Image Source: Google Earth (taken September 2025)
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At this month’s full council meeting, Cllr. Martin Hughes (Lab, Maesteg East) asked about undeveloped land.
Cllr. Hughes cited several examples of plots in the Maesteg area, notably the former Libanus Chapel in Garth (pictured), which have planning permission but have been left dormant – in some cases for the best part of a decade. This has led to sites deteriorating. He asked how many sites were in this situation?
In the written response, 60 sites across the county were identified.
Past and current Welsh governments have considered measures to address vacant sites – most notably a proposed Vacant Land Tax. Councils also have compulsory purchase powers. Cllr. Hughes asked whether the Cabinet would continue to push for these measures at Welsh Government level?
Council powers limited; compulsory purchase “a last resort”
Cabinet Member for Regneration & Housing, Cllr. Colin Davies (Lab, Bryntirion, Laleston & Merthyr Mawr), agreed. He added that it was a complex area and frustrating situation, but has been raised with him by multiple people.
The Corporate Director for Communities told councillors that under planning law, the council can only set timeframes for development to start (usually within 3-5 years).
Whether sites are delivered or not is down to market forces, and the value of sites usually drops when planning permission expires.
The Council would “prefer to use carrot over stick”. Nonetheless, the Council’s powers are limited. They can take enforcement action if a vacant site becomes harmful, but they can’t force developers to use land.
Compulsory purchase is also a difficult legal process that “can only be used as a last resort” and the Council has to prove that they’ve tried everything else beforehand.
