Greenfield site will be preserved after plans for school shelved

LAND that was once considered for a new primary school will be preserved, following a public campaign to keep the site as it is.

Bridgend County Council has agreed to protect Brackla Hill under its local development plan after members of the public called for it to remain undisturbed.

The local authority “fully recognises the value of open space to the emotional and physical wellbeing of its residents and communities,” said Cllr Richard Young, cabinet member for communities.

Residents were outraged when they discovered the council was conducting site investigations at Brackla Hill in August 2020, claiming the land was used by many for exercise and should be left an open green space.

The council aims to replace local primary school Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr with a new build and had considered the site for the development. But in February, a feasibilty study revealed the land was not an ideal location and other options should be explored.

More than 2,500 people signed an online petition in opposition to the council’s plans to build on the site along with another 2,500 hard copy signatures.

Brackla resident Alan Drury set up Save Our Fields, a local campaign group aimed at keeping Brackla Hill an open green space for residents.

Mr Drury said the campaign group is “delighted” the council has “recognised the value of green spaces to the wellbeing of their residents and communities”.

He queried if the authority will legally protect the site through a deed of dedication during a council meeting held last week.

Cllr Young said the land could be handed over to the local community through a community asset transfer and he “would be happy” to discuss this with Brackla Community Council and Save our Fields moving forward.