The first meeting of Bridgend Council’s planning committee since the local elections took place last week – which you can watch here.
Chiropractic clinic “not an appropriate use” on an industrial estate
First up was an application for a chiropractic clinic at Brackla Industrial Estate (pdf). The clinic would be based in starter units at the recently-redeveloped Caitlin’s Kitchen/Brackla Break cafe (pictured above).
In their report, planning officers recommended that the application should be refused. This was justified because the Local Development Plan (LDP) protects land on the industrial estate for business/industrial use only. Also, the nearby junction would need to be modified and waiting restrictions introduced on the grounds of road safety – to which no plans have been forthcoming.
One of the ward members, Cllr. Amanda Williams (Ind, Coity Higher), spoke in support of the development. Many buildings on the industrial estate have been converted to or used for non-industrial uses such as gyms, retail and a snooker hall. As a former cafe, the building doesn’t have a history of industrial use itself, while the reuse of empty properties ought to be encouraged.
Cllr. Della Hughes (Ind, Ogmore Vale) asked if similar businesses were operating on other industrial estates? To her, the proposal seemed suitable due to its proximity to residential areas. Cllr. Hughes also argued that additional conditions could be added relating to parking.
Several councillors raised the matter of why so few parking spaces were approved when planning permission was sought for the original redevelopment?
It was explained that the number of spaces was fine for business use, but not for the planning category a chiropractor falls under. A planning officer argued that a business like this may be better suited to the (currently under construction) retail units on Parc Derwen.
Following the discussion, committee members voted 10-3 to refuse the application.
Stable block on former railway approved
The committee approved an application for a small stable block on the former Cwmdu railway sidings in Maesteg (pdf).
Nearby residents in Caer Gymrig objected, raising concerns about pre-existing anti-social behaviour, the fact the site overlooks properties and a possible increase in rodents caused by grazing horses.
Planning officers argued the stable block is modest and wouldn’t be out of character. There were some concerns from the highways department that the stables would increase vehicle movements along a “sub-standard lane” – which is also a public right-of-way – but it was accepted that this wouldn’t be to a dangerous degree.
Hedgerow removed to create access “must be replaced”
Finally, there was a retrospective application (pdf) to retain a recently-constructed access road to a farm property off Heol Simonston (in between Brackla and Coychurch). The access was seemingly built to provide a safer/more convenient way in and out for horse vehicles.
When the access road – which connects to a short loop of a lane of Heol Simonston – was built by the property owners, 17 metres of mature hedgerow was removed.
Coychurch Lower Community Council objected to the application on environmental grounds, arguing that the access was originally constructed without consideration given to replacing the hedgerows. Nearby residents objected on similar grounds.
The council said that while hedges can be removed to create a replacement access they did, nonetheless, conclude that removing the hedgerow doesn’t meet the council’s planning policies.
However, the application proposed creating two new hedgerows along the length of the access lane, which was deemed “acceptable” by planning officers. They recommended approval, subject to the new hedgerows being properly maintained for at least five years.
Several councillors argued that approval may send the wrong message to landowners.
Cllr. Martin Williams (Ind, Coity Higher) said lots of farms in the area face similar challenges. He pointed out how the committee – in the same meeting – has turned down an application where someone has sought proper permission but was now set to approve an application where the landowner hasn’t sought permission.
Cllr. Simon Griffiths (Lab, Brackla East & Coychurch) also asked why the owners didn’t seek planning approval in the first place? A planning officer said they “didn’t like it” but the law allows retrospective applications.
In the end, committee members voted 9-2 in favour of retrospective permission.
