in the RLDP it is mentioned extensively that the village floods but we cannot see what specific directions have been made to resolve this problem. I urge the Vale council to liaise with the Welsh government about bringing this forward and mention in the deposit plan.
I appreciate that the costs of the plan increased substantially with the fuel costs of the Ukraine war and probable is increasing again. however parts of the plan , reprofiling the road and channeling flood water away from housing could have made a difference without the extensive earth works in fields referred too above. If my suggestion of extensive tree planting in above fields instead of bunds and channels had been implemented the risks may already be reduced.

Conservation/Green Wedge - land between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes Ste ID 436 Proposal Number DNP (6)

In order to preserve the conservation status of Llanmaes as a small rural village community with agriculture as its mainstay, there must be no risk of coalescence with Llantwit Major. Llanmaes has a distinct identity meaning that, the setting up of this Green Wedge is essential.
Llanmaes is a small , but thriving community accessed from Sigingstone, St Mary Church, St Athan, Eglwys Brewis, and indeed Llantwit Major by a network of narrow unclassified lanes. These are enjoyed by walkers, horse riders, cyclists and of course shared by motor vehicles, including numerous working agricultural traffic. The proposed Green Wedge would serve to conserve this village as part of a network of small villages , which it is important to preserve, and is of particular relevance as Llanmaes will form part of a group of villages as part of the Boundary Commission's recommended changes.

1. Conservation / Green Wedge - Land between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes [Site ID 436 Proposal Number DNP6(6)]
I would like to endorse this proposal: it ensures that the Llanmaes Conservation Area is protected. It prevents the coalescence of urban and rural environments, namely Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. The fields included in the Green Wedge create an important, peaceful transit zone into Vale lanes and countryside much loved and appreciated not only by Llanmaes residents but also (dog) walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders who regularly visit this area. The Green Wedge would allow the continuation of a valuable asset that supports the wellbeing of villagers and visitors. Should fields not be protected this would open the floodgates to speculative development and loss of further green space.

1. Green Wedge/Conservation DNP2 Site 6 Land between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes
Llanmaes Community Council strongly supports this allocation (originally proposed and promoted by ourselves) within the RLDP Deposit Plan. This designation protects this area of open countryside against intrusions from the urban form. It also protects against the visual and physical coalescence of the Town of Llantwit Major and the Village of Llanmaes and protects the setting of the Llanmaes Conservation Area consistent with its adopted Management Plan. Development pressure on this strip of green space is significant as evidenced by the various housing, mixed and retail proposals made to date as part of the RLDP process. Having studied the background papers on the allocation of Green Wedges throughout the Vale of Glamorgan we note that this area scores the highest of all the Green Wedges across the county, including the five existing ones, as recorded in RLDP Background Paper 27 and tested against the Welsh Government’s five purposes for designation of a Green Wedge. Therefore, we are very grateful to the RLDP team for their positive evaluation of this site for this classification. We also note the adjustments made to the area covered by the Green Wedge between that originally proposed by ourselves and that in the Deposit Plan and with the exception of the tentative retail designation of the Bridge House Farm parcel we have no objections to these.

Land between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes Site ID 436 Proposal DNP2(6). I fully support this to create a green wedge between the village of Llanmaes and the Llantwit Major By Pass for the following reasons.
Protects the land from future development
Llanmaes is a village and rural community and Llantwit Major is a town and urban community and it is important that coalescence does not exist between these two communities
Protects the views from the Llanmaes Conservation Area as detailed in the Vale of Glamorgan adopted conservation management plan.

The conservation /green wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes must be kept to protect the countryside and separate a village and a town.
The village currently suffers from flooding and a flood alleviation scheme is desperately needed. Further development of the village would be disastrous.
The proposal of a supermarket would be detrimental to a village and the infrastructure could not cope with increased traffic and heavy goods vehicles delivering to the supermarket.

I strongly object to the development of this field which is a natural border between the rural settlement of Llanmaes and the town of Llantwit Major. Development in this open countryside area and next to the llanmaes conservation area is against Welsh planning policy, and coalescence of town and village should be avoided.
I support the proposal of a green wedge

Change to Green Wedge boundary.

As part of the Deposit Plan, updated Proposals and Constraints Maps have been published by the Council. The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out the Vale of Glamorgan’s green wedge designations. For context, a number of Green Wedge designations (7 in total) are made by the existing adopted LDP (the Development Plan). The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out that the Vale of Glamorgan Council proposes a designated Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, accordingly, one of 2 new / additional green wedges (responding to submissions made through the RLDP Candidate Site Process). For ease of reference, an extract of the relevant Proposals Map is provided below:

Deposit Plan Proposals Map

Alongside the Proposals Map, the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out and includes Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) which states the following:

“Green wedges have been identified to prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land at the following locations:
1. Between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough;
2. North West of Sully;
3. North of Wenvoe;
4. Between Barry and Rhoose;
5. South Penarth to Sully; and
6. Between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
Within these areas development which prejudices the open nature of the land will not be permitted.”

The subtext to the policy also sets out the following:

“6.417. Therefore, within the areas defined by the green wedges there will be a presumption against inappropriate development19 which would contribute to urban coalescence, prejudice the open nature of the land, or have an adverse impact upon the setting of an urban area. In applying this protection, however, it is recognised that individual or small groups of dwellings exist within the designations and that activities such as agriculture, forestry and recreation, occur. Consequently, development associated with existing uses will be limited to minor structures which are strictly ancillary to existing uses. Details of each of the designations are contained within the Green Wedge Background Paper”.

These Representations (Objections)

We appreciate the intention of the Llanmaes and Llantwit Major green wedge is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land” – in this case and instance Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

Whilst we do not raise objection to the designation of a Green Wedge per se (i.e. an outright objection to the principle and / or extent of some of the designation proposed) we do object to the particular extent of, and precise definition of, its extent. Accordingly, our clients’ representations seek to omit their land ‘West Croft, Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge, for the reasons set out below, and evidenced as follows.

Again, and for clarity, our client’s property extends to the following:
Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red)

The clients land relative to the proposed green wedge designation is shown more precisely and closely by the following extract from the proposals map.

In terms of evidence behind the inferred designation, importantly, the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) November 2025 sets out the following guidance on Green Wedge designations, paragraph 2.5. states “Planning Policy Wales Edition 12 (February 2024) (PPW) advises that green wedges must be soundly based and should only be employed where there is a demonstrable need to protect the urban form and alternative policy mechanisms, such as settlement boundaries, would not be sufficiently robust.” (GJP emphasis).
In respect to the detailed assessment of the case for designation of a / the Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes in the Vale of Glamorgan Green Wedge Assessment, in Stage B: Assessment of development pressure, the following is recorded / set out: “With the exception of the recent retail application detailed below, there is no significant general development pressure identified within the area proposed for a green wedge other than applications associated with agricultural practices, householder applications, flood defence and previous Defence Training Academy proposals”. This clearly records that “there is no significant general development pressure identified”.

Furthermore, the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) sets out in paragraph 2.3, “Green Wedges are local designations which serve as an urban containment mechanism intended to restrict the spread of built development beyond designated settlement boundaries and allocated development sites. Where designated, they comprise the open areas around, and between, parts of settlements and seek to maintain the distinction between the countryside and built-up areas and prevent urban coalescence. Their designation, although non-statutory, adds an additional layer of protection to those areas where it is considered that development pressure exists or will exist during the lifetime of a development plan”. Given the minimal development pressure identified above, it is therefore difficult to justify the need for an urban containment mechanism in this location.

Given this, it is questioned as to whether the designation is necessary as the B4265 provides an adequate and sufficient barrier to development north of the by-pass – which is designated as ‘countryside’ and does not adjoin a/the settlement boundary (to either Llantwit Major and / or Llanmaes), and is significantly protected in policy terms as a result.

It is clear and evident that Llanmaes, and by association the clients land is separated from Llantwit Major by not only the significant corridor of the ‘by-pass’, but also a significant and mature tree belt that follows the course of the watercourse running in an east-west direction, this is depicted by the following annotated aerial photograph:
Defensible Boundaries between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Paragraph 2.6 sets out the “Vale of Glamorgan has incorporated green wedge policy and designations in multiple development plans over many years to protect the openness or countryside and settings of urban areas” (GJP emphasis). Given our client’s land is directly adjoining the settlement boundary, and visually and functionally associated with the built form of the village, the land does not exhibit the characteristics of the open countryside. The site forms part of the curtilage of the West Croft property, and appears as a continuation of the village. In contrast, the land to the south of Llanmaes Brook displays a clear rural character and represents genuine open countryside. As such, the inclusion of the West Croft land is not warranted, as the intended function of the Green Wedge - to protect the countryside, can be achieved without its inclusion.

The Vale of Glamorgan Green Wedge Assessment assessed the Llantwit Major to Llanmaes wedge as having a “strong distinction from the urban area”. However, this characterisation does not apply to the specific context of the West Croft parcel of land. Given its direct relationship with the built form, both to the north and south, it cannot reasonably be concluded that this land provides a “strong” degree of separation between settlement and countryside.

For these reasons, the justification for including the West Croft land within the Green Wedge is not supported by guidance set out in PPW and the Green Wedge Background Paper. The designation of this parcel is therefore strongly questioned.
Furthermore, Step 18 of the Green Wedge Assessment seeks to ‘Determine whether outer boundary should be adjusted in order to use clear boundary features, or to simplify its form’. Paragraph 3.5. of the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) reiterates the PPW guidance for defining green wedges “boundaries should be chosen carefully using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”. In respect to the Llantwit Major and Llanmaes green wedge, it was considered in the assessment that the wedge should “Use Llanmaes Brook which forms the southern edge of the existing Conservation Area boundary as the northern boundary of most of the green wedge to the southeast”. This suggested alignment is set out in a plan within the assessment – ‘comparing and contrasting’ the candidate site (suggested) Green Wedge boundary with the assessed and considered boundary, which has been extracted below for reference:
Compare and Contrast of Proposed Green Wedge and Candidate Site Green Wedge
It is important to note that this suggested alignment recommends the omission of the objectors (our client’s) land from the designation:
A further comment is passed in the assessment, setting out that “It probably doesn’t really matter if Conservation area and green wedge cover same area. Therefore may be more appropriate to include land to east of Llanmaes Road (both areas of blue line).” For context, the Llanmaes Conservation Area boundary is defined as follows:
Llanmaes Conservation Area

It is relevant and important to note from the assessment of the nearby proposed other Green Wedge designation – Land between the B4265 and Boverton – that the following position was taken in respect to the presence of a Conservation Area in the case “there are several constraints which are considered to prejudice future designation as a green wedge, not least, the inclusion of the land within the Boverton Conservation Area boundary”.

In this case, the Conservation Area was clearly a key factor and contributor (alongside lack of development pressure, as is the case in the Llantwit Major to Llanmaes green wedge) that led to the case for designation of a Green Wedge in that instance and location being rejected, the overall conclusion in that case being that “the land does not warrant the additional protection provided by a green wedge designation and that the existing and emerging policy suite of the adopted Local Development Plan and the Replacement Local Development Plan could adequately prevent inappropriate development on the land.” Given this, and in the interests of consistency, the boundary of the proposed Green Wedge in this case ought to be revised in order to omit the parcel that falls within the Conservation Area boundary – as assessed by the Green Wedge Background Paper.

Summary
The omission of our clients site ‘West Croft’ from the proposed Green Wedge is both evidence based and consistent with the guidance set out by PPW. As such, the revised boundary running adjacent to Llanmaes Brook and the associated vegetation, represents a more robust, defensible, and policy compliant Green Wedge designation.

The following plan depicts a considered more evident and policy compliant extent to any Green Wedge designation:
Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

Summary and Conclusion of these Deposit Representations / Objections

In summary, these representations to the Deposit Plan object to the green wedge designation between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, specifically the inclusion of the West Croft site.

It is considered the assessment for this green wedge is not soundly based. As set out above, the decision to include the West Croft site is not justified given its clear relationship with the village and the absence of development pressure. A more appropriate, evidence-led boundary is therefore put forward, following clear defensible physical features by adjusting the northern edge of the Green Wedge to correspond with Llanmaes Brook.

Given the detailed nature of this representation our clients would be happy to discuss any aspect of this letter when your Authority comes to evaluate the content.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course. In the meantime, however, we hope and trust that all is in order with this submission. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the event that further information is required or considered beneficial.

Representations regarding (objections to) the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Please find enclosed, on behalf of and under instruction from our client, ‘Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)’; ‘Ms Rhian Reid’ and ‘Mr Anthony John Cowling’, representations for consideration as part of Vale of Glamorgan’s RLDP Deposit Plan.

Context to these Representations

This submission comments on the Deposit Plan, specifically the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, this designation includes our client’s site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’, which for clarity extends to the following:

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red)

The site is divided into three parcel’s, each under separate client ownership. For context, the site ownership plan is provided below.

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red and yellow)

Parcel Owner
Parcel 1 Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)
Parcel 2 Ms Rhian Reid
Parcel 3 Mr Anthony John Cowling

The Green Wedge

As part of the Deposit Plan, updated Proposals and Constraints Maps have been published by the Council. The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out the Vale of Glamorgan’s green wedge designations. For context, a number of Green Wedge designations (7 in total) are made by the existing adopted LDP (the Development Plan). The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out that the Vale of Glamorgan Council proposes a designated Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, accordingly, one of 2 new / additional green wedges (responding to submissions made through the RLDP Candidate Site Process). For ease of reference, an extract of the relevant Proposals Map is provided overleaf:

Deposit Plan Proposals Map

Alongside the Proposals Map, the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out and includes Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) which states the following:

“Green wedges have been identified to prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land at the following locations:
1. Between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough;
2. North West of Sully;
3. North of Wenvoe;
4. Between Barry and Rhoose;
5. South Penarth to Sully; and
6. Between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
Within these areas development which prejudices the open nature of the land will not be permitted.”

The subtext to the policy also sets out the following:

“6.417. Therefore, within the areas defined by the green wedges there will be a presumption against inappropriate development19 which would contribute to urban coalescence, prejudice the open nature of the land, or have an adverse impact upon the setting of an urban area. In applying this protection, however, it is recognised that individual or small groups of dwellings exist within the designations and that activities such as agriculture, forestry and recreation, occur. Consequently, development associated with existing uses will be limited to minor structures which are strictly ancillary to existing uses. Details of each of the designations are contained within the Green Wedge Background Paper”.

These Representations (Objections)

We appreciate the intention of the Llanmaes and Llantwit Major green wedge is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land” – in this case and instance Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

Whilst we do not raise objection to the designation of a Green Wedge per se (i.e. an outright objection to the principle and / or extent of some of the designation proposed) we do object to the particular extent of, and precise definition of, its extent. Accordingly, our clients’ representations seek to omit their land ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge, for the reasons set out below, and evidenced as follows.

Again, and for clarity, our client’s ownership site plan is provided below:

Aerial image of our client’s site

Our clients land relative to the proposed green wedge designation is shown more precisely and closely by the following extract from the proposals map.

‘Zoomed in’ Deposit Plan Proposals Map (approx. site location outlined in red)

As Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) of the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out, the intention of a Green Wedge designation, as per PPW guidance, is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements”, which in this case is to prevent the coalescence between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. Whilst we fully appreciate the Vale of Glamorgan’s intentions to prevent the urban coalescence of these two settlements, we question the necessity of including the Glebelands site within the proposed Green Wedge boundary.

Step 18 of the Green Wedge Assessment seeks to ‘Determine whether outer boundary should be adjusted in order to use clear boundary features, or to simplify its form’. Paragraph 3.5. of the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) reiterates the PPW guidance for defining green wedges “boundaries should be chosen carefully using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”. In respect to the Llantwit Major and Llanmaes green wedge, the assessment itself acknowledges that the designation should “Use Llanmaes Brook which forms the southern edge of the existing Conservation Area boundary as the northern boundary of most of the green wedge to the southeast”.

Given this, it is questioned as to why the designation extends northwards beyond the Llanmaes Brook. There are already clear, distinguishable physical features – including the B4265 and the Llanmaes Brook (illustrated on the image below). These physical features are adequate and sufficient barriers to development north of the by-pass – which is designated as ‘countryside’ and does not adjoin a/the settlement boundary (to either Llantwit Major and / or Llanmaes) and is significantly protected in policy terms as a result.

Defensible Boundaries between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Key
Extensive strong woodland belt along and following watercourse
Extensive road corridor

In this context, the designation of the Glebelands site as part of the Green Wedge extends the boundary into an area where there is no demonstrable need for additional restriction, and where the stated purpose of preventing coalescence is already being met by existing physical features and policy context. We therefore propose the following Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, which depicts a considered, more evidence-based extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

The above Green Wedge clearly maintains the intentions of the Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes to “prevent the coalescence of settlements” whilst “using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”.

Accordingly, this refined extent would follow clear physical features whilst still fully achieving the intentions of the wedge, and avoiding the unjustified inclusion of the Glebelands site. For these reasons, we maintain that the Glebelands site should be excluded from the proposed Green Wedge designation.

Summary
The omission of our clients site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge is both evidence-based and consistent with the guidance set out by PPW. As such, the revised boundary running adjacent to Llanmaes Brook and the associated vegetation, represents a more robust, defensible, and policy compliant Green Wedge designation.

The following plan depicts a considered more evident and policy compliant extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

Summary and Conclusion of these Deposit Representations / Objections

In summary, these representations to the Deposit Plan object to the green wedge designation between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, specifically the inclusion of the ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ site.

It is considered the assessment for this green wedge is not soundly based. As set out above, the decision to include the Glebelands site is not justified given that the intentions of the green wedge can be maintained with the omission of our clients site. A more appropriate, evidence-led boundary is therefore put forward, following clear defensible physical features by adjusting the northern edge of the Green Wedge to correspond with Llanmaes Brook.

Given the detailed nature of this representation our clients would be happy to discuss any aspect of this letter when your Authority comes to evaluate the content.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course. In the meantime, however, we hope and trust that all is in order with this submission. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the event that further information is required or considered beneficial.

Representations regarding (objections to) the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Please find enclosed, on behalf of and under instruction from our client, ‘Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)’; ‘Ms Rhian Reid’ and ‘Mr Anthony John Cowling’, representations for consideration as part of Vale of Glamorgan’s RLDP Deposit Plan.

Context to these Representations

This submission comments on the Deposit Plan, specifically the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, this designation includes our client’s site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’, which for clarity extends to the following:

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red)

The site is divided into three parcel’s, each under separate client ownership. For context, the site ownership plan is provided below.

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red and yellow)

Parcel Owner
Parcel 1 Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)
Parcel 2 Ms Rhian Reid
Parcel 3 Mr Anthony John Cowling

The Green Wedge

As part of the Deposit Plan, updated Proposals and Constraints Maps have been published by the Council. The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out the Vale of Glamorgan’s green wedge designations. For context, a number of Green Wedge designations (7 in total) are made by the existing adopted LDP (the Development Plan). The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out that the Vale of Glamorgan Council proposes a designated Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, accordingly, one of 2 new / additional green wedges (responding to submissions made through the RLDP Candidate Site Process). For ease of reference, an extract of the relevant Proposals Map is provided overleaf:

Deposit Plan Proposals Map

Alongside the Proposals Map, the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out and includes Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) which states the following:

“Green wedges have been identified to prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land at the following locations:
1. Between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough;
2. North West of Sully;
3. North of Wenvoe;
4. Between Barry and Rhoose;
5. South Penarth to Sully; and
6. Between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
Within these areas development which prejudices the open nature of the land will not be permitted.”

The subtext to the policy also sets out the following:

“6.417. Therefore, within the areas defined by the green wedges there will be a presumption against inappropriate development19 which would contribute to urban coalescence, prejudice the open nature of the land, or have an adverse impact upon the setting of an urban area. In applying this protection, however, it is recognised that individual or small groups of dwellings exist within the designations and that activities such as agriculture, forestry and recreation, occur. Consequently, development associated with existing uses will be limited to minor structures which are strictly ancillary to existing uses. Details of each of the designations are contained within the Green Wedge Background Paper”.

These Representations (Objections)

We appreciate the intention of the Llanmaes and Llantwit Major green wedge is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land” – in this case and instance Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

Whilst we do not raise objection to the designation of a Green Wedge per se (i.e. an outright objection to the principle and / or extent of some of the designation proposed) we do object to the particular extent of, and precise definition of, its extent. Accordingly, our clients’ representations seek to omit their land ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge, for the reasons set out below, and evidenced as follows.

Again, and for clarity, our client’s ownership site plan is provided below:

Aerial image of our client’s site

Our clients land relative to the proposed green wedge designation is shown more precisely and closely by the following extract from the proposals map.

‘Zoomed in’ Deposit Plan Proposals Map (approx. site location outlined in red)

As Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) of the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out, the intention of a Green Wedge designation, as per PPW guidance, is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements”, which in this case is to prevent the coalescence between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. Whilst we fully appreciate the Vale of Glamorgan’s intentions to prevent the urban coalescence of these two settlements, we question the necessity of including the Glebelands site within the proposed Green Wedge boundary.

Step 18 of the Green Wedge Assessment seeks to ‘Determine whether outer boundary should be adjusted in order to use clear boundary features, or to simplify its form’. Paragraph 3.5. of the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) reiterates the PPW guidance for defining green wedges “boundaries should be chosen carefully using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”. In respect to the Llantwit Major and Llanmaes green wedge, the assessment itself acknowledges that the designation should “Use Llanmaes Brook which forms the southern edge of the existing Conservation Area boundary as the northern boundary of most of the green wedge to the southeast”.

Given this, it is questioned as to why the designation extends northwards beyond the Llanmaes Brook. There are already clear, distinguishable physical features – including the B4265 and the Llanmaes Brook (illustrated on the image below). These physical features are adequate and sufficient barriers to development north of the by-pass – which is designated as ‘countryside’ and does not adjoin a/the settlement boundary (to either Llantwit Major and / or Llanmaes) and is significantly protected in policy terms as a result.

Defensible Boundaries between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Key
Extensive strong woodland belt along and following watercourse
Extensive road corridor

In this context, the designation of the Glebelands site as part of the Green Wedge extends the boundary into an area where there is no demonstrable need for additional restriction, and where the stated purpose of preventing coalescence is already being met by existing physical features and policy context. We therefore propose the following Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, which depicts a considered, more evidence-based extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

The above Green Wedge clearly maintains the intentions of the Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes to “prevent the coalescence of settlements” whilst “using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”.

Accordingly, this refined extent would follow clear physical features whilst still fully achieving the intentions of the wedge, and avoiding the unjustified inclusion of the Glebelands site. For these reasons, we maintain that the Glebelands site should be excluded from the proposed Green Wedge designation.

Summary
The omission of our clients site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge is both evidence-based and consistent with the guidance set out by PPW. As such, the revised boundary running adjacent to Llanmaes Brook and the associated vegetation, represents a more robust, defensible, and policy compliant Green Wedge designation.

The following plan depicts a considered more evident and policy compliant extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

Summary and Conclusion of these Deposit Representations / Objections

In summary, these representations to the Deposit Plan object to the green wedge designation between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, specifically the inclusion of the ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ site.

It is considered the assessment for this green wedge is not soundly based. As set out above, the decision to include the Glebelands site is not justified given that the intentions of the green wedge can be maintained with the omission of our clients site. A more appropriate, evidence-led boundary is therefore put forward, following clear defensible physical features by adjusting the northern edge of the Green Wedge to correspond with Llanmaes Brook.

Given the detailed nature of this representation our clients would be happy to discuss any aspect of this letter when your Authority comes to evaluate the content.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course. In the meantime, however, we hope and trust that all is in order with this submission. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the event that further information is required or considered beneficial.

Representations regarding (objections to) the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Please find enclosed, on behalf of and under instruction from our client, ‘Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)’; ‘Ms Rhian Reid’ and ‘Mr Anthony John Cowling’, representations for consideration as part of Vale of Glamorgan’s RLDP Deposit Plan.

Context to these Representations

This submission comments on the Deposit Plan, specifically the proposed designation of a Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, this designation includes our client’s site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’, which for clarity extends to the following:

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red)

The site is divided into three parcel’s, each under separate client ownership. For context, the site ownership plan is provided below.

Aerial image of our client’s site (outlined in red and yellow)

Parcel Owner
Parcel 1 Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCW)
Parcel 2 Ms Rhian Reid
Parcel 3 Mr Anthony John Cowling

The Green Wedge

As part of the Deposit Plan, updated Proposals and Constraints Maps have been published by the Council. The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out the Vale of Glamorgan’s green wedge designations. For context, a number of Green Wedge designations (7 in total) are made by the existing adopted LDP (the Development Plan). The Deposit Plan Proposals Map sets out that the Vale of Glamorgan Council proposes a designated Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, accordingly, one of 2 new / additional green wedges (responding to submissions made through the RLDP Candidate Site Process). For ease of reference, an extract of the relevant Proposals Map is provided overleaf:

Deposit Plan Proposals Map

Alongside the Proposals Map, the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out and includes Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) which states the following:

“Green wedges have been identified to prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land at the following locations:
1. Between Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llandough;
2. North West of Sully;
3. North of Wenvoe;
4. Between Barry and Rhoose;
5. South Penarth to Sully; and
6. Between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
Within these areas development which prejudices the open nature of the land will not be permitted.”

The subtext to the policy also sets out the following:

“6.417. Therefore, within the areas defined by the green wedges there will be a presumption against inappropriate development19 which would contribute to urban coalescence, prejudice the open nature of the land, or have an adverse impact upon the setting of an urban area. In applying this protection, however, it is recognised that individual or small groups of dwellings exist within the designations and that activities such as agriculture, forestry and recreation, occur. Consequently, development associated with existing uses will be limited to minor structures which are strictly ancillary to existing uses. Details of each of the designations are contained within the Green Wedge Background Paper”.

These Representations (Objections)

We appreciate the intention of the Llanmaes and Llantwit Major green wedge is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements and to retain the openness of land” – in this case and instance Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

Whilst we do not raise objection to the designation of a Green Wedge per se (i.e. an outright objection to the principle and / or extent of some of the designation proposed) we do object to the particular extent of, and precise definition of, its extent. Accordingly, our clients’ representations seek to omit their land ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge, for the reasons set out below, and evidenced as follows.

Again, and for clarity, our client’s ownership site plan is provided below:

Aerial image of our client’s site

Our clients land relative to the proposed green wedge designation is shown more precisely and closely by the following extract from the proposals map.

‘Zoomed in’ Deposit Plan Proposals Map (approx. site location outlined in red)

As Policy DNP2 (Green Wedges) of the Deposit Plan RLDP Written Statement sets out, the intention of a Green Wedge designation, as per PPW guidance, is to “prevent the coalescence of settlements”, which in this case is to prevent the coalescence between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. Whilst we fully appreciate the Vale of Glamorgan’s intentions to prevent the urban coalescence of these two settlements, we question the necessity of including the Glebelands site within the proposed Green Wedge boundary.

Step 18 of the Green Wedge Assessment seeks to ‘Determine whether outer boundary should be adjusted in order to use clear boundary features, or to simplify its form’. Paragraph 3.5. of the Green Wedges Background Paper (BP27) reiterates the PPW guidance for defining green wedges “boundaries should be chosen carefully using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”. In respect to the Llantwit Major and Llanmaes green wedge, the assessment itself acknowledges that the designation should “Use Llanmaes Brook which forms the southern edge of the existing Conservation Area boundary as the northern boundary of most of the green wedge to the southeast”.

Given this, it is questioned as to why the designation extends northwards beyond the Llanmaes Brook. There are already clear, distinguishable physical features – including the B4265 and the Llanmaes Brook (illustrated on the image below). These physical features are adequate and sufficient barriers to development north of the by-pass – which is designated as ‘countryside’ and does not adjoin a/the settlement boundary (to either Llantwit Major and / or Llanmaes) and is significantly protected in policy terms as a result.

Defensible Boundaries between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes

Key
Extensive strong woodland belt along and following watercourse
Extensive road corridor

In this context, the designation of the Glebelands site as part of the Green Wedge extends the boundary into an area where there is no demonstrable need for additional restriction, and where the stated purpose of preventing coalescence is already being met by existing physical features and policy context. We therefore propose the following Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, which depicts a considered, more evidence-based extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

The above Green Wedge clearly maintains the intentions of the Green Wedge between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes to “prevent the coalescence of settlements” whilst “using physical features and boundaries to include only that land which it is necessary to keep open in the longer term”.

Accordingly, this refined extent would follow clear physical features whilst still fully achieving the intentions of the wedge, and avoiding the unjustified inclusion of the Glebelands site. For these reasons, we maintain that the Glebelands site should be excluded from the proposed Green Wedge designation.

Summary
The omission of our clients site ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ from the proposed Green Wedge is both evidence-based and consistent with the guidance set out by PPW. As such, the revised boundary running adjacent to Llanmaes Brook and the associated vegetation, represents a more robust, defensible, and policy compliant Green Wedge designation.

The following plan depicts a considered more evident and policy compliant extent to any Green Wedge designation:

Proposed Alteration to the Green Wedge

Summary and Conclusion of these Deposit Representations / Objections

In summary, these representations to the Deposit Plan object to the green wedge designation between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes, specifically the inclusion of the ‘Glebelands at Llanmaes’ site.

It is considered the assessment for this green wedge is not soundly based. As set out above, the decision to include the Glebelands site is not justified given that the intentions of the green wedge can be maintained with the omission of our clients site. A more appropriate, evidence-led boundary is therefore put forward, following clear defensible physical features by adjusting the northern edge of the Green Wedge to correspond with Llanmaes Brook.

Given the detailed nature of this representation our clients would be happy to discuss any aspect of this letter when your Authority comes to evaluate the content.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course. In the meantime, however, we hope and trust that all is in order with this submission. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the event that further information is required or considered beneficial.