Category: Planning Updates

Planning Updates March 2022

.  Planning Permission

• Whitegate, Old Port Road. Proposed two storey rear extension has been approved with conditions.

The following applications have been refused planning permission.

• Vishwell Farmhouse, St. Andrews Road. Dormer addition. Extension on top of single storey aspect on rear. New addition of three door garage with annex addition for office and bathroom space. The scale and design of the dormer was considered disproportionately large in relation to the dwelling. The siting of the garage would impact the open setting of the area
• Land adjacent to Station Terrace, Station Road East. Proposed construction of Berm house was refused once again on its location, TPO protected trees, failure to fully appraise the biodiversity of the site, failure to make a contribution to off site affordable housing, failure to address the fact of a water main crossing the site.

Other Items

The Council were shown the design for the new traffic light controlled crossing of Port Road near the Walston Castle Beefeater Restaurant. This will give the long sought after safe crossing for the public and cyclists.

The Council have discussed with their neighbour about the overgrown hedge alongside the car park which is encroaching on the footpath. A reduction in the growth has been promised.

The recommendations of the finance committee were accepted. Charges for the hire of the Community Centre and burial fees will remain unaltered except that regular and irregular local hirer of the hall will be charged the same rate.

The 106 funding for the library costs were agreed to be signed off. This will release the remaining 106 monies for other projects. Any new costs associated with the library will be borne by the Council.

Celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee were discussed. A site for planting 7 trees, one for each decade, has not yet been agreed. A suggested development of the unused area grass adjacent to the ramp into the park for Jubilee roses and other plants was supported. The idea of a toposcope is now to be designed. Other plans by local groups are being discussed.

Anti-vandal paint has now been applied to all access points to the roofs of the Community Centre and library, warning notices have been posted. Anti-vandal paint is a thick non-drying oily based coating to deter intruders by making surfaces virtually unclimbable whilst making hands and staining clothing.

Proposals to make changes to the footpaths in the area of Whitehall Farm have been drawn up by the Vale’s public rights of way section and will be presented before the end of February. If accepted, the proposals will be subject to public consultation before any changes are made. The Council have expressed their opposition to the proposal to change the status of the footpath 56 between Walston Road and Whitehall Farm, alongside the quarry, to a bridleway.

Work on installing the new benches around the area has commenced. It is anticipated that the outstanding notice boards at St Lythans Park and Station Road will be erected shortly

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Planning Updates February 2022

. Planning Permission

The following applications have been granted planning permission.

• 20, Tarrws Close. Build one bedroom with ensuite over existing garage, with extended balcony, on side elevation.
• 1, Stone House, Dyffryn. Two storey side extension with Juliette balcony. Re-configuring of roof to existing rear extension complete with canopy. New entrance location complete with porch. Existing external finishes upgraded, changes to fenestration.
• Great Hamston Farm, Dyffryn. Replacement garden room with associated works.

Tree Surgery

An application to thin and crown reduce a sycamore tree covered by a TPO located in the front garden of 29, Vennwood Close was refused. The opinion of the Local Planning Authority was that there was insufficient justification to allow the works given the high amenity value the tree continues to have within the residential area.

Crime Figures

There was no police attendance at the meeting due to other commitments; the monthly crime figures were presented. It was reported that the Community Police Officer has spoken to the parents of the youths causing a nuisance in the area and it is hoped there shouldn’t be any further trouble.

Local Precept

The Councillors agreed a 2% increase to the local precept for the forthcoming year.

Library benches

There are still some outstanding minor matters to resolve. Training of the Hub volunteers on the use of the coffee machine should be completed to permit the public to purchase drinks by the start of February. Wording and ordering of signage to complete before the formal opening in early March.

Benches

The installation of the new and replacement benches is expected to commence by the end of the month along with the additional two notice boards. It was agreed the Redrow notice board is slightly high.

Telephone Boxes

The proposed idea of taking control of the telephone box on the village green has been rejected by the authorities. This is a listed box and is still a working facility.

Queen’s Jubilee

Ideas for celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee requires a planning committee to progress any community celebrations. All local groups will be contacted for ideas. To mark the occasion the possibility of installing a toposcope at Twyn-yr-Odyn will be investigated.

Community Centre 

With the recent damage to the Community Centre and library, the Council is to examine the feasibility of installing a CCTV system to protect the properties.

Waste Bin

The waste bin at the Orchid Field has had to be removed as there is no longer an emptying service. A waste bin is available at the top end of Walston Road at the start of the footpath to the field.

Local Government and Elections

A sub-committee has been formed to examine the implications to the Community Council of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act. The act requires multi-location meetings, greater public participation at council meetings, publication of annual reports and training plans etc

Planning Updates September

Planning Permission

The following applications have been granted planning permission.

• Wenvoe Community Centre, Old Port Road. Removal of Conifer tree due to damaging of wall and associated health and safety concerns.
• Enfield Cottage, 22, Old Port Road, Wenvoe. Insertion of two new window openings at first floor level in North elevation.
• 46, Heol Collen, Culverhouse Cross. Rear single storey extension.
• Glenburnie, Port Road. Development of a Care Home and associated works. Discharge of planning conditions 5, 7 and 15.

New library

The old library has been demolished and removed. The new building is now on site and the work is progressing well. By the time you read this, landscaping should be complete, and most of the internal fitout as well. Flooring will be finished during the first week of October, leaving only commissioning and testing of lighting, plumbing, data, alarms and air conditioning. Then the library group can start moving in! A sub-committee has been formed to plan an opening ceremony.

Public Benches

Following a report which examined the condition of all 24 public benches, excluding those located on the Wildlife Group’s maintained areas, the Council have purchased eight new benches for the community and installation is being arranged. These are for locations suggested following the public consultation and any replacements where required.

Audio Equipment

The hall has been examined for the installation of improved audio equipment and the fitting of acoustic panels to the ceiling. Quotes are awaited.

Village War Memorial

HistoryPoints.org is a group that produces historical information about buildings and locations around Wales. They are collating information regarding the village war memorial and people living in Wenvoe. Once the work is complete a QR code will be produced and located near the memorial. The council agreed to support the a Royal British Legion this year by purchasing a ‘Tommy’ figure to be located near the war memorial.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

2nd June 2022 is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Council is seeking volunteers to organise a suitable celebration for the community. If you wish to volunteer or have ideas for the event please contact the clerk (see page 2)

Defibrillator

A demonstration was held at Brooklands Terrace to explain the use of a defibrillator. A further machine has been installed at Twyn-yr-Odyn on the Horse and Jockey building. A local display will be arranged on the use of the machine. Anybody interested in attending, please contact the clerk.

Conifer Tree Roots

During rebuilding of the Old School House wall it was noted that a section of the Community Council wall was bulging. This was due to a conifer tree roots. Permission for its removal has now been granted (trees in a conservation area require permission before they are felled or trimmed). The defective area will now be repaired.

Hand Rails

Hand rails for the steps from Tarrws Close to the Grange Park – planned to be installed in September.

New Burial Ground

A cemetery sub group have met and are looking at a number of suggested locations for a possible new burial ground

Planning Updates September

The following applications have been granted planning permission.

• St. Marys Church, Old Port Road. Work to Tree in Wenvoe Conservation Area: Laurel tree to be trimmed to prevent it from hanging over Walston Road

• Wenvoe Library, Old Port Road. Work to Tree(s) in Wenvoe Conservation Area: To remove part of multi stem field Maple.

• Wenvoe Manor, Port Road. Work to trees covered by Tree Preservation Order 1954, No. 04 – Fell Field Maple (T2) and fell Ash (G2 – x12)

The following application has been withdrawn.:-Goldsland Farm, Wenvoe. Outbuilding – Private gym and Summer house

Application refused – Land adjacent to Station Terrace, Station Road East, Wenvoe. Proposed construction of Berm house. Reasons included ‘occupiers of this dwelling would likely be highly reliant on the private car. Consequently, the development would not support the principle of locating new residential development in sustainable locations, where occupiers have genuine choice of travel modes.’ ‘The proposed development is considered to cause unacceptable harm to TPO no.1’ and ‘the proposed development fails to appraise the biodiversity interests at this site.’ and ‘The proposal fails to make the required financial contribution to off-site affordable housing in the area’.

New library As preparation for demolishing the old library, a survey was carried out, which found that there is asbestos in the building. This is no cause for concern as long as it was not disturbed. Demolition procedures require the removal of the asbestos under special safety precautions. Unfortunately this has delayed the start of the project.

The new start date will be 26th August, with a planned completion 11th October. Unfortunately, this means that the car park will not be available for school parent use until the completion date, although we shall do everything to improve on that date.

The Community Clerk can be reached during office hours Tue – Thur 9am to 1pm and Mon & Fri 2pm to 5pm contact 02920591139 or e-mail Wenvoecc@ googlemail.com. Please note, if you wish to visit the clerk it is strictly by appointment only

Planning Updates August

The following applications have been granted planning permission.

• Station House, 1, Station Terrace, Demolition of existing garage, single storey extensions to side and rear. Conversion of attic space with dormer to rear
• 10, Is Y Coed, Wenvoe. Demolish existing conservatory and replace with single storey extension with fully insulated roof.

Planning Updates June

All the following applications have been granted planning permission.

• 5, Burdons Close. Single storey side extension.
• 67, Burdons Close. Loft conversion incorporating new dormer window to rear and a number of rooflights
• Brackendene, Burdonshill Lane. Proposed Glamping site on part of Brackendene, Burdonshill Wenvoe. Numerous conditions are imposed on the granting of permission including measures to protect local residents from possible nuisance.
• Oaktree Farm, Morfa Lane. Removal of condition 4 of permission 84/00827/OUT that requires that the occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person solely or mainly employed, or last employed in the locality in agriculture or forestry.
• 9, Grange Close. Change of use from garage to home office, incorporating material alterations.
• 6, Heol Collen. Extension of existing garage to provide home office
• 11, Picca Close. Construction of orangery to the rear of the property bringing the ground floor in line with family room of the property.

Planning permission was refused for the application by Enfield Cottage, 22, Old Port Road, Wenvoe. Demolition of existing porch and construction of two-storey extension to provide hallway, en-suite bathroom and cloakroom facilities. The reason for refusal was ‘the proposed extension would remove much of the character of the original rear elevation and roof slope of the house and subsume the rear of the original building. The extension is therefore considered to detract from the character and appearance of Enfield Cottage, which is a Positive Building in the Conservation Area’.

The Community Centre is available for hire with Covid-19 restrictions in force. An inspection of the disabled toilet facilities will result in updates being required. All surfaces are white at present which can make the use of the facilities by persons with impaired vision difficult. The taps, hand basins and hot water supply all require replacing.

Construction work on the new library will commence at the end of July, it is expected that the Community Centre car park will be out of use for a couple of weeks during the process. The through access for pedestrians will be maintained.

A new tarmacked footpath from the play area in the Grange to Tarrws Close is complete. A handrail has been requested to be installed on the steps.

A defibrillator is now installed on the wall of 18 Brooklands Terrace. A training session will be organised shortly for any person wishing to see how these machines are used. Anybody having a need to use a defibrillator is talked through the process by the apparatus which will only permit one to shock the patient when correctly fitted and no heart activity detected.

At the Station Road cricket ground the fencing height to the adjoining property has been raised, a decision on use of the ground is awaited. The Vale have been requested to cut the footpath, between the playing field and the village, which is becoming overgrown.

A new allotment gate with a foot passenger access is being considered. The main section of the gate would then be locked and use only permitted by allotment holders. This is to prevent fly tipping.

With the increase walking that people are doing these days a need has been recogniosed for additional benches in some areas in the community. There are numerious benches at present but they are not always where required. There are none in the new St Lythans Park estate, only one at Parc y Gwenfo, none at the quarry entrance area in the village. The council would be interested to hear of your suggestions for new locations for resting areas.

Planning Updates June

All the following applications have been granted planning permission.

• 46, Burdons Close. Conversion of existing internal garage to habitable room
• 56, Burdons Close. Loft conversion and rear single storey extension
• 11, Ty Pica Drive. Proposed dormer extension
• 6 Walston Close. Existing garage to front of property to have the roof raised to allow for adaptations.
• Coedhirion, 8, Walston Road, Full demolition and replacement dwelling.
• The Gables, Station Road East. Change of hip roof to gable roof with new window to gable on front elevation.
• Vishwell Farmhouse, St. Andrews Road. Demolition of existing WC/shower block and bin enclosure, construction of new WC and showers with recycle bin enclosure and notice boards.
• 11, Picca Close. Construction of orangery to the rear of the property bringing the ground floor in line with family room of the property.
• 2, Chapel Terrace, Twyn Yr Odyn. Erection of single storey rear extension.
• Church Cottage (formerly known as Blair Athol), St. Lythans. Extension to raise the height of the dwelling and provide first floor and new open porch to front elevation.
• Whitehall Quarry, Old Port Road. Variation of Condition 1 (time limit for removal of road).
• Ty Croes Cwrlwys, Valegate Retail Park, Culverhouse Cross. To swap the EV Charger technology proposed on the site to a more powerful rapid charger.

Planning updates

All the following applications have been granted planning permission.

• 56, Burdons Close, Loft conversion and rear single storey extension
• 77, Burdons Close – Converting existing garage into habitable living space. Existing doors on the front of garage to be replaced with window.
• Coedhirion, 8, Walston Road. Full demolition and replacement dwelling
• Vishwell Farmhouse, St. Andrews Road, – Demolition of existing WC/shower block and bin enclosure, construction of new WC and showers with recycle bin enclosure and notice boards.
• 2, Seaview Cottages, Twyn Yr Odyn, Installation of solar pv panels on roof of existing dwelling

Lodge Farm, St. Lythans Road, St. Lythans Erection of agricultural unit for hay and machinery storage was refused planning permission. Reason – ‘The proposed development fails to demonstrate that it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture, which based on the size of the holding is considered to be an unacceptable and unjustified development.’

An installation programme was presented to the Council for the new library building. Work, on site, will commence on 16th August and is planned to be completed by 25th September. A six-week construction. The patio area at the rear of the building is still to be designed.

A meeting is planned before the end of the month between the relevant bodies to progress the construction of a MUGA to be located at the south end of the school field.

Fly tipping continues to cause concern locally; six new cases were reported in the last week. Carau Lane has a number of reports of incidents. The Vale has a dedicated team to investigate incidents and they prosecute offenders when identified. You can easily report incidents on the Vale website if noticed.

A local litter pick recently collected 25 bags of rubbish. Other litter picks are being planned for May/June. Lookout for information of the event.

The Council is waiting for detailed guidance on the permitted reopening of Community Centre buildings for public use. The hall will be used for the forthcoming Senedd Cymru election on 6th May.

Certain vehicle drivers are causing traffic problems at school assembly times. Vehicles carrying out three-point turns at the Station Road junction is considered dangerous with the entrance off Station Road being the main access point for children. The PCSO will be requested to attend at this time of day.

The Council is looking to install a few small resting benches around the area. These are intended especially for those who wish to take a short local walk but need somewhere to pause to regain their breath.

A group of village youths are causing damage and a nuisance to local residents. Incidents reported include misbehaviour around the footpath tunnel off Vennwood Close, broken lights at the Village Hall, and climbing on the Community Centre roof. Do you know what your child is doing when not at home?

Planning Updates.

The following applications have been approved.

• Wenvoe Library, Old Port Road. Replacement of existing library
• 2, Seaview Cottages, Twyn Yr Odyn. Installation of solar pv panels on roof of existing dwelling

Land at Vianshill Farm, Grants Field, The Downs, St Nicholas. A solar park (65MW), battery storage, transport interchange facility including electric vehicle charging station and ancillary development. The Planning Inspectorate observation report raised no objections to the development but request certain conditions are met. This application will be delt with by the Welsh Assembly. A presentation to the Council on this proposal is planned for next month.

The delay in receiving planning permission for the new library building has resulted in the supply company being unable to fulfil our order now until September.

The Council are progressing with the feasibility study for the construction of a MUGA (multi-use games area) in the school grounds adjacent to Station Road. The school would have exclusive use during school hours and it would be available to the

public at other times.

The advert for office assistance at the Community Centre has received several enquires.

Local litter picks in the area are being planned for around Easter time, please look out for further information on local Facebook sites and notice boards.

A survey of the burial ground has been conducted. The report indicates adequate space for grave spaces (at the present usage) existing for the next 15 to 20 years. There is no foreseeable problem with cremated remains burial plots within the cemetery. A sub-committee was formed to examine possible future land available for use.

The footpath officer has examined the hedge overhanging footpath 34 along the edge of the Community car park and will take action to get it cut back.

Problems with a dog on Burdonshill attacking other animals has been reported to the police.

Western Power are continuing their work within the village on replacing overhead line poles.

A new 3-year local community grass cutting contract has been granted to the present contractor, John Crockford.