Porthcawl Regeneration - a letter from Sustainable Wales

The Regeneration of Porthcawl, Sustainability, and Community Involvement - letter from Sustainable Wales to Bridgend Bouroughs LDP Inspector, Auditor General Wales & Wellbeing of Future generations Commissioner.

Download the full document with additional notes (PDF) here

The main text reads:

Monday, 17 April 2023

FAO

1.Inspector, Nicola Gulley Bridgend Boroughs Revised LDP c/o LDPProgrammeOfficer@bridgend.gov.uk

2. Auditor General. Audit Wales, 1 Capital Quarter, Cardiff, CF104BZ Email info@audit.wales

3c.c. Well-being of Future Generations Commissioner, Derek Walker

Is this as good as it gets?

The Regeneration of Porthcawl, Sustainability, and Community Involvement

Like many organisations based in Porthcawl, Sustainable Wales (SW) has tried to engage with Bridgend Borough Council Planning Department over many years, as plans emerge for the regeneration of the town’s waterfront. (see below, where we mention some SW contributions.)

The community consultation over the years, offered by BCBC to new planning developments, we feel, has been old style and limiting. This has caused a degree of alienation, definitely more so now with the growth of social media.

Thus, many people feel disengaged from politics, even though many of their ideas are sensible and exciting. There is a lack of trust in the process.

Because of the climate and ecological emergency, generally agreed to exist, we need to move forward. Sustainable development requires informed participation - this we have known for years. Futures will be different and we need to share a vision and start the transition now. The planning process we have is not fit for purpose. It is also imposed upon us.

Requiring urgent discussion is what sort of town might Porthcawl become? How do we plan with consideration of the past, the present and future, in a fair and just way, for people and planet? Residents have had no chance to establish a vision together.

Indeed, there are many participatory techniques available to replicate, which have been tried and tested across the UK and further afield.

The Well Being of Future Generations Act, Planning Policy Wales, and the Local Government Association Gunning Principles all state the need for deeper consultation (see below).

Thus, the question is how do we implement these requirements? Other countries administrations laud the Wales Future Generation’s Act. Yet it does not seem to being implemented in its country of origin!. People believe this is now a pressing issue.

For all our Future Generations Yours sincerely

Margaret Minhinnick Director, Sustainable Wales.

Response to proposed development of residential apartments in place of the former Porthcawl Glamorgan Holiday Hotel 2021

 Download the PDF of the 2021 submission

Download the PDF of the original 2020 commentary on the proposed development

 

9th February 2021

Additional Response to Bridgend Borough Council Planning Dept.

C/o Planning Officer Hayley Kemp

From Bridgend Local Energy Group

Supported by Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy

Re: P/20/415/FUL 

Xcape Ltd:  DEMOLITION OF THE FORMER GLAMORGAN HOLIDAY HOTEL, The Square, Porthcawl  CF 36 3BW AND ERECTION OF RESIDENTIAL BLOCK 52 (1,2,3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

 

The Bridgend Local Energy Group (BLEG) was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, low carbon energy initiatives.

Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/  

FAO Bridgend Borough Development and Building Control Department 

Dear Hayley Kemp

Thank you for the opportunity to add additional comment to the above proposed development in Porthcawl.

May firstly I remind you that we are keen to see a proposal on the former Glamorgan Holiday Home site.

However, the BLEG Group do not think the amended documents relate specifically to the environmental performance of the proposals. The Design and Access Statement has not been revised since the version of 12th June 2020. 

We believe that our earlier comments of July 2020 are thus still valid and are of continuing concern. We resubmit those…enclosed.

In addition, the Bridgend Borough Local Development Plan 2006 - 2021

Page 21 PLA4 entitled ‘Producing High Quality Sustainable Places’ states that ‘all development proposals will be required to make a positive contribution to climate change”. This document was produced over 15 years ago and we all now know that this issue is a real and present danger and practical responses are of the utmost urgency. Society can no longer condone ‘business as usual’.

We enclose also the text from this section of the LDP and highlight specific reference to the climate and nature.

Section 3.2.9 indeed outlining the important role of the planning system to ensure a climate response. 3.2.10 reminding us of the fact that the building may well have a design life of 75-100 years.

The Supplementary Planning Guidance 12 – Sustainable Energy  SPG12 – sustainable energy adds weight to zero carbon responsibilities.

We remind BCBC Planning department and the Development Control Committee of the content of these documents above, along with our original submission.

Yours faithfully,

Margaret Minhinnick, Daniel Williams and Tara King on behalf of the Bridgend Local Energy Group.

 

Enc.

2.Bridgend Local Development Plan 2006-2021 Policy PLA4 p 23

3.Bridgend Local Energy Group response July 29, 2020

Supplementary Planning Guidance 12 SPG12 – sustainable energy

Appendices:

 

Bridgend Local Development Plan 2006-2021

Policy PLA4 p 23 

Climate Change and Peak Oil

All development proposals will be required to make a positive contribution towards tackling the causes of, and adapting to the impacts of Climate Change and Peak Oil issues by:1) Having lower carbon energy requirements by reducing energy demand, and promoting energy efficiency;2) Utilising local materials and supplies (including food) wherever feasible;3) Encouraging the development of renewable energy generation;4) Having a location and layout which reflects sustainable transport and access principles, thereby reducing the overall need to travel;5) Having a design, layout and landscaping which:(i) helps wildlife and habitats to adapt to the changing climate;(ii)assists cooling of the urban environment, including the use of passive building techniques where appropriate;6) Using resources more efficiently, and minimising wastewater use and pollution;7) Avoiding or minimising the risk from flooding and/or adapting to the increased risk of flooding, coastal erosion and warmer annual mean temperatures; and 8) Promoting sustainable building methods and drainage systems

3.2.8 Climate change is regarded to be one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. It is predicted that by 2050, Wales will be warmer by approximately 2.3º C, with 14% more rainfall in winter and 16% less in summer. Sea levels in 2050 are expected to have risen by 20cm. Climate change is now viewed by the UK and Welsh Governments as a fundamental issue which needs to be addressed. 

3.2.9 The planning system, therefore, has an important role to play in ensuring that measures are taken to reduce the causes of climate change, most notably the emission of greenhouse gases, in new developments. National planning policy already sets out the requirements for new residential and commercial developments to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ (respectively).

3.2.10 However, the need to adapt to future climate changes is also extremely crucial. It is important that the effects of climate change are considered over the lifetime of a development. A scheme may have a design life of 75 - 100 years (depending upon location and usage intensity). Policy PLA4 therefore requires development proposals to consider their impacts on the climate and to demonstrate how it adapts to the effects of climate change as well as allowing surrounding wildlife and habitats to adapt around it.

3.2.11Of immediate and paramount concern to many will be the increased risk of flooding caused by climate change. The Council will resist inappropriate development within floodplains where such development would itself be at risk from flooding or may cause flooding elsewhere.

3.2.12 Risk to life is of paramount concern in relation to any development in areas at risk from flooding, but especially for residential development in tidal (including estuarine) and coast allocations. Therefore, all new development sites proposed in the LDP have been assessed by the Council using data supplied by the Environment Agency Wales. However, these assessments and the work undertaken as part of the LDP Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment (SFCA) should only be regarded as the starting point for more detailed scrutiny of future proposals. More detailed Flood Consequences Assessments (FCAs) will be required on specific site at the planning application stage.

Supplementary  Planning Guidance 12 SPG12 – sustainable energy

1.1.3 This, in conjunction with progressive changes in Building Regulations requirements will help to achieve the Welsh Government’s target for all new buildings to be built to zero carbon (and nearly zero energy) standards by 2021, which is also the end date of the current Bridgend LDP.

 NOTE 2: DESIGN AND ACCESS/PLANNING STATEMENTS All planning applications should be accompanied by Design and Access Statements or Planning Statements which shall include information on how the development proposal helps to combat the causes of Climate Change through energy and resource efficiency measures.

We could add more…


 Original response in July 2020 stated:

However, we are receptive to the proposals to redevelop and repurpose this disused site to provide additional accommodation in the area.

Following review of the draft planning documents and the Design and Access statement we would comment as follows:

  • We note the design strategies and measures outlined in Section 4.5 ‘Access and Sustainability’ of the Design and Access statement.

  • Although we acknowledge the intention to meet the minimum environmental standards and requirements set out in current legislation, we feel there is clear opportunity (as well as moral obligation) to implement further measures that will allow the proposals to exceed these standards.

  • We further feel that the environmental performance of the building should be demonstrated via an independent third-party certification scheme such as BREEAM. A BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ (best practice) should be considered as a benchmark.

    We would ask that Xcape are requested to implement features and processes such as:

  • designing houses/flats which generate, store and release their own solar/renewable energy, producing enough to balance their overall demand making them energy-neutral

  • recharging points for electric vehicles

  • design plans to enable development of car and bike sharing schemes

  • an eco-design in keeping with the character of a seaside town - ensuring the

    design reflects our unique marine culture and situation

  • inclusion of community green spaces

  • green roof areas that consider reducing energy use and water run-off as well

    as encouraging biodiversity

  • the use of low-embodied energy and recycled/reused building materials e.g.

    plastic fascia boards, pipes and sub-surface drainage pipes can contain over 30% PCR - post consumer recycled content; some higher content Flooring- recovered carpet tiles, or vinyl, (e.g. Greenstream in Porth); recovered wood. Recycled plastic or shredded carpet insulation material or waste wood insulation and fibre board

  • SUDS compliance for drainage and biodiversity which can be used creatively as part of the community spaces. SUSDRAIN are useful advisors in this specialist area and DwrCymru/WelshWater have experience of delivery

  • The use of local services, trade and labour during both the construction process

  • Continual engagement with the local community, advancing further climate awareness of the project.

Full document (PDF) of the 2020 response

Porthcawl Regeneration Plans Response - updated report 2020

Updated Report now available September 2020

Introduction to the report

Report cover click for report as a PDF

Report cover click for report as a PDF

regen cover 2.jpg

Porthcawl Regeneration plans response

Regeneration Plans for Porthcawl – a low carbon community?

Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change within the community https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/

The NGO has always taken a keen interest in development plans for the county borough, and at this time of planetary climate emergency, this interest is more relevant than ever. The organisation would like to see Bridgend Borough Council at the forefront of leading Porthcawl’s transition into a low-carbon community.

As Porthcawl often achieves c60% and up to 95% local renewable energy generation we potentially have a head start. https://carbontracer.westernpower.co.uk/

Local generation we believe is from Cenin Renewables -Parc Stormi http://www.ceninrenewables.co.uk )

The Context

At the end of 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that we have 12 years to make the necessary changes to limit a rise in global temperatures by 1.5ºC.

Failure to act will see a significant and accelerating increase in sea levels and flooding, extreme and abrupt changes to weather patterns, crop failures, and extinctions of plant, insect and animal species. This will lead to global economic disruption and a humanitarian crisis, impacting billions of people.

Download the report as a PDF 2.1mb


Response to Porthcawl Regeneration Plans

Last week Sustainable Wales joined the Climate Emergency Campaigns with a constructive challenge to Bridgend Borough Council.

“When will Porthcawl become a Low-Carbon Community?”

Updated September 2020

The challenge, outlined in a document (download PDF) delivered to Chief Officers and Councillors,  is to see Bridgend Borough Council at the forefront of leading Porthcawl’s transition into a low-carbon community.

Porthcawl Regneration

Porthcawl Regneration

The charity’s response is submitted at exactly the same time that voices, from octogenarian Sir David Attenborough to  teenager Greta Thunberg, are being raised to describe our climate emergency, whilst student strikes and Extinction Rebellion demonstrations are occurring internationally. 

Sustainable Wales (SW) wants Bridgend Borough Council to build on its planning, energy and transport strategies and take a pioneering leadership role amongst local authorities.

“Our challenge seems ambitious, says Margaret Minhinnick, SW Director, “but reflect the bare minimum of what should be achieved by any regeneration of Porthcawl.” 

Sustainable Wales has welcomed Bridgend County Borough Council’s outline plans for the regeneration of Porthcawl. “The resort could be ‘on the cusp’ of great things” she continued.

“Porthcawl can showcase the way ahead. The resort’s regeneration provides it with perhaps the most exciting moment in its history.  Ongoing consultation with the community is therefore vital.”

Storm Porthcawl Harbour SW LOGO cover.jpg

SW volunteer, Kristian Evans, a father of two young boys, says: “The ‘climate emergency’ is happening now. Our children will bear the consequences of our choices and we cannot ignore the scale of the challenges they are facing. Kicking the can down the road is not an option.”

"We urge BCBC to seize this opportunity to make our resort relevant”, Margaret and Kris say. “A ‘bog standard’ regeneration is not what the town requires or deserves."

The document, ‘Porthcawl: a low carbon future?’ is now available on-line, whilst copies  have been sent to relevant councillors and community action groups, such as Porthcawl Civic Trust, the resort’s Chamber of Trade, and BAVO.

Download the…

Press Release (Word docx).

Response Document from Sustainable Wales (PDF screen resolution). Updated Sept. 2020

New Podcast - HappenStance comes to the Green Room

A new audio podcast from The Green Room -

 

More podcasts can be found on our podcast player or at SoundCloud. They can be downloaded for listening offline.

HappenStance Press Comes to Porthcawl

Poet and editor of HappenStance press Nell Nelson travels from Fife to Porthcawl to launch two new books by Welsh poets.

'Unleaving' is the first collection of poems by Kristian Evans, a writer and artist, originally from Bridgend, who currently lives among the dunes at Kenfig on the south Wales coast with his wife, two sons and a border collie. A close observer of the expressions of the natural world, and its dialogue with poetic tradition, his work is nonetheless willing to take risks and test our conventions. Even in his prose, there’s poetry, the borderlines blurred and burnished. He is the author of the popular Kenfig Journal.

Stephen Payne’s day job is in academic cognitive science. He is currently Professor of Human-Centric Systems at the University of Bath. He’s always been fascinated by language and lyric, and here, in his first full length collection, 'Pattern Beyond Chance', scientist and poet meet and strike sparks. It’s no surprise to encounter poems that think, and think about thinking. They’re playful, provocative and lyrical, and the poet’s continuous pleasure in sound and pattern is curiously infectious.

Nell said, ""How lucky and lovely it is to have debut publications from two excellent Welsh poets at the same time! It's a delight to be launching HappenStance books in Wales -- for the first time, but definitely not the last."

Originally recorded in November 2015, more podcasts (with Twm Morys) soon.