3.1 The Preferred Strategy identifies a 71.1 Ha site to the North East of Barry on an area of primarily low value agricultural land. At the time of the preparation of the Preferred Strategy it was considered that the site could accommodate up to 1,500 dwellings, with 900 of these dwellings being delivered in the plan period up to 2036. Due to its scale, it was included within the Preferred Strategy as a key site, referenced SP4 KS1.

3.2 In line with the sustainable growth strategy, it is considered that a development of the scale proposed in this location in North East Barry would allow new housing to be aligned with employment, services and facilities to reduce the need to travel. As evidenced by Transport for Wales travel time isochrone maps, the site is within a 10-15 minute cycle of Cadoxton station, with a four train per hour service to Cardiff, and the southern part of the site is within a 20 minute walk of the station.

3.3 It is recognised that the site is adjacent to the A4231 Barry Docks Link Road and as such there would be a requirement for the delivery of significant Active Travel improvements to enhance connectivity with the surrounding area, including to Cadoxton station.

3.4 Based on the quantum of development proposed, it is anticipated that the site would encompass a range of uses including a primary school and a new village centre with uses such as cafes, retail and workshops/co-working units. This would serve not only the estate itself but also benefit the adjoining Pencoedtre Village Estate, which has limited services and facilities within it.

3.5 As detailed in the Initial Consultation Report, at Preferred Strategy stage the site received a large number of representations primarily objecting to the principle of the allocation. A key representation was received from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) who raised concerns about the scale of the development at North East Barry and the proximity to the Barry Woodlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), due to the potential for unauthorised and unmanaged public access leading to damage to the SSSI. This had been experienced elsewhere in the Barry Woodlands SSSI at Pencoedtre West. NRW advised that there is scope to reduce the developed area of the site and enable a sustainable design that reduces the potential for impacts upon the SSSI, whilst also maintaining, enhancing and managing the important retained and created habitats on site. Whilst it would be possible to revise the illustrative layout to include an appropriate buffer for the SSSI, it is noted that this will affect the developable area of the site and therefore the number of dwellings and potentially other uses that could be accommodated.

3.6 Notwithstanding the above, deliverability is an important factor in justifying the inclusion of a site for allocation and site ownership is an integral part of this. The site at North East Barry is under the control of several different land owners. Whilst statements of intent to release the site for development have been received by the Council for a number of the development parcels, as the plan progresses there is a need for further certainty from all parties in the form of appropriate evidence, such as signed heads of terms, demonstrating commitment from the respective landowners that there is a common agreement on the delivery of the site. The Council has actively engaged with the site promoters and landowner representatives throughout the process. However, insufficient evidence has been received in respect of full landowner agreement to give sufficient confidence that a site of the scale originally envisaged can be brought forward within the plan period. Further time spent seeking to resolve these matters will lead to significant delays to the RLDP timetable.

3.7 Whilst a smaller site involving fewer landowners could potentially be delivered, this would result in a smaller quantum of development that would be unable to support the proposed mix of uses that are deemed critical to the effective placemaking of this site, and relate poorly to the existing settlement pattern. In addition, it would be more challenging to deliver the active travel improvements necessary to reduce the car dependency of the location.

3.8 Given the issues described above, it is therefore proposed not to include Land at North East Barry as an allocation in the Deposit Plan.