Extract of Proposals Map from Proposed Replacement Plan
It is noted that that the allocation proposes that the site can accommodate 135 dwellings. It is also noted that site is allocated in the current adopted Local Development Plan and is considered suitable to be ‘rolled forward’ as an RLDP housing allocation, as it is considered to be deliverable and accords with the Strategy of focusing new development within principal settlements such as Barry. It is not clear why since the adoption of the Local Plan i.e. in 2017, little if any progress has occurred to bring the site forward for development.
It is stated that the site is actively being progressed by the Council’s housebuilding team as an affordable housing led development as part of the Cardiff and Vale Housing Partnership.
The principal concern of the owners of Pencoedtre Farmhouse is the impact on the extensive woodland, that lies to the north of the ****** and to the west of the site, as well as the potential impact on Pencoedtre Lane which runs past their property.
Dealing first with the ecological impact, it is stated in the adopted Local Plan, at Appendix 3, that in addition to site specific matters raised under each allocation, a range of supporting information may be necessary to accompany proposals (presumably planning applications for development) that include:
• Environmental Statements (subject to Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] Screening)
• Transport Assessments
• Design and Access Statements
• Masterplans
• Landscape Assessments
• Travel Plans and, where necessary, improvements to encourage sustainable transport e.g. supported bus services, new or improved footways, public open space, improvements to education facilities or increased capacity.
• Ecological Assessments – while site specific comments have been made on some sites regarding possible features of biodiversity importance, an ecological assessment agreed with the Council’s ecologist or where appropriate Natural Resources Wales, will be required for all sites.
The adopted plan goes onto say that the undertaking of a Habitats Regulation Assessment for the Deposit Local Development Plan does not remove the need for project level Habitats Regulation assessments of individual development sites where they could have an adverse effect on the integrity of a European Protected site.
The various site allocations in the plan may have the potential to support European Protected Species as well as habitats of biodiversity importance. In allocating these sites a precautionary approach has been adopted by the Council and appropriate species surveys, and where relevant appropriate mitigation, will be required to accompany any planning application for the development of the sites in order to comply with the requirements as set out in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). This is to ensure that the proposal does not result in any likely detriment to the maintenance of the favourable conservation status of European Protected Species.
The allocation in the current adopted plan is detailed as a 4.45 hectare Greenfield site that is located to the north west of Pencoedtre, Barry. Part of the site has previously gained planning permission for B1 Business use (planning application 2000/00860/FUL refers) as part of a larger historic employment allocation, however, this permission has not been implemented and parts of the historic employment allocation to the east have since gained consent for residential use.
Therefore, given its size and relationship to the residential development to the east this site has been allocated for residential use providing at least 137 dwellings. The western part of the site currently forms part of the grounds of Bryn Hafren Comprehensive School which has been deemed to be surplus to the school’s requirements. The development of the site will facilitate the delivery of new improved recreational facilities to serve the school and potentially the wider community.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is aware that a European protected species has been recorded in the vicinity of the site and an ecological assessment will be required in support of any future planning application. In addition, NRW has advised that the site is within close proximity to the Coedydd y Barri/ Barry Woodland Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which lies roughly 200 metres to the east and that the designated site should be protected at all times. NRW has encouraged the retention of mature trees and hedgerows on the proposed site for their conservation and aesthetic value.
The Council’s Engineers have advised that a suitable safe access is required that conforms to the current design criteria and future planning applications must be supported by a comprehensive and robust Transport Assessment that evaluates and determines mitigation measures which alleviate any detrimental impact the development will have on the local highway network and associated road junctions. Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust has advised that an archaeological evaluation of the site will be required and that some parts of the site may be required to be retained as open space in order to protect archaeological features
Therefore it would appear that the woodland to the east and south of the site appears to be a Site of Scientific Interest. Consequently in line with NRW advice, it is considered that this site should be protected from any development. Appropriate and fitting ecological assessments should be undertaken prior to any development and it is hoped that the Council will ensure that this is the case when any planning applications are submitted.
In respect of access, currently the lane pass the farmhouse only affords access to that property with the rest of the lane being a pedestrian/cycle route to the residential dwellings at Heol Leubren. It is considered that this should remain the case and that any new accesses should be off Port Road. The existing access at Pencoedtre Lane should remain as pedestrian/cycle only and not used by vehicles.
We trust these comments will be taken into account and particularly when discussions take place between the Council and prospective developers.
Please keep us informed on progress of the plan.