The Swansea Council Planning Committee met on Tuesday 4 February 2025, approving four planning applications and refusing one. Key decisions included the approval of a battery energy storage system in Llangyfelach and the redevelopment of the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks engine houses.

Application to Add Footpaths to Definitive Map, at Hazel Court, Sketty

The committee refused an application to add footpaths to the definitive map at Hazel Court in Sketty. The decision was based on insufficient evidence that the claimed routes were public rights of way, with one of the claimed footpaths already being an adopted public highway. Councillor Mary Jones abstained from the vote, stating she had walked the footpath over 50 years ago.

Determination of Planning Applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Land Off Bryntywod, Llangyfelach

Full planning permission was granted for the erection of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure at Land off Bryntywod, Llangyfelach. The development, which will have a lifespan of approximately 40 years, is intended to balance electricity demand and supply, supporting the national grid and the decarbonisation of electricity supply. The application was called in for committee review due to the site area exceeding two hectares.

Concerns were raised regarding flood risk, as a portion of the site falls within Flood Zone C2. However, the Flood Consequences Assessment indicated that the battery storage facility itself would be outside of flood zones, and the access road, while partially within a flood zone, could be mitigated. The committee also considered the site's location within a Coal Authority Development High Risk Area, with conditions imposed to ensure site safety and stability. Ecological considerations were addressed through a comprehensive suite of conditions and informatives, including measures for protected species and invasive non-native species. The Highway Authority raised no objections after the applicant provided additional information regarding access and traffic management.

Hafod Morfa Copperworks, Swansea

The committee approved two applications related to the redevelopment of the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses and associated chimneys at the Hafod Morfa Copperworks.

• Planning Application 2024/1655/FUL: This application sought full planning permission for the restoration and redevelopment of the engine houses, including the construction of a new link building. The Vivian Engine House will be redeveloped to a shell and core standard for flexible commercial uses (A1, A2, A3, D1), while the Musgrave Engine House will be used as an exhibition area for the original engine. The project is part of the UK government's Levelling Up Fund for the regeneration of the site. Concerns regarding flood risk, archaeology, ecology, and highway safety were addressed through numerous conditions and informatives.
• Listed Building Consent Application 2024/1662/LBC: This application sought listed building consent for the same redevelopment works. The committee noted the historical significance of the buildings, with the Musgrave Engine House being a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Monument, and the Vivian Engine House being Grade II listed. The proposals were considered to be heritage-led and would bring these historically important assets back into use.
• Listed Building Consent Application 2024/2217/LBC: This application sought listed building consent for the removal of vegetation and the instatement of temporary covers to protect archaeological remains. This was a retrospective application to formalise measures already taken to protect nationally significant archaeological features revealed during excavations. The committee noted that Cadw had initially raised concerns about the adequacy of the documentation but that these had been addressed.

All three applications related to the Hafod Morfa Copperworks were approved unanimously by the committee.