 |
|
|
|
| Appendix 8 |
| |
LEISURE & TOURISM SITE DESCRIPTIONS
|
| |
|
|
| LEISURE FACILITIES |
| L4.1 |
Land at the Former Penallta Colliery Buildings |
|
One of the Listed Buildings has potential for conversion to
a leisure area. |
|
|
| L4.2 |
South of Thorncombe Road, Blackwood |
|
This allocation recognises the need for growth of the leisure
sector in Blackwood to reinforce the role of the town as a sub-regional
centre by providing the opportunity to develop leisure facilities in an
edge-of-centre location. Planning applications will be assessed against
Policy L3 to ensure that Government advice, which seeks to encourage
new leisure facilities to locate within town centres, is followed. This
site is allocated for mixed-use because it is also considered suitable for
edge of town centre retail warehousing (See Policy R4(1)). |
|
|
| L4.3 |
Land adjacent to St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly |
|
The Sports Council for Wales analysis of sports facilities
in Caerphilly identifies a need for increased provision of sports halls
in the Caerphilly Basin area. The Education and Leisure Directorate has
a strategy to consider multi use facilities when developing any new scheme.
This site has been identified to serve the identified shortfall in the west
of Caerphilly. The location within the school site will enable the dual
use of the facility. |
|
|
| L4.4 |
Land at Virginia Park, Caerphilly |
|
The Sports Council for Wales analysis of sports facilities
in Caerphilly identifies a need for increased provision of sports halls
in the Caerphilly Basin area. Consideration is to be given to the improvement
of existing facilities at Virginia Park leisure centre. |
|
|
| L4.5 |
Land adjacent Bedwas Comprehensive School, Bedwas |
|
The Sports Council for Wales analysis of sports facilities
in Caerphilly identifies a need for increased provision of sports halls
in the Caerphilly Basin area. The Education and Leisure Directorate has
a strategy to consider multi use facilities when developing any new scheme.
This site has been identified to serve the identified shortfall in the Bedwas
area. The location adjacent to the school site will enable the dual use
of the facility. |
|
|
| L4.6 |
Land adjacent to Rhymney Comprehensive School |
|
There may be an opportunity through regeneration funding to
improve the leisure facilities provided at the Rhymney Comprehensive school
site. The location adjacent to the school will enable the dual use of the
facilities. The Environment Agency advise that the site may be at risk of
flooding from the Rhymney River. To establish the extent of developable
land, the developer will have to carry out a hydraulic analysis of a suitable
length of the adjacent river to establish the extent of the theoretical
1 in 100 year floodplain. No development, including the raising of ground
levels will be allowed within the floodplain area established. |
|
|
| L4.7 |
Land adjacent to The Bowls Club, Pontllanfraith |
|
This site is allocated to allow for the extension of leisure
facilities at the Bowls club. Plans for the site include an extension of
the existing facilities and possibly indoor tennis facilities. |
|
|
|
| FORMAL RECREATION |
| L5.1 |
Land to the north of Glan-y-Nant, Rhymney |
|
The land, previously used as a football pitch is no longer
needed for football or rugby. The Rhymney Community Regeneration initiative
may help to identify an appropriate alternative use. |
|
|
| L5.2 |
Land north of Fochriw Primary School, Fochriw |
|
This land has been identified to meet the shortfall in playing
pitches in the Darren Valley ward and to ease the burden on Fochriw Welfare
playing surface which at present has three teams using one pitch. A dual
use pitch would be the most appropriate use of this land. The facility is
in an ideal position to serve the Fochriw primary school. |
|
|
| L5.3 |
MacLaren Colliery Reclamation Site |
|
This area of reclaimed land is identified for playing fields
and a fishing pond. One rugby pitch and the fishing pond have already been
developed. There is land available to develop one more playing pitch. |
|
|
| L5.4 |
Land north of Grove Park, New Tredegar |
|
Land to the north of Grove Park is identified for additional
playing pitches. There is a demand in this area for both rugby and football
pitches. Therefore, it is suggested that a new dual use facility is provided.
This provision will meet the identified shortfall in the New Tredegar ward. |
|
|
| L5.5 |
Pont Bren, Deri |
|
Land is available to provide an additional pitch to serve
the community of Deri. Due to the large number of teams that Deri Mini RFC
have it is suggested that a further field is provided to meet their needs.
This will contribute to meeting the identified shortfall in the Darren Valley
ward. |
|
|
| L5.6 |
Land west of Commercial Street, Aberbargoed |
|
There is a shortfall in land to meet the NPFA standard and
a high level of demand for football pitches. The land identified will be
used to provide a football pitch. |
|
|
| L5.7 |
West of Gilfach, Gilfach |
|
There is both a shortfall in land to meet the NPFA standard
and a demand for playing pitches. The site is flat and unsuitable for development
due to the presence of mine shafts. The land will be used to provide a football
pitch. |
|
|
| L5.8 |
Glyngaer, Penpedairheol |
|
This small area of land has been identified to provide the
villages of Gelligaer and Penpedairheol with additional recreation facilities.
In particular, some form of hard surfaced area for tennis, netball, or basketball
is required. |
|
|
| L5.9 |
Penallta Colliery, Penallta |
|
Land is to be set aside for two playing pitches with on-site
changing rooms. Ideally the land should be located to the north of the site
to act as a buffer between the new housing and the Penallta Industrial Estate.
This facility will contribute to decreasing the deficiency in playing pitches
in the adjacent Hengoed ward. There is also an opportunity to create two
fishing ponds from existing settling ponds. |
|
|
| L5.10 |
Upper Trelyn, Blackwood |
|
There is a shortfall in land to meet the NPFA standard in
the Cefn Fforest ward. A demand for a new football pitch has been identified.
This land will fulfil this requirement. |
|
|
| L5.11 |
Land south of The Rock and Fountain |
|
Policy R3(2) resulted in the loss of the Hall Street playing
pitch. This site is to be used as a replacement facility. Drainage works
are needed to bring the site up to the required standard. |
|
|
| L5.12 |
Land rear of Oakdale Terrace, Penmaen |
|
There is both a shortfall of land to meet the NPFA standard
and a demand for more provision. This site could be used to provide a dual
use facility. |
|
|
| L5.13 |
The Former Landfill Site, Trinant |
|
There is a severe shortage in land to meet the NPFA standard
and a demand for facilities. This land provides the opportunity to provide
both a football and rugby facilities. |
|
|
| L5.14 |
Former Colliery Waste Tip, Pantside |
|
There is a shortfall of land to meet the NPFA standard. Newbridge
Rugby Club need to expand their existing site and this can be accommodated
by the relocation of the cricket field to Pantside. |
|
|
| L5.15 |
Land west of Commercial Street, Senghenydd |
|
There is a severe shortfall of land together with a high level
of demand in the Aber Valley ward. There is an opportunity to provide an
extra football pitch at this site. |
|
|
| L5.16 |
Windsor Colliery, Abertridwr |
|
There is a severe shortfall of land together with a high level
of demand in the Aber Valley ward. An opportunity exists to provide a football,
rugby and cricket pitch at this site. When the new cricket pitch is provided
there will be an opportunity to create a rugby pitch on the site of the
former cricket pitch. |
|
|
| L5.17 |
Wingfield Tip, Llanbradach |
|
There is both a shortfall in land to meet the NPFA standard
and a demand for facilities in the Llanbradach ward. It is suggested that
new facilities are provided on the Wingfield Tip. |
|
|
| PARKS |
| L6.1 |
Reclaimed land north of Memorial Park, Rhymney |
|
As part of the Helid colliery reclamation proposals, both
the Rhymney Memorial Park and Bryn Bach Park will be extended. The Memorial
Park is currently quite small in relation to the size of the population,
and there is an ideal opportunity to extend it in conjunction with Helid
colliery reclamation. This area will be landscaped and a series of footpaths
created to link to the existing parks and footpaths. |
|
|
| L6.2 |
Wern Crescent, Nelson |
|
At present Nelson does not have a park. It is proposed to
remedy this deficiency by linking existing pitch provision north of Wern
Crescent along land fronting Wern Crescent with the centre of the town.
The park will include playing pitches, a multi use games area, a nature
park and play equipment. |
|
|
| L6.3 |
Penallta Community Park |
|
The Community Park is a major proposal to create an area for
informal recreation, including walking and picnicking. The area concerned
extends over 100 hectares, and includes the west-facing slope of the small
tributary valley of the Nant Cylla. Over the past 20 years the surrounding
area has experienced considerable housing development without the associated
recreation facilities and, in particular, without a major parkland area.
The area has the potential to be improved to create an attractive Country
Park overlooking the Nant Cylla, the Penallta Colliery Development site,
and the new Tredomen Business Park. Both of the latter two sites will require
sympathetic landscaping to ensure that the Park is balanced by an equally
attractive adjacent environment. The Country Park site is also at a strategic
location in the Valley's network of long distance footpaths and cycleways.
It lies at the crossroads of the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk, the proposed
Riverside Walk, and the proposed cycleway route from Maesycwmmer to Nelson. |
|
|
| L6.4 |
Bargoed Reclamation Site |
|
The land reclamation scheme will provide the towns of Bargoed
and Aberbargoed with approximately 90 hectares of open space and parkland.
However the exact layout, landscaping and facilities to be provided have
not yet been determined. This parkland should eventually include a riverside
walk, which will link into the long distance route following the whole length
of the Rhymney River from Machen to Rhymney. Playing pitches, a cycleway
and an adventure play area could also be provided to complement existing
facilities. This site could ultimately function as a large 'town' park and
as an attraction for visitors to the area. |
|
|
| L6.5 |
Land to the south of Islwyn Park, Pontllanfraith |
|
The construction of the A472 Newbridge to Maesycwmmer By-Pass
has created the opportunity to form a logical extension of Islwyn Park. |
|
|
| L6.6 |
Energlyn Sidings, Caerphilly |
|
It is proposed to develop a 'pocket park' from this area of
former railway sidings. Natural tree growth has already occurred over much
of the site however it is proposed to supplement this by additional planting
to help screen the road and introduce some landscape variety. Part of the
southern area of the site is identified for a new rail station. |
|
|
| L6.7 |
Bedwas Riverside Park |
|
It is proposed to develop a riverside park from an existing
area of woodland meadow situated between the River Rhymney and urban areas
of Bedwas and Trethomas. The area is to benefit from a formal footpath network,
picnicking facilities, information boards and a car park. |
|
|
| INFORMAL RECREATION |
| L7.1 |
Land adjacent to the Rhymney River between Cymsyfiog and
Brithdir |
|
New Tredegar is under provided for in terms of open space
provision. Whilst the north of the settlement does have a playing pitch
at Grove Park, the south of the settlement has no formal open space of any
significance. This site has therefore been identified to provide additional
informal recreation facilities. The majority of the site is also a land
reclamation proposal (see Policy D1(5)). Limited facilities such
as footpaths and seating could be provided, together with landscaping. |
|
|
| L7.2 |
Llancaiach View, Nelson |
|
Nelson is lacking in open space to serve housing to the north-east,
and south west. This is a small site previously allocated for housing which
had a number of difficulties making it impossible to develop. |
|
|
| L7.3 |
Ynys Las, Nelson |
|
The area west of Ashgrove and south of High Street has seen
considerable development activity in recent years. At present there is no
open space to cater for the houses being provided. A site has therefore,
been identified at the eastern edge of Ynys Las to provide open space and
a children's kick-about area, together with environmental improvements. |
|
|
| L7.4 |
Haulwen Road, Penpedairheol |
|
Penpedairheol has few areas of open space for informal play.
Some neighbourhoods are a considerable distance from any open space. It
is important for each settlement to have some communal areas of open space.
|
|
|
| L7.5 |
Adjacent Rhymney River, Tiryberth |
|
The settlements of Tiryberth and Glanynant have very few areas
of informal open space, although there are small areas. An ideal opportunity
exists to create a substantial area of open space by the riverside. The
site is not developable being steep in parts, with poor access. The Rhymney
Riverside Walk runs through this site providing access to the site for a
wide variety of users. |
|
|
| L7.6 |
Adjacent to Rhymney River, Hengoed |
|
This flat area of land provides an opportunity to create a
recreational area. The site incorporates the Riverside Walk and could include
informal facilities such as car parking and picnic sites. |
|
|
| L7.7 |
Rear of Pencoed Avenue, Cefn Fforest |
|
This site is part of a larger site, which was previously allocated
for housing. The landowner has offered to dedicate the land for use as informal
open space. |
|
|
| L7.8 |
Trelyn Farm, Blackwood |
|
This area of open space is in a green wedge separating Blackwood
and Fleur De Lys its use for informal recreation will be encouraged. |
|
|
| L7.9 |
Oakdale Colliery Site |
|
The southern side of the employment plateau is not suitable
for development due to the steep nature of the slope. An opportunity exists
to create an area of informal recreation for the local residents. |
|
|
| L7.10 |
Land adjacent to Vernon Place, Croespenmaen |
|
Croespenmaen has seen a lot of development in recent years.
This site provides a valuable area of informal recreation for the surrounding
population and should be safeguarded from development. |
|
|
| L7.11 |
Land at Holly Road, Risca |
|
The development potential of these two pieces of land is restricted
by their width. However, the long and narrow form makes them an ideal site
for informal recreation as they are accessible to a large area of housing.
|
|
|
| L7.12 |
North of Pontymason Lane, Risca |
|
Land to the north of Pontymason Lane forms part of a green
wedge between Risca and Newport. This inhibits development but can be used
for both formal and informal recreation purposes. |
|
|
| L7.13 |
Pontypandy, Caerphilly |
|
This site will act as a recreational and environmental area
for the benefit of the surrounding housing estate and nearby employment
areas. |
|
|
| L7.14 |
Coed Waun-Cynllyfan, Trethomas |
|
This area of existing woodlands and fields require management.
The area would benefit from waymarked paths, picnic sites and ancillary
facilities. The opportunity to create a woodland theme trail and meadows
of habitat interest may exist. |
|
|
| L7.15 |
Former Colliery Waste Tip Pantside |
|
These areas of existing woodlands and fields would benefit
from management. Access and use of the area could be improved if waymarked
paths, picnic sites and ancillary facilities were to be provided. The opportunity
to create a woodland theme trail may exist. |
|
|
| L7.16 |
Land south of Brynawel Road, Hengoed |
|
Land north of Hengoed is under pressure from development,
it is therefore considered desirable to identify this area of open space
for informal recreation to protect it from development. The developer of
the land to the north of this site will be required to improve and extend
the existing play area which forms part of this site. |
|
|
| L7.17 |
Land at the Heritage Park, Abertridwr |
|
The former railway embankment forms a linear park area in
the centre of Abertridwr. This site provides a valuable area of informal
recreation for the surrounding population and should be safeguarded from
development. The Environment Agency's records show that this site is liable
to flooding and the Agency stipulates that there should be no built development
or land raising on the site. |
|
|
| L7.18 |
Land at Christchurch, Aberbeeg |
|
This site is a gently sloping site within the curtilage of
Abertillery and District Hospital. The northern and western boundaries are
lined with mature trees. Limited facilities such as footpaths and seating
could be provided, together with landscaping. |
|
|
| L7.19 |
North of Pendinas Avenue, Croespenmaen |
|
This site fronts Kendon Hill in an elevated position. The
land slopes in an easterly and northerly direction (steeply in parts) from
Llewellyn Avenue. The area is to be retained as open space. Limited facilities
such as footpaths and seating could be provided, together with landscaping.
The design of the site will incorporate appropriate measures to protect
neighbouring residents' amenity. |
|
|
| L7.20 |
Land east of Mornington Meadows, Caerphilly |
|
This site has numerous land use designations. It forms part
of a Green Wedge designation, Policy C14(30), and a section of the
site is also safeguarded for a network of cycle routes, Policy T15(2),
which is part of the National Cycle route from Machen to Caerphilly. Its
inclusion within Policy L7 gives it an important role in improving
the quality of urban life for local residents. |
|
|
| TOURISM SITE ALLOCATIONS |
| L16.1 |
Bryn Bach Park |
|
Caerphilly County Borough Council currently administers Bryn
Bach Park jointly with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. At present,
most of the country parks facilities are located on the Blaenau Gwent side
of the park, but development of the western side is likely to prove attractive
once the reclamation nearby ceases and local lorries no longer use the western
access to the park. Bryn Bach Park is considered suitable for limited golfing,
cycling and equestrian facilities. Some accommodation for tourists may also
be considered suitable, provided it is designed sympathetically into the
landscape. |
|
|
| L16.2 |
Hengoed Viaduct |
|
This area, close to the River Rhymney and the Hengoed Viaduct,
is very scenic and has some tourist potential, particularly as the woollen
Mill, an historic listed building, is close by. The viaduct now forms part
of the National Cycle Route. The riverside area is also the meeting point
for two long distance footpaths and therefore has the potential to become
the stopping point on these routes. Applications for small scale tourism
developments which use the existing buildings or surrounding land could
therefore be suitable here. Any proposals must respect the designation of
the area as a conservation area. |
|
|
| L16.3 |
Gelligroes Mill, Pontllanfraith |
|
The mill is a Grade II Listed Building of sixteenth-century
origin. The restoration of the mill and its development as a tourist attraction
has commenced. It is essential however, that the character of the mill and
its surroundings should be protected and enhanced. |
|
|
| L16.4 |
Redoubt northwest of Caerphilly Castle |
|
The area around the redoubt, northwest of the castle is identified
as an area for the development of historical interpretation, tourism and
leisure facilities. The area is believed to be the location of a Roman Fort,
which is partially buried beneath another fort built in the Seventeenth
Century. It is also a very attractive area, featuring many large mature
trees and a waterfront alongside the castle moat. The area's potential for
historical interpretation, leisure and tourism development is at present
under utilised. Any use or development of this area, most of which is a
Scheduled Ancient Monument, would require consent from the Secretary of
State and must proceed with the greatest of care and respect for the environment,
an archaeological dig preceding any building works. Nevertheless there is
scope for widening the attraction of Caerphilly Castle by developing a complementary
interpretive facility based on "fortifications through the ages" and exploiting
the fact that in very few locations are Roman, Medieval and 17th Century
fortifications to be found on the same site. There is also scope for including
the nearby remains of Castell Mor Graig and the mound at Gwern-y-Domen in
the "fortifications" theme and for interpreting the wider story of Caerphilly
as a whole, perhaps in the form of a heritage centre for the Valley. There
is scope for the developing restaurant and hotel facilities at Brecenydd
House, provided that access can be obtained from Crescent Road, and for
café and boating facilities to be provided on land in the care of Cadw based
on existing premises at the Grove. Public toilets should also be provided
at this location and the proposed circular footpath around the Castle integrated
into the proposals. The existing tree cover, hedgerows and building provide
a context in which all the above facilities could be provided with very
little alteration to the overall appearance of the site as it is today,
and without damaging affect on the ancient monuments themselves. A high
degree of co-operation between the local authority, Cadw, and the private
and public sectors is required before this potential can be unlocked. Any
development of the site will need to be negotiated with, and be in close
consultation with, Cadw which is responsible for works in Schedule Ancient
Monument areas and are the major landholder affected by the proposal. |
|
|
| L16.5 |
Circular Path around Caerphilly Castle |
|
A circular footpath will be provided around Caerphilly castle,
linking tourism, shopping and parking areas. The circular footpath is a
vital component of the measures being taken to enhance tourist facilities
in Caerphilly. The existing car park at Crescent Road and the proposed new
shopping centre and car park east of Castle Street will be linked to this
route as will the Cardiff Road shopping centre and the proposed new market
on the Twyn. The footpath is also intended to function as a tourist attraction
in its own right as a pleasant, recreational path affording visitors a complete
view of the outside of the Castle. Plaques summarising some of the many
stories and legends about the Castle may be located at points along the
route. A substantial part of the route is already in place as a result of
a joint initiative that implemented stretches of path to the east and north
of the castle. A spectacular footbridge across the Nant Gledyr in the west
and the northern section of the path was constructed in 1993. Prior to the
implementation of the final section of the footpath the issues of land ownership
and security to properties will need to be addressed. |
|
|
| L16.6 |
Rhymney Riverside Walk |
|
A footpath has been identified along the whole length of the
Rhymney River. The route has considerable recreational potential and also
offers a safe pedestrian route between settlements. |
|
|
| L16.7 |
The Crumlin Arm of the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal |
|
The Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire Canal within Caerphilly
County Borough runs from the boundary with Newport Borough to Pontywaun.
It is presently used as a course fishery and for much of its length, provides
an attractive informal recreation route, well used by the local community.
Given its location and accessibility to the urban areas of Risca, Pontymister
and Crosskeys, it is felt that there is scope for the Canal and possibly
some areas of adjoining land to be formally developed for leisure use, providing
improved recreation facilities for the south eastern part of the Borough. |
|
|
| L16.8 |
Land South of Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson |
|
Llancaiach Fawr has done a great deal to change the traditional
image of the valleys in relation to coalmines and slag heaps. Its rural
setting and outlook has changed many visitors' perceptions of the region.
The Llancaiach Fawr tourist attraction has the potential to substantially
grow during the Plan period and it is therefore considered appropriate to
include this land in order to facilitate any further developments that are
proposed. |
| |
| |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
