Plans to develop a series of glamping pods close to a Grade II-listed pub in Bridgend's Llynfi Valley have been given the go-ahead. The vacant parcel of land is located in the village of Llangynwyd, around 2.5km south of Maesteg, and is connected to the village's historic Old House pub, described as being the oldest in south Wales.
Approval and design details
The proposals were approved at a Bridgend County Borough Council planning committee meeting and will allow for the erection of 10 glamping pods along with extensive landscaping works. The Old House is currently used as a pub, restaurant, and wedding venue in the Bridgend village, which also features a number of other historic assets such as the Church of St Cynwyd.
The report said once finished it would include two different-sized glamping pods which feature a "steeply sloping pitched roof" and accommodate up to two or four people. Committee members were told the original application proposed the creation of 23 pods before advice from the local planning authority led to a reduction in the number to 10.
Community concerns and officer response
Llangynwyd Middle Community Council raised concerns about potential disruptions to the area with an additional 12 letters of objection raised by residents. These focused on the impact of additional traffic to the one minor road that services the village as well as increased noise disturbance. Others questioned whether or not there was a demand for such tourism accommodation in the area, which they felt was a historical village and not a holiday destination.
In response officers said they recommended the proposal as it would provide a "quality" tourism development that would benefit Llangynwyd and the wider area. They added it would have no unacceptable impacts to visual amenity, residential amenity, or highway and pedestrian safety. Additionally they noted a tourism impact assessment had been carried out which demonstrated there was a need for the development.
Following discussions members of Bridgend County Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans unanimously.
