Porthcawl regeneration plans available for public to view

Residents, businesses and visitors to the town are being asked to comment on the latest draft Planning Guidance, which gives details of the proposals and plans for the area stretching from Cosy Corner and the harbour in the South to Trecco Bay in the East. Regeneration plans for Salt Lake car park, Hillsboro Place, the fair and the former Sandy Bay caravan park are also included in the proposals.

The Planning Guidance includes plans for:

- new promenades at Sandy Bay and Eastern Promenade

- comprehensive regeneration of the harbour area, including a new indoor leisure/tourist facility

- improved facilities at Sandy Bay beach

- new housing

- community and youth facilities

- a new retail store

- extensive open space for public use and leisure facilities

Plans for the harbour area, a key part of the project, include a moveable sill or gate to ensure water is kept in the harbour at all times and increasing the potential number of berths to 55.

Another important element of the project are the new sea defences that will protect approximately 440 existing properties from flood risk and enable regeneration work in the area to take place.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, Patricia Hacking says: “The proposals build on a study carried out by consultants in 2004, but are far more detailed. They look at issues such as how any development will impact on local services, parking and highways structures and have undergone a detailed independent environmental and strategic assessment.”

“We want to gather as many comments as possible on the proposals and we have set up a number of exhibitions within the town and will be holding a public meeting so that everyone has the opportunity to give their views.”

The plans will be available to view during the consultation period at:

- Porthcawl Tourist Information, John Street, Porthcawl

- Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend

- Public libraries throughout the county borough

- Awel-y-Mor Community Centre, Porthcawl

- Porthcawl Town Council Offices, Victoria Avenue

Exhibitions will also be on display at:

- Porthcawl Tourist Information, John Street, Porthcawl – 6 - 8 September 2007 inclusive

- Porthcawl Pavilion (10am – 7pm) - 12 September 2007

- Porthcawl Pavilion (Café Bar) - 20 – 22 September 2007 inclusive

A public meeting will be held at:

- Porthcawl Pavilion Main Theatre (7pm) – 12 September 2007.

People can complete a questionnaire to record their views or can write, e-mail or fax their comments to the council’s Planning Department.

Once the consultation period has ended all comments will be presented to Bridgend County Borough Council’s Planning & Development Committee, and any appropriate changes will be made before the document is formally adopted. After adoption the site will be advertised to developers who will be invited to submit proposals to develop the land in line with the guidance document.

View the plans online by visiting www.bridgend.gov.u