A public consultation has been launched today (Tuesday 1 June) on a draft masterplan which will be used to determine what kinds of development can take place throughout Bridgend county borough between now and 2033.
The Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) which is currently at the draft deposit stage, features all of the policies that the authority will use when determining future planning applications.
It sets out how land can be used, and which parts of the county borough will be maintained as open space or designated for residential, employment, retail, waste, mineral development, community and tourism purposes.
Take part in the consultation by visiting the Bridgend County Borough Council website. Alternative formats are available on request. The consultation ends on Tuesday 27 July.
The council’s cabinet member for communities Cllr Stuart Baldwin said: “The LDP sets out how Bridgend County Borough will develop over the next 15 years and ensures that development is delivered in the right areas with supporting roads, schools and services such as health, retail, leisure, community facilities and more.
“The Local Development Plan establishes the principles for site development which then leads onto future planning applications.
“The public consultation is a vital part of the LDP process with the opportunity for members of the public to share their views on key issues, the plan’s objective and vision.”
Under the Welsh national development plan which sets the direction for development in Wales to 2040, Bridgend county borough is identified as a centre of regional growth within the South East Wales region. This is based on its strategically important location as part of the South Wales Metro system and the opportunity to improve rail, bus, cycling and walking infrastructure across the region to provide a focus for investment, regeneration and associated development.
The county borough is also identified as a priority area for district heating networks with an expectation on local planning authorities to identify opportunities for their integration in new and existing development.
The LDP seeks to ensure that there are enough new homes to meet the needs of growing communities within the county borough while also providing fresh infrastructure and facilities, and drawing in fresh economic investment to the area.
The new developments are planned to be around the main settlements of Bridgend, Porthcawl, Pencoed and Pyle, with some regeneration growth in Maesteg and other smaller sites.
Over the 15 year plan period, the plan aims to help create just under 5,000 additional jobs
The LDP also takes account of the Placemaking Charter Wales which seeks to ensure that each new development contributes positively to creating or enhancing environments within which people, communities, businesses and nature can thrive.