Appeal after homes plan is rejected by council
AN APPEAL has been lodged against the refusal of plans to build three homes and garages near ancient woodland in Bridgend.
In May, planners at Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) turned down the outline planning application, submitted by Homestyle Dom Care, saying it would result in the “unjustified loss” of protected trees and woodlands.
The site on Briary Wood in Briary Way, Brackla, forms part of the Tremains Wood Site of Importance for
Nature Conservation (SINC).
Some of the 40 trees that would have been cut down to make way for the housing were subject to Tree Preservation Orders.
In a council report outlining reasons for refusal, officers said the Tremains Wood SINC provided an important “green lung” in Brackla, which was already well-developed.
Now Mr G Williams of Homestyle Dom Care is appealing the decision via his agent Vale Planning.
The company has provided a revised site plan which it says overcomes the council’s reasons for refusing planning permission, adding the loss of trees has been “significantly reduced” with the introduction of a 15m buffer zone between the development and the boundary of the ancient woodland, as well as a woodland management plan.
In the appeal documents Jinny Jones of Vale Planning states that around a third of the original SINC has been built on since BCBC last did a review of the county’s Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, with the fragmentation largely as a result of council-led development of Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School.
She also states that the appeal site is less mature than other areas of the SINC.
A number of residents living nearby have consistently objected to the proposed homes development.
Keith Hughes, who has lived in the local area for 30 years and started a campaign against the plans, said: “It’s so disappointing after the length of time taken in the first place [to battle against the development plans].
“When the council decided to refuse the application everyone was delighted and thought there’s some progress.’
“And now, five months down the line, they’ve appealed.”
The plans were first submitted last summer before being withdrawn and then resubmitted in December.
Members of the public have until Wednesday, November 6 to submit any comments on the appeal.
For more details or to comment on the appeal, visit acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and type in reference number 3238160. ‘at long last,