Plans to expand Fonmon Castle and Estate in the Vale of Glamorgan have been approved despite local fears that the development will cause significant traffic disruption. Foreland Enterprises Limited has received the go-ahead from Vale of Glamorgan Council to build 79 holiday lodges, 11 touring pitches, and 12 bell-tent pitches at the site.
The approval also includes a 350-space all-weather car park, a live events field, and the regularisation of seasonal attraction areas. The scheme is part of a wider plan for the medieval castle, which dates back to the 12th century, to expand its tourism offering and host more events such as agricultural shows, car shows, jousting events, and polo matches.
Local objections over traffic and pollution
One person who wrote to the council to object to the plans said: “There would be inadequate car parking for such a huge development and large events business.
“The adjoining roads are already heavily used, especially leading into Barry, often a huge bottleneck at Weycock Cross.
“The potential for traffic chaos is huge. This would increase air pollution, noise pollution, and environmental damage along the route and into Barry and Cardiff Airport.”
Economic impact and heritage preservation
Outline planning permission was also granted for a central hub with education, interpretation, guest, restaurant, and retail services, as well as a new estate office and storage. According to a document attached to the application, visitors to the new development are expected to generate £6.5m, with a further £2.9m generated through “indirect and induced effects”. In total, it is estimated that the economic impact of the development on the local area will be £9.4m.
The application states: “As the proposed development is needed to facilitate the continued restoration and long-term upkeep of Fonmon Castle and Estate, these proposals are first and foremost, and ultimately, seeking to preserve the built heritage of a Grade I-listed building and historic park and garden in the Vale of Glamorgan.”
It adds: “The proposals will also enhance the built heritage by creating facilities that will grow the attraction, and fulfil the vision of becoming a nationally-significant heritage attraction.” Lack of income and inadequate maintenance and upkeep funds to maintain the castle was called the “most significant risk” to the grounds.
Council approval and traffic mitigation
During the meeting to approve the work, no councillors objected to the application. Cllr Mark Wilson called it a “really good application” and said the economic benefits it would generate are “enormous”. He added that Fonmon Castle “really needs that money”.
Regarding concerns about the scheme's impact on traffic, the planning report reads: “The concerns relating to development traffic and congestion raised in representations are noted, however, many of these relate to the use of the existing access via Castle Road.
“The provision of direct access from the B4265 would displace traffic from Castle Road, as well as visitors using the non-signposted route through Fonmon village.
“The proposal would not materially increase traffic volumes through Llancadle as, other than for very localised traffic, the rural roads to the north will not be a convenient route.”
