Former Wales rugby international Justin Tipuric has secured planning permission on appeal for holiday accommodation and horse-riding facilities at a farm near Morriston, Swansea. The development, approved by a Welsh Government-appointed planning inspector, includes three two-bedroom lodges, a new stable block, and a manege (riding area) to replace dilapidated outbuildings on land off Rhydypandy Road.
Project Details and Niche Market
The proposal targets visitors interested in horse-riding, aiming to fill a gap in the market in the north of the county. Planning agents GJP, acting on behalf of Mr Tipuric, described the lodges as modest in size, similar to static caravans. The site is located north of Morriston, near Swansea.
Council Objections and Highway Safety Concerns
Swansea Council planning officers initially objected, citing highway safety concerns. They argued that the development would result in inadequate visibility splays and unacceptable narrowing of the carriageway on Rhydypandy Road. Despite the potential economic and tourism benefits, officers concluded these were outweighed by safety risks.
In response, GJP submitted an appeal, asserting that a suitably designed access could be provided. They noted that a secondary access from the land onto Rhydypandy Road would be closed to vehicles, and that no carriageway narrowing was planned. The council maintained its objection, claiming plans showed the carriageway would be narrowed, and recommended conditions if the appeal were allowed.
Planning Inspector's Decision
Inspector Paul Selby, appointed by the Welsh Government, approved the application subject to conditions. He was satisfied with the proposed visibility splays and unconvinced that the carriageway would be substantially or frequently narrowed, including by emerging vehicles. His decision report stated: “The evidence also demonstrates that there would be sufficient space for vehicles entering and leaving the site to pass one another within the junction limiting the need for reversing manoeuvres within the highway, includes vehicles towing horseboxes.”
An application for costs by the appellant was refused by Mr Selby. The Local Democracy Reporting Service sought comment from Mr Tipuric, a former Ospreys flanker and current defence coach with 93 Wales caps, but received no response at the time of publication.
