Anger at plan to build 800 new houses
RESIDENTS are angered following proposed plans to build over 800 homes on a ‘prisoner of war camp’ from World War II.
In 1944, more than 1,600 German soldiers were taken to Island Farm, just off the A48 in Bridgend, where they were held as prisoners.
The camp was home to one of the biggest escape attempts by German soldiers during World War II, though all were eventually recaptured.
Now all that remains is listed building ‘Hut 9’ which is preserved by a volunteer group. However, locals are angered at the threat the houses pose not only to the historic site but to the infrastructure in the area.
Fred Govami, 59, lives on the road behind the new developments.
He said: “It’s really quite unique here, it’s just going to disappear.”
Other locals agree, stating: “Island farm is part of its history so why can’t they leave it alone or make it a place where people can go and remember.”
Anita Knill, who lives nearby, would also rather the area remain undisturbed for environmental reasons.
She said: “The sewerage farm at Ogmore is already operating above and beyond capacity and any more strain will result in raw sewage finding its way into the sea decimating marine life and impacting on the health of beach goers.
“I think that essentially the site is too much of a flora and fauna haven to be lost forever. I walk there everyday throughout the seasons and it is teeming with wildlife all year round.”
Fred added that the proposals for the site threaten many other elements of the town’s infrastructure.
He said: “Traffic will get even worse. There are so many schools nearby, I think somebody is going to get knocked over there.”
He pointed out other issues included in the plan, such as it omitting a secondary school despite the increased class sizes in the area, and increased air pollution from the Ewenny roundabout.
Councillor Nick Smith has also been campaigning to protect another listed building, the Dipping Bridge in Merthyr Mawr.
The Dipping Bridge is commonly used throughout the summer for kids looking too cool off, however, the masonry of the bridge, designed for driving sheep over, is regularly damaged by traffic.
He said: “The ancient structure will be under more threat due to the increase in traffic predicted in the new draft Local Development Plan for Bridgend.
“Island Farm occupies the fields and old prisoner of war camp between New Inn Road and the A48 and is designated for 847 houses.
“The extra traffic on the A48 will obviously have a knock-on effect on this beauty spot, recreation area and ancient structure.”
Tuesday, July 27 was the last day for the public to submit objections to the proposals.
Councillor Stuart Baldwin, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “The Local Development Plan is a key document in shaping how the county borough will develop over the next 15 [years]. It ensures that development is delivered in the right areas with supporting infrastructure where necessary.
“The plan makes clear the principles for site development which then lead to future planning applications.”