This meeting will include discussions on two planning applications: a visitor infrastructure scheme in Pontneddfechan and the refurbishment of the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot. The committee will also receive information on recent planning appeals and delegated decisions.

Pontneddfechan Visitor Infrastructure Scheme

The application for a visitor infrastructure scheme in Pontneddfechan has been submitted by the Head of Property and Regeneration of Neath Port Talbot Council and has been supported by a Levelling Up Funding (LUF) bid from UK Government.

The scheme proposes the development of a car park with 125 spaces (including 13 EV charging points), a retail shop with a coffee kiosk, eight tourist accommodation units, a welfare facility, an ancillary plant room, a bin store and a play park.

To facilitate the development, existing agricultural buildings to the rear of Sgwd Gwladys, a mixed-use cafe and tourist accommodation, would be demolished. The existing toilet block at the junction of Pontneathvaughan Road and High Street would also be removed.

A new vehicular access would be built on Pontneathvaughan Road, while the layby parking area opposite the Angel Inn Public House would be replaced with double yellow lines and bollards. A new farm access track would also be constructed to the west of the site.

Asbri Planning, the planning consultants for the scheme, undertook a pre-application consultation between 11 July and 8 August 2024. Thirty-seven representations have been received from members of the public since the application was submitted. Issues raised include the impact of increased tourism on the village, the potential for increased littering and anti-social behaviour, and the loss of farmland and biodiversity.

The report concludes that the scheme is in accordance with planning policy and recommends its approval subject to conditions. The conditions include restrictions on opening hours, the submission of a Construction Method Statement, a Road Safety Audit, and a detailed assessment of the site for contamination.

Princess Royal Theatre

This application proposes the refurbishment and extension of the Princess Royal Theatre and associated improvements to the Civic Square in Port Talbot.

The scheme proposes a two-storey extension to the front (south-west elevation) of the theatre building to create a new, double-height entrance lobby with a glazed facade and canopy. This would also include a café and a ticket office.

A single-storey extension is proposed to the rear of the building (north-east elevation) to provide improved access to the stage. The extension would include a new ‘transdek’ dock lift.

A new lift shaft would be installed at the south-eastern corner of the building, along with a small extension to provide additional toilet facilities. All three extensions would feature a ‘green roof’ planted with sedum.

Internal alterations to the theatre include the creation of a new premier green room, a multi-purpose room, additional storage space, an improved bar and servery area, and enhanced circulation space.

The civic square would be resurfaced and landscaped to create “a more inviting and usable space” with improved pedestrian access, a new amphitheatre and space for pop-up commercial uses. The proposed planting scheme includes the retention of existing trees, the planting of new trees and mixed-level native species, and the incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) features.

The scheme is supported by a Levelling Up Funding (LUF) bid and is the first phase of a larger regeneration project which will include the regeneration of the riverside public realm adjacent to the Civic Square.

Pre-application advice was provided on 7 October 2024 and the report concludes that the development “builds positively” on the feedback provided at the pre-application stage.

The Theatres Trust have commented on the scheme, stating that they welcome this project and are pleased to see investment into this important theatre and its facilities.

One representation has been received from a member of the public, objecting to the design of the scheme. The objector believes that the design is “hideous” and “not in keeping” with the existing architecture of the town centre.

The report concludes that the proposed development is in accordance with local and national planning policy and recommends approval subject to conditions.

The conditions include the submission and approval of a detailed scheme for the storage of cycles, samples of the materials to be used in the external surfaces of the theatre building, and a scheme for the protection of existing trees during construction. The application would also be subject to the approval of a Sustainable Drainage System (SAB) application.