Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council has submitted a planning application to expand the existing Gypsy and Traveller site in Beddau, located on Penycoedcae Road at the northern fringe of the town. The proposal aims to address a recognised need for 27 new pitches across the borough by 2037, as identified in the Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment 2022.
Expansion Details and Design Requirements
The application seeks to maximise the development potential of the designated site, with a minimum provision of nine new pitches and a possible future phase adding up to five more. The design and access statement, submitted with the application, outlines key requirements including a children's play area, a site management office, and an efficient layout to minimise retaining structures. The project must also consider existing ecological and arboricultural constraints, incorporate ecological enhancements, and follow green infrastructure and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategies. The layout will align with Welsh Government guidance, including the 2015 edition of Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites and the 2008 Model Standards for Caravan Sites in Wales, alongside health and safety and local planning policy.
Site History and Current Condition
The land adjacent to the existing Beddau site is largely undeveloped, covered with native trees and scrub. Historically, the site has accommodated both Gypsy and non-Gypsy households under a licence, with the last residential licence issued in 1987. The site was designated for closure in 1998 and has been disused since 2001, though it operated as a caravan park from the early 1970s. The council views this expansion as an opportunity to work towards meeting the identified demand for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the region.
