As reported last year, Bridgend Council’s planning department applied to the heritage conservation body, Cadw, to be granted powers to approve listed building consents without having to notify or involve Cadw.
The aim is to streamline the planning process when it involves listed buildings.The power would only apply to the county’s 331 Grade II listed buildings. The remaining 44 Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings would continue to be subject to Cadw oversight.
In a report due to be discussed by Bridgend Council’s Planning Committee later this week (pdf), Cadw notified the council in December 2022 that they were minded to grant listed consent powers for Grade II buildings.
This will be subject to guarantees that planning officers will heed the advice of the council’s conservation officer and notify Cadw when that advice isn’t available (for whatever reason).
A minor amendment will need to be made to Bridgend Council’s Constitution to reflect the conservation officer’s new role. Additionally, the report says funding for the conservation officer is guaranteed until December 2023, after which funding will either have to come from the council’s budget or external bids.
