Rhymney traveller site: New planning application after successful government appeal

A controversial traveller site is applying for planning permission from Caerphilly County Borough Council again after being successful in its appeal to the Welsh Government. 

The land at the Former Station House, Rhymney has been used since May 2019.

The original planning application, submitted by Ronald Jones, was for five traveller pitches, five mobile homes, and five touring and hardstanding caravans.

Residents and business owners opposed the application on the basis that no licence would have been paid to develop or settle on the land.

The planning permission was rejected by Caerphilly County Borough Council, which cited the fact the introduction of caravans, hard surfacing and high fencing would be out of character with the rural surroundings for its decision. 

Despite the refusal, development and use of the site continued, including the introduction of a portable building, which was also refused planning permission to be used as a canteen in February 2022. 

Mr Jones then appealed to the Welsh Government.

Welsh Government appeal

An inspector from Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) was appointed by Welsh Government ministers and a hearing and site visit took place on March 7, 2023. 

The main cons relating to the appeal were cited as: 

• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular reference to the Upper Rhymney Valley Special Landscape Area (SLA).

• Whether the development can be adequately drained with particular reference to foul drainage.

On July 26, the inspector ruled in favour of Mr Jones and allowed the traveller site to remain but in a split decision ruled against the portable building.  

In relation to the site, the inspector stated that though “the development has an impact on the character and appearance of its surroundings” there were mitigating circumstances. 

These included that in order for residents to access local services such as GPs and schools, “Gypsy and traveller sites may be located in rural, semi-rural and edge of settlement locations and that some degree of visual impact is inevitable”.

Additionally, the area had been impacted by the nearby A465 – meaning the area does not “display the same qualities and features” as other parts of the Upper Rhymney Valley Special Landscape Area (SLA).

The portable building, however, was considered “highly visible, conspicuous and completely alien in its surroundings” and rejected.

Though Mr Jones’ appeal for the traveller site was successful – there were certain conditions that were placed on the decision. 

These included making sure that there would be adequate drainage facilities on site. 

The inspector noted “it would be entirely appropriate to impose a condition on any planning permission requiring that foul drainage should be connected to the mains within a specified timescale and that development shall cease at a certain date unless all units have been connected to the public sewer.”

The timescale given was six months and it was noted that an extension could be made if a connection could not be made within the specified time period. 

Additional time

Now, additional planning permission has been applied for to extend the amount of time to sort out the drainage. 

The plans request to extend the time frame from the initial six months to between 12 and 18 months were received and validated by the council on October 4.

A council spokesperson told Caerphilly Observer: “The site was granted permission at appeal subject to a number of conditions including the requirement that connection to the mains drainage system be provided within six months. 

“The applicant is, however, seeking additional time to resolve these drainage issues. 

“We have consulted with Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Water and will await their response before considering the merits of the application.”

The planning application can be found on the council’s planning website using reference: 23/0682/NCC.

Caerphilly Observer contacted Hayston Developments and Planning LTD, which is representing Mr Jones, for comment.