Officers have recommended that Bridgend Council’s Cabinet approves a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for land at Griffin Park and Sandy Bay (pdf).
The land forms a core part of Porthcawl’s regeneration, having been earmarked for mixed-use developments at the current fun fair site, a new access road to housing at Sandy Bay and remodelled open space.
Existing tennis courts at Griffin Park would be relocated to “a more modern facility”, while a disused bowling green would be brought back into use.
The responses to the public consultation were overwhelming against the CPO (pdf).
658 (97%) of respondents objected to the proposal. The reasons noted in the consultation report include loss of open space/Griffin Park changes, concerns about proposed housing at Sandy Bay, lack of investment in tourism facilities, as well as the impact on wildlife and ecology (particularly at Sandy Bay).
There were 11 responses in favour. Supportive respondents backed new housing in particular, while there were also concerns that people living outside Porthcawl were unduly influencing the consultation process.
Attempting to address opposing views, council officers argue the “new” Griffin Park – which will mostly run alongside the proposed access road and includes a green corridor towards Rhych Point – will be more than 4 acres larger than the existing park.
