Everyone is welcome to the next public meeting which will be held in the Pontyclun Community centre at 19.30 on Tuesday 4 October.
The main topic will be our initial response and an update on the working group's activities but plenty of time will be made available for the discussion of any matter related to the new development that you care to raise.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Third working group meeting 24.08.2011.
Third meeting of the Pontyclun Residents’ Town Centre Working group: 24th August 2011
Present: Len, Ann Claire, Rachel, Chris. Paul, Marg
Apologies: Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Letter
Paul finalised the letter and sent it out from Pontyclun Residents’ New Town Working Group to:
Scarbrough Developments
RCT
Mick Antoniw. A.M
Planning Inspectorate
Environment Agency
Countryside Council for Wales
Tesco
Responses had been received from Scarborough who will arrange meetings with us, Mick Antoniw who will meet with us and Director of Regeneration and Planning who will respond in 15 days.
Marg to arrange meetings with
Scarborough and
Mick Antoniw
Len will put it onto our BLOG
Ann to send it to R Wistow the Environmental officer at RCT
Paul to rewrite the letter and submit to the Diary and the Pontypridd Observer
Further information and understanding
The group recognises that the more we know and understand the more informed we can be in discussions with the Council and developer
Ann to get further information on Fritillary butterfly which can be found on the marsh and to chase up Mark Jackson for flora and fauna surveys
Claire to get further information from a Civil engineer about the traffic proposals and traffic flow.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire has been distributed to many shops in Pontyclun. Further distribution is required
Ann -Brunel, Windsor,
Len – Talbot Green, Leisure Centre, street distribution
Paul- Deli, Ann the Chemist, Athletic Club, Rugby Club
Rachel Vet
Marg and Paul to deliver and collect in Pontyclun
The group discussed analysis of the questionnaires and agreed to do a simple count of answers rather than trying to analyse results against age or area of residency.
Notes of the Meeting
Len will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
Public Meeting
Ann to book the large room at Community Centre for 4th October.
Next Meeting of working group
The group will meet again Wednesday 7th September and 21st September at 7.30 at 6 Llantrisant Road
Present: Len, Ann Claire, Rachel, Chris. Paul, Marg
Apologies: Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Letter
Paul finalised the letter and sent it out from Pontyclun Residents’ New Town Working Group to:
Scarbrough Developments
RCT
Mick Antoniw. A.M
Planning Inspectorate
Environment Agency
Countryside Council for Wales
Tesco
Responses had been received from Scarborough who will arrange meetings with us, Mick Antoniw who will meet with us and Director of Regeneration and Planning who will respond in 15 days.
Marg to arrange meetings with
Scarborough and
Mick Antoniw
Len will put it onto our BLOG
Ann to send it to R Wistow the Environmental officer at RCT
Paul to rewrite the letter and submit to the Diary and the Pontypridd Observer
Further information and understanding
The group recognises that the more we know and understand the more informed we can be in discussions with the Council and developer
Ann to get further information on Fritillary butterfly which can be found on the marsh and to chase up Mark Jackson for flora and fauna surveys
Claire to get further information from a Civil engineer about the traffic proposals and traffic flow.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire has been distributed to many shops in Pontyclun. Further distribution is required
Ann -Brunel, Windsor,
Len – Talbot Green, Leisure Centre, street distribution
Paul- Deli, Ann the Chemist, Athletic Club, Rugby Club
Rachel Vet
Marg and Paul to deliver and collect in Pontyclun
The group discussed analysis of the questionnaires and agreed to do a simple count of answers rather than trying to analyse results against age or area of residency.
Notes of the Meeting
Len will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
Public Meeting
Ann to book the large room at Community Centre for 4th October.
Next Meeting of working group
The group will meet again Wednesday 7th September and 21st September at 7.30 at 6 Llantrisant Road
Thursday, August 25, 2011
First response to the New Town proposals - from the working group
This letter has now been sent to RCT and copies have been widely distributed to interested parties. It represents our first response to the proposed development based upon information that is in the public domain from public authorities and the developers.
It has been produced within the remit of doing our utmost to improve the plans.
When the outline planning permission application is submitted further opportunities to respond will present themselves.
It is planned to have another open public meeting at the latest by early October providing interested local people with the opportunity to further develop the case being made.
Pontyclun Residents New Town Working Group
6 Llantrisant Road
Pontyclun
Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF72 9DQ
e-mail:marg.talygarn@btinternet.com
tel. 01433 229301
23 August 2011
Jane Cook
Director of Planning
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Dear Ms Cook
Proposed New Town Development north of Pontyclun
6 Llantrisant Road
Pontyclun
Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF72 9DQ
e-mail:marg.talygarn@btinternet.com
tel. 01433 229301
23 August 2011
Jane Cook
Director of Planning
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Dear Ms Cook
Proposed New Town Development north of Pontyclun
Residents of Pontyclun and Talbot Green have met to discuss the provision in the Local Development Plan of a new retail and leisure area to the north of Pontyclun. A working group has been to consider how this development could best serve the interests of local people. This letter is from that working group and we seek to influence the further progress of the LDP and the consideration of any application for development on the New Town site.
We ask for an opportunity to discuss with you and your colleagues the objectives that we set out in this letter with a view to working together to ensure that the Local Development Plan and any future planning consent maximises the benefits for local people.
When the RCT CBC first began its preparations for the LDP with the publication of its outline strategy the residents of Pontyclun, through their Community Council, objected to the scale of the proposed New Town development which was then outlined as including the whole of the Pant Marsh and the Coed yr Hendy. As far as we are aware there were no further objections during the LDP process and this would have been due to assurances that any development was to be limited to the sites of the former Purolite and Staedtler works.
As we examine the current state of the LDP and read the continuing correspondence with the Planning Inspectors we find that many of our original concerns over scale, environmental protection and transportation remain unresolved.
As the LDP is further developed and any application is considered we suggest the following should be the objectives of the Council, the Planning Inspector, the Countryside Council for Wales and any developer:
- that the existing vitality of the Pontyclun village centre should be enhanced
- that the ‘New Town’ should be designated as Wales First Green Town with design features which support that designation
- that the development should diminish the flood risk of the surrounding area
- that the traffic congestion of the surrounding area should be diminished
- that the development should be part of a network of safe cycling and walking routes
- that the area of the Pant Marsh and the Coed yr Hendy are protected and made accessible so that it is natural green area for visitors to the retail park and for local residents
The existing vitality of the Pontyclun village centre should be enhanced
Whilst the Local Development Plan refers to the retail site as Mwyndy/Talbot Green it is in closest proximity and has most accessibility to the village centre of Pontyclun which is a successful village centre, much valued and used by local residents. Pontyclun has a range of local retailers and local amenities which are small in scale and often commercially fragile.
The LDP designates Pontyclun as a ‘smaller settlement providing a limited range of services to meet local needs’’. It is important that the New Town does not undermine the ambition set for Pontyclun in the LDP.
The scale of Pontyclun is such that people can expect to meet friends and acquaintances as they use the village centre. There is well researched evidence that the local networks of social relationships sustained by such a village environment is the basis of achieving good health and well being and this is a stated aim of the Local Development Plan. We must be very deliberate in ensuring that any new development enhances rather than undermines local social relationships. It is a feature of almost all large scale retail developments that they individualise the shopping experience and undermine social relationships.
We support the conclusion of the Retail Study undertaken by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners for RCT CBC in 2008: “By serving predominantly local catchment, accessibility by foot and cycle should be ensured and car parking should be subordinate to the development rather than the dominating impact it has at Talbot Green”.
In order that the new development enhances Pontyclun village it should:
- not exceed the existing brownfield area. We support the Countryide Council for Wales which is continuing to object to the LDP in this respect. We ask that the Council respond to continued questions by the Planning Inspectorate and the CCW by limiting the development to the brown field site. We understand that this would reduce the footprint of the development by 14 hectares
- not include forms of retail provision which directly compete with the scale and character of retailers in Pontyclun
- not impede access to Pontyclun village
- provide attractive walkways and cycleways along the river between the new town and Pontyclun signposting users of the new development to the amenities of Pontyclun
- advertise rail access to the new town via Pontyclun train station. We recognise that there is an ambition to serve the New Town from a new Pontyclun to Beddau train line but this is unlikely to gain funding in the near future and in the meantime it should be noted that the Pontyclun station is only a 10 minutes riverside walk from the site.
The ‘New Town’ should be designated as ‘Wales First Green Town’ with design features which support that designation
If the New Town is to be successful, it needs to distinguish itself from every other retail park that has developed on the edge of settlements over the past few decades. All too often they have been highly repetitive, relying on the same multiple retailers, and totally reliant car transport for their access.
We suggest that this New Town should distinguish itself by being designed to promote environmental sustainability in line with policy AW12 in the LDP ( Renewable and non Renewable Energy). Its distinguishing features should be designed to diminish the ecological footprint of the development and in so doing they would also add to the commercial viability by providing good reason to use this development rather than any other.
The green features that should be built into this development include:
- development on the existing brownfield only and not on the proposed 14 hectare of the Site of Importance of Nature Conservation.
- provision of a wide network of pedestrian and cycle access to the development which would provide access to the development and provide safe routes to Y Pant school
- protection of the surrounding areas of the Pant Marsh and Coed yr Hendy with design features that bring the green areas into the town and facilitate walking access into the green areas.
- providing walkways which link the development to Pontyclun train station
- providing a ‘Park and Ride facility at Junction 34 which is linked to the development by a dedicated bus lane on the hard shoulder of the A4119
- all l surfaces for walkways, roadways and parking areas should be of permeable materials which capture rainwater into subterranean reservoirs used as an energy source for ground water heat pumps
- combining renewable energy sources with the highest levels of insulation with the aim of achieving a carbon neutral development
- designating a proportion of retail facilities for the marketing of products produced within the County Borough
- the mitigation of climate change through enhanced control of flood risks in the surrounding areas.
The LDP requires that a retail development of this scale should be governed by a ‘master plan’ that informs each particular part of the development. The Council should require that the master plan provides the features that deserve this designation of ‘Wales First Green Town’.
The development should diminish the flood risk of the surrounding area
The area around the proposed new town is an area of significant flood risk. Recent analysis by the Environment Agency indicates that the Pant School , the Pant y Dderwen and the Ynys Ddu housing areas are all now identified as having a one in hundred year risk of flood Projected climate change will increase that risk.
The retail area potentially increases water run-off into the Pant flood plain and increases the risk of flood. A protective bund placed around the development will increase the flood risk to the surrounding areas.
We suggest that:
- The Environment Agency is asked to identify how specific design features in this development could diminish the flood risk of the surrounding area and that such measures are made a condition of any planning consent.
- All surfaces in the development are made of permeable materials and that measures are taken to control the flow of water into the Clun.
The traffic congestion of the surrounding area should be diminished
Road access to this retail development will be along the following routes
- The A4119 from Junction 34 on the M4
This route is already severely congested before 9 am and from 3pm onward. The congestion on this route is already a disincentive to any increased economic activity in the northern Ely and Rhondda valleys. The planned new housing and office development in Mwyndy will increase this congestion. If this retail development were to increase congestion on this route, the wider negative effects would be substantial. As part of this negative effect the ability of residents of Pontyclun to access the M4 would diminish further.
This route is already severely congested before 9 am and from 3pm onward. The congestion on this route is already a disincentive to any increased economic activity in the northern Ely and Rhondda valleys. The planned new housing and office development in Mwyndy will increase this congestion. If this retail development were to increase congestion on this route, the wider negative effects would be substantial. As part of this negative effect the ability of residents of Pontyclun to access the M4 would diminish further.
- The A473 from Llanharan
The planned development of a further 2000 houses in Llanharan will increase traffic flows along this road with further pressure on the junction with the A4119. If retail development adds to the traffic flow along this route it could well be that the proposed new housing development, a key component of the Local Development Plan, will become inaccessible and therefore unsaleable.
The planned development of a further 2000 houses in Llanharan will increase traffic flows along this road with further pressure on the junction with the A4119. If retail development adds to the traffic flow along this route it could well be that the proposed new housing development, a key component of the Local Development Plan, will become inaccessible and therefore unsaleable.
- The A473 from Tonteg
There has been huge investment in this route. However, if the route were to end in increased gridlock with the junction at the A4119 then the benefits of the investment will be lost. It is imperative that the new retail development does not increase the traffic flows through this junction.
-The A4222 from Cowbridge and Llanharry through Pontyclun Village
This route suffers congestion in the periods around school opening and closing. If the retail development adds to traffic flows during these period then it will become difficult to enter or leave Pontyclun.
Neither the developer or ourselves can accurately predict the impact of the retail development on these traffic flows. However, we can be certain that the roads do not have the capacity to carry an extra 12000 cars on a peak day. The Development is planning on building car parking for 3000 cars. This anticipates that at peak times there will be sufficient people visiting the retail park to use the 3000 car parking spaces. From this we should also anticipate that there will be a turnover of cars in the car parking spaces. People will on average spend two hours at the retail park. This means that during the day each car parking space will be filled by three to four cars. In total on a peak day there could be an extra 12000 cars on the roads into and around Pontyclun. The proposals for amendments to the roads would not be able to deal with this increase in traffic.
We understand that the developer is intending to charge for car parking at the retail park. There is evidence that where this is the case, people will look for local parking with no charge. The closest residential streets are Pant y Derwen and Ynys Ddu. We are concerned that by charging for car parking people will try to park in these residential areas. Encouraging visitors to use other forms of transport to access the retail park will hopefully discourage this behaviour
The LDP notes that ‘Development throughout the County Borough will be directed to locations that offer a choice of modes of transportation. Particular importance will be placed on ensuring that development both supports and, where necessary, contributes towards the development of a modern integrated transport system.’
To diminish the traffic congestion we propose:
- the provision of a wide network of pedestrian and cycle access to the development which would provide access to the development and provide safe routes to Y Pant school;
- providing walkways which link the development to Pontyclun train station;
- providing a free ‘Park and Ride facility at Junction 34 which is linked to the development by a dedicated bus lane on the hard shoulder of the A4119 with a shuttle service to the retail development;
- the number of car parking spaces are significantly reduced;
- that retail provision in the New Town should not increase existing retail provision on the site by more than 25% until the proposed new grade separated junction at the intersection of the A4119 and the A473 is constructed; and
- replace the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the road between Talbot Green and the development
- the provision of a wide network of pedestrian and cycle access to the development which would provide access to the development and provide safe routes to Y Pant school;
- providing walkways which link the development to Pontyclun train station;
- providing a free ‘Park and Ride facility at Junction 34 which is linked to the development by a dedicated bus lane on the hard shoulder of the A4119 with a shuttle service to the retail development;
- the number of car parking spaces are significantly reduced;
- that retail provision in the New Town should not increase existing retail provision on the site by more than 25% until the proposed new grade separated junction at the intersection of the A4119 and the A473 is constructed; and
- replace the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the road between Talbot Green and the development
The development should be part of a network of safe cycling and walking routes
Sustrans has already submitted plans for cycle and walking routes in this area using former rail routes and other routes. These plans have not been implemented in part through a lack of funding.
We propose that
• that there is further dialogue with Sustrans to identify routes that will encourage cycle and walking mobility in the areas of Pontyclun and Talbot Green areas linking to the existing cycle route to Pontypridd and the proposed route to Tonyrefail
• the funding of these routes should be one of the community facilities provided by the developer.
The area of the Pant Marsh and the Coed yr Hendy are protected and made accessible so that it is natural green area for visitors to the retail park and for local residents
• that there is further dialogue with Sustrans to identify routes that will encourage cycle and walking mobility in the areas of Pontyclun and Talbot Green areas linking to the existing cycle route to Pontypridd and the proposed route to Tonyrefail
• the funding of these routes should be one of the community facilities provided by the developer.
The area of the Pant Marsh and the Coed yr Hendy are protected and made accessible so that it is natural green area for visitors to the retail park and for local residents
Pant Marsh is an area of scientific interest and we are pleased to note that the developers are undertaking surveys of the flora and fauna of the area. We believe that it is important that the development, which is in such close proximity to this area, should be developed in such a way that it will have limited impact on the marsh. There is concern that the development may cause increased amounts of water flowing into a smaller area and therefore changing the nature of the Pant Marsh. It is a beautiful area and we believe that making it more accessible will enhance the attraction of the retail park .
To protect and enhance this area we propose that:
• the New Town Development should not extend beyond the existing brown field into the Site of Important Nature Conservation;
• all recommendations resulting from continuing survey work of the ecology of the Pant Marsh are fully implemented;
• the required improvements to the highway intersection of the A4119 and A473 are not designed so as to reduce the area of the Pant Marsh;
- all surfaces in the development are made of permeable materials and that measures are taken to control the flow of water into the Clun;
- the development is designed to bring the green areas into the town and facilitate walking access into the green areas.
• the New Town Development should not extend beyond the existing brown field into the Site of Important Nature Conservation;
• all recommendations resulting from continuing survey work of the ecology of the Pant Marsh are fully implemented;
• the required improvements to the highway intersection of the A4119 and A473 are not designed so as to reduce the area of the Pant Marsh;
- all surfaces in the development are made of permeable materials and that measures are taken to control the flow of water into the Clun;
- the development is designed to bring the green areas into the town and facilitate walking access into the green areas.
Conclusion
In response to the questions still being asked by the Planning Inspector we believe that the LDP should be amended to include the positive suggestions outlined above.
We believe that outline planning permission should not be granted until a master plan is developed that takes into account the suggestions above and that there is further consultation with the residents of Pontyclun.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Griffiths
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Questionnaire
If you wish to access the questionnaire to help us gauge local views on the new develop you can do so through this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FwQNtGXD9H0Uq8TBxI-qNmQp558G9rAYZ7Csi7L9Mh8/edit?hl=en_GB
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Second meeting of Town Centre Development working group
Second meeting of the Town Centre Development Working group
10th august 2011
Present: Len Arthur, Ann Bennett Claire, Paul, Marg
Apologies: Rachel, Chris, Bernadette, Helen, Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Apologies: Rachel, Chris, Bernadette, Helen, Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Information
The meeting discussed the detail of the Local Development Plan and a shopping survey produced by RCT in 2008
The meeting discussed the detail of the Local Development Plan and a shopping survey produced by RCT in 2008
Questionnaire
Claire is to make a few minor additions to the questionnaire
Len and Marg are to organise printing
Questionnaire to be distributed to local shops and businesses
Ann - Library, Brunel, Windsor, Ann’s Chemist, Doctor’s surgery
Claire – New boutiques, hairdressers, beauty parlours, Miskin Arms
Len – Barber, Deli, Blog, Twitter
Paul- Athletic Club, Rugby Club, Butcher,
Marg – Vegetable shop, Flower shop, Bridal shop, Restaurants
All will ask friends and family to complete the questionnaire
Len and Ann to deliver and collect New Miskin, and new Hendy
Marg and Paul to to deliver and collect in Pontyclun
Any other help will be gratefully received
Claire is to make a few minor additions to the questionnaire
Len and Marg are to organise printing
Questionnaire to be distributed to local shops and businesses
Ann - Library, Brunel, Windsor, Ann’s Chemist, Doctor’s surgery
Claire – New boutiques, hairdressers, beauty parlours, Miskin Arms
Len – Barber, Deli, Blog, Twitter
Paul- Athletic Club, Rugby Club, Butcher,
Marg – Vegetable shop, Flower shop, Bridal shop, Restaurants
All will ask friends and family to complete the questionnaire
Len and Ann to deliver and collect New Miskin, and new Hendy
Marg and Paul to to deliver and collect in Pontyclun
Any other help will be gratefully received
Letter to the Council and developers prior to outline planning application
Marg and Paul will amend the letter and circulate before sending to RCT and VALAD.
Business and organisational support
Marg to contact Chris about the draft letter for local businesses and organisations, asking for their opinions on the new development.
Raising awareness and increasing support
No feed back on progress
Business and organisational support
Marg to contact Chris about the draft letter for local businesses and organisations, asking for their opinions on the new development.
Raising awareness and increasing support
No feed back on progress
Special Interest Groups
Members are still to contact special interest groups
Members are still to contact special interest groups
Environmental Issues
Marg to email Mark Jackson, Scarborough Developments and request copies of the survey information on flora, fauna, birds and invertebrates
Marg to email Mark Jackson, Scarborough Developments and request copies of the survey information on flora, fauna, birds and invertebrates
Notes of the Meeting
Len will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
Len will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
Public Meeting
Ann to book the large room at Community Centre on Thursday 22nd September for another public meeting.
Ann to book the large room at Community Centre on Thursday 22nd September for another public meeting.
Next Meeting of working group
The group will meet again Wednesday 24h August at 7.30 at 6 Llantrisant Road
The group will meet again Wednesday 24h August at 7.30 at 6 Llantrisant Road
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Action notes from working group
First meeting of the Town Centre Development Working group: 26th July 2011
Present: Helen, Bernadette, Gareth, Chris Claire, Rachel, Paul, Marg
Apologies: Len Arthur, Ann Bennett, Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Letter to the Council and developers prior to outline planning application
Marg and Paul will write a first draft of a letter outlining concerns about the development and making suggestions for sustainable and environmental amendments to the plan presented at the public consultation exhibitions.
Gaining an understanding of public opinion
Claire will design the first draft of a community questionnaire and will circulate to the working group for comments
Business support
Chris will write a first draft of a letter to be sent to local businesses and organisations asking for their opinions on the new development. This is to be circulated
Raising awareness and increasing support
Helen to contact Friends of Pant School
Bernadette will contact Pontyclun Action Group
Paul to raise the development at the Community Council
Special Interest Groups
Paul will contact Sustrans
Marg will contact Sarah and Ann asking them to make contact with environmental specialists
Rachel will contact an ecology expert
Notes of the meeting
Marg will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
Present: Helen, Bernadette, Gareth, Chris Claire, Rachel, Paul, Marg
Apologies: Len Arthur, Ann Bennett, Dawn Bowden, Martin Eaglestone, Sarah
Action Points
Letter to the Council and developers prior to outline planning application
Marg and Paul will write a first draft of a letter outlining concerns about the development and making suggestions for sustainable and environmental amendments to the plan presented at the public consultation exhibitions.
Gaining an understanding of public opinion
Claire will design the first draft of a community questionnaire and will circulate to the working group for comments
Business support
Chris will write a first draft of a letter to be sent to local businesses and organisations asking for their opinions on the new development. This is to be circulated
Raising awareness and increasing support
Helen to contact Friends of Pant School
Bernadette will contact Pontyclun Action Group
Paul to raise the development at the Community Council
Special Interest Groups
Paul will contact Sustrans
Marg will contact Sarah and Ann asking them to make contact with environmental specialists
Rachel will contact an ecology expert
Notes of the meeting
Marg will distribute the notes of the meeting to all those at the public meeting who provided an email address
A further public meeting will be organised when we have more information to discuss.
Report of open forum held 12 July 2011
RCT / VALAD new Pant development
Draft notes taken at the public forum held at the Pontyclun Community Centre Tuesday July 12th 2011
Chair Margaret Griffiths supported by Paul Griffiths, Pontyclun Community Councillor (PCC), Mick Antoniw, Pontypridd Assembly Member (AM) and about 50 in attendance from Pontyclun, Talbot Green and Llantrisant. A representative from VALAD and Leekes was also present in the meeting.
1. The Chair opened the meeting thanking everyone for coming and explained that the local Pontyclun Ward Labour Party had organised and financed the first meeting it came about after LP members had discussed the issues following a visit to the VALAD exhibition and thought it would be a good idea to get local people together. It was emphasised that the meeting was one of a single issue and the intention was to involve all who live in the area of whatever political view or non at all.
The reported that the development was in the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Local Development Plan (LDP) which had been through all the consultation stages and had now been approved by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and so now remained to be subject to detailed planning applications and this provided the local community an opportunity to have their concerns taken into account covering such issues as highways, the environment, cycling and walking.
2. Paul Griffiths explained how he used the local library to view the RCT LDP when it first became available in 2006 and how he was involved from that time as a member of the PCC in the consultation process which was finally completed early this year. The original plan was for a new town centre covering the whole of the Pant valley up to the dual carriageway including the woodland to the south.
However, due to PCC and other representations this was scaled back to the brown field area which is now going to be the subject of the VALAD development proposals. The RCT LDP plan lasts for the next 20 years thus limiting any further development within this time scale. The next stage of detailed planning applications puts all the issues of concern ‘up for grabs’.
3. Mick Antoniw outlined his position of ensuring that all the information that was needed by local people was made available initially by the land owners VALAD. He had written to the company requesting information inter alia relating to the impact on traffic, their jobs assessments, and impact on what is currently in existence. A response was still awaited. He opined that there were usually advantages and disadvantages in these developments and the important thing was to gather as many views and information as possible to effectively respond to the planning applications when it is available.
4. Comments, questions and discussion took place from among those present and the following points were made:
• Some were not aware of the detail of the proposal or the recent exhibitions.
• Concern was expressed about whether the original larger scheme would re-emerge
• Questions were raised about the other company involved in the development, Scarborough and the extent of their influence with developments in the area, including Pontypridd.
• The effectiveness of the A473 and A4119 roundabout after the development was questioned.
• To what extent was the development restricted to a brown field site and a close comparison should be carried out between the site proposed and the approved plan.
• There are existing shopping centres there was concern about how they would be affected
• Why could the development not take place in the existing centres?
• Whether it was a ‘done deal’ could be challenged and a referendum could be organised.
• Others expressed the view we should deal the process that is now available and be aware of the job implications.
• Questions were raised about the flooding calculations and whether they were adequate and the drainage proposals consequently effective.
• Related issues were raised about the flood plain and whether adequate risk calculations had been built in.
• Environmental concerns relating to the proposed flood bank ‘bund’ as to whether it was adequate or could have adverse affects on the natural environment.
• The site is now derelict and it needs to be used.
• The site does include contaminated areas and it was suggested that more samples should be taken and possible leeching investigated.
• A question was raised on the possibility of Beryllium being present on the site.
• Investment in the Y Pant School was raised and Mick Antoniw reported that WAG would be making a statement on Welsh school investment on July 15th.
• Concern was expressed about the safety of children and school students in relation to the new development and the need to provide safe pedestrian, cycling and bridge access. ‘If it can be done for dormice it can be done for children’ was one comment!
• A suggestion was made the Sustrains proposal for a cycle way along the disused railway line could inserted as part of the requirements of the proposal.
• There was general support to do as much as we can to preserve the village type of local environment, especially as this was the reason many moved here.
• Information came from Leekes that they also shared many of the concerns particularly those relating to traffic and car parking. They are not currently signed up to any deal with the developers and have only been in detailed discussions over the last 3 months.
• It also became clear that one attraction of the site would be the high rents and rates it could command as other local retail developments where among the highest in the UK.
5. Action was discussed at the end of the meeting. It became clear that the development could only take place over a 5 – 6 year period with a new supermarket being the first phase, then financing the next. VALAD would be putting forward a submission to RCT for outline planning permission within the next few weeks with detailed planning permission for the new supermarket this Autumn.
The outline planning permission would provide local people with more detailed information and the opportunity to insist on our concerns being taken account of. Although many people at the meeting had deep misgivings about the whole development, the Chair suggested that it appeared in general that most people thought it tactically and strategically important to take the planning process seriously. It was therefore suggested to the meeting and approved that:
i. An email list of those interested would be established and the initial list of names was collected at the meeting.
ii. That a working group be established to undertake more information gathering and start to prepare a case for the submission at the outline planning permission stage.
iii. That the working group meets within the next 14 days
iv. That another open forum is convened within the next month.
At the end of the meeting 13 people had volunteered to start as the working group and an email list of 40 was established.
Len Arthur who helped convene the meeting agreed to keep the notes, write this draft report and would establish the email contact group and an email contact working group. He would send around the draft report to all on the email list and ask for any changes, after which the report would be circulated widely in electronic and hard copy.
He also agreed to help convene the first working group meeting.
Draft notes taken at the public forum held at the Pontyclun Community Centre Tuesday July 12th 2011
Chair Margaret Griffiths supported by Paul Griffiths, Pontyclun Community Councillor (PCC), Mick Antoniw, Pontypridd Assembly Member (AM) and about 50 in attendance from Pontyclun, Talbot Green and Llantrisant. A representative from VALAD and Leekes was also present in the meeting.
1. The Chair opened the meeting thanking everyone for coming and explained that the local Pontyclun Ward Labour Party had organised and financed the first meeting it came about after LP members had discussed the issues following a visit to the VALAD exhibition and thought it would be a good idea to get local people together. It was emphasised that the meeting was one of a single issue and the intention was to involve all who live in the area of whatever political view or non at all.
The reported that the development was in the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Local Development Plan (LDP) which had been through all the consultation stages and had now been approved by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and so now remained to be subject to detailed planning applications and this provided the local community an opportunity to have their concerns taken into account covering such issues as highways, the environment, cycling and walking.
2. Paul Griffiths explained how he used the local library to view the RCT LDP when it first became available in 2006 and how he was involved from that time as a member of the PCC in the consultation process which was finally completed early this year. The original plan was for a new town centre covering the whole of the Pant valley up to the dual carriageway including the woodland to the south.
However, due to PCC and other representations this was scaled back to the brown field area which is now going to be the subject of the VALAD development proposals. The RCT LDP plan lasts for the next 20 years thus limiting any further development within this time scale. The next stage of detailed planning applications puts all the issues of concern ‘up for grabs’.
3. Mick Antoniw outlined his position of ensuring that all the information that was needed by local people was made available initially by the land owners VALAD. He had written to the company requesting information inter alia relating to the impact on traffic, their jobs assessments, and impact on what is currently in existence. A response was still awaited. He opined that there were usually advantages and disadvantages in these developments and the important thing was to gather as many views and information as possible to effectively respond to the planning applications when it is available.
4. Comments, questions and discussion took place from among those present and the following points were made:
• Some were not aware of the detail of the proposal or the recent exhibitions.
• Concern was expressed about whether the original larger scheme would re-emerge
• Questions were raised about the other company involved in the development, Scarborough and the extent of their influence with developments in the area, including Pontypridd.
• The effectiveness of the A473 and A4119 roundabout after the development was questioned.
• To what extent was the development restricted to a brown field site and a close comparison should be carried out between the site proposed and the approved plan.
• There are existing shopping centres there was concern about how they would be affected
• Why could the development not take place in the existing centres?
• Whether it was a ‘done deal’ could be challenged and a referendum could be organised.
• Others expressed the view we should deal the process that is now available and be aware of the job implications.
• Questions were raised about the flooding calculations and whether they were adequate and the drainage proposals consequently effective.
• Related issues were raised about the flood plain and whether adequate risk calculations had been built in.
• Environmental concerns relating to the proposed flood bank ‘bund’ as to whether it was adequate or could have adverse affects on the natural environment.
• The site is now derelict and it needs to be used.
• The site does include contaminated areas and it was suggested that more samples should be taken and possible leeching investigated.
• A question was raised on the possibility of Beryllium being present on the site.
• Investment in the Y Pant School was raised and Mick Antoniw reported that WAG would be making a statement on Welsh school investment on July 15th.
• Concern was expressed about the safety of children and school students in relation to the new development and the need to provide safe pedestrian, cycling and bridge access. ‘If it can be done for dormice it can be done for children’ was one comment!
• A suggestion was made the Sustrains proposal for a cycle way along the disused railway line could inserted as part of the requirements of the proposal.
• There was general support to do as much as we can to preserve the village type of local environment, especially as this was the reason many moved here.
• Information came from Leekes that they also shared many of the concerns particularly those relating to traffic and car parking. They are not currently signed up to any deal with the developers and have only been in detailed discussions over the last 3 months.
• It also became clear that one attraction of the site would be the high rents and rates it could command as other local retail developments where among the highest in the UK.
5. Action was discussed at the end of the meeting. It became clear that the development could only take place over a 5 – 6 year period with a new supermarket being the first phase, then financing the next. VALAD would be putting forward a submission to RCT for outline planning permission within the next few weeks with detailed planning permission for the new supermarket this Autumn.
The outline planning permission would provide local people with more detailed information and the opportunity to insist on our concerns being taken account of. Although many people at the meeting had deep misgivings about the whole development, the Chair suggested that it appeared in general that most people thought it tactically and strategically important to take the planning process seriously. It was therefore suggested to the meeting and approved that:
i. An email list of those interested would be established and the initial list of names was collected at the meeting.
ii. That a working group be established to undertake more information gathering and start to prepare a case for the submission at the outline planning permission stage.
iii. That the working group meets within the next 14 days
iv. That another open forum is convened within the next month.
At the end of the meeting 13 people had volunteered to start as the working group and an email list of 40 was established.
Len Arthur who helped convene the meeting agreed to keep the notes, write this draft report and would establish the email contact group and an email contact working group. He would send around the draft report to all on the email list and ask for any changes, after which the report would be circulated widely in electronic and hard copy.
He also agreed to help convene the first working group meeting.
Background and introduction
The blog has been set up to support the debate about the proposed new development in the Pant Valley Llantrisant. This development - which has been called a new town centre - is being proposed by a company called Valad Developments Llantrisant Ltd, which in turn is totally owned subsidiary of two international property development companies known as VALAD and Scarborough Group.
The company is proposing to make a submission to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council for outline planning permission in the very near future. As part of the preparation for this submission an exhibition was held over three days toward the end of June 2011. A considerable amount of new information came to light during discussions surrounding these exhibitions which will be of interest to people living close to the development in Llantrisant, Pontyclun and Talbot Green.
The Pontyclun Labour Party thought it would help if people from these areas came together to discuss the proposals and as a result a public open forum was held on 12 July 2011.
A report of the meeting follows as the next post. It was generally agreed that it would be useful to prepare to make a submission to RCT when the planning application is made to try to ensure that a range of concerns were taken into account. A working group composed of volunteers from the meeting was established to start to take this work forward.
It is expected that open forums will be held bi-monthly to continue to involve local people in the submission process.
The company is proposing to make a submission to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council for outline planning permission in the very near future. As part of the preparation for this submission an exhibition was held over three days toward the end of June 2011. A considerable amount of new information came to light during discussions surrounding these exhibitions which will be of interest to people living close to the development in Llantrisant, Pontyclun and Talbot Green.
The Pontyclun Labour Party thought it would help if people from these areas came together to discuss the proposals and as a result a public open forum was held on 12 July 2011.
A report of the meeting follows as the next post. It was generally agreed that it would be useful to prepare to make a submission to RCT when the planning application is made to try to ensure that a range of concerns were taken into account. A working group composed of volunteers from the meeting was established to start to take this work forward.
It is expected that open forums will be held bi-monthly to continue to involve local people in the submission process.
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