Council views proposals from developers

A register of locations where future potential development could take place has been discussed by the Development Control committee of Bridgend County Borough Council.

The Candidate Site Register has been compiled as part of the next phase of the council’s Local Development Plan, a master document which determines how land in Bridgend County Borough will be used between now and 2033.

The register features 172 locations that have been submitted by developers as areas they believe should be classified as being suitable for future residential, leisure or industrial development.

The register is essentially a wish-list of locations that developers are interested in, and it is important to note that at this stage, none of them have been agreed or approved for development.

The Local Development Plan is revisited at regular intervals so that developers are able to put forward ideas on how specific locations could be used. Once their proposals and accompanying information have been received, they are compiled into a register for analysis by council officers.

The next steps will see the council look at the proposals in closer detail, evaluate whether they meet relevant planning guidance, draw up a final list of sites which we feel meet all relevant criteria, and then present them to the public for consultation. Feedback from the consultation will influence the final draft plan and will help to inform our own decision making.

Councillor Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities

The Development Control committee also discussed a number of technical reports outlining the impact of anticipated housing and economic growth across Bridgend and the wider region.

These included options for the re-use of previously developed land, focusing growth around major public transport hubs and the strategic highway network, and looking at how brownfield sites could be used in valley areas.

Both the Candidate Site Register and the technical reports will form the basis of consultation later this year as the council develops its preferred overall strategy for the county borough.

Councillor Young added: “Our Local Development Plan and our technical reports are built upon the principles of providing opportunities which reduce social and economic inequalities, offer effective learning environments, and create healthy environments for residents and visitors alike while improving their quality of life.

“They reflect updated national policies and legislation, and are in keeping with the council’s strategic objectives.

“Once the proposals have been properly analysed, we will be publicising details of how people can view them and have their say, and help determine what future development takes place in Bridgend County Borough.”