A LOCAL group trying to stop the proposed demolition of the Cowbridge Girls School building is concerned at delays in deciding the future of the building.
Almost three years on from Hafod Housing Association applying to demolish the school, the planning application has still not been determined. The campaigners say that this is due to the ecology concerns initially raised by Natural Resources Wales in January 2019 still not being addressed.
The Hafod scheme in the pipeline is reduced in size from its original application, and now proposes building 30 flats and four houses once the old school is demolished.
However, in the meantime, the local opposition group, Save Cowbridge’s Girls’ School, has been working with a conservation group, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, to produce an alternative proposal.
The SAVE proposal would keep the school building and convert it to create 23 apartments. Other land would be used to build 12 new apartments and two new houses.
Dr Tudur Davies of Save Cowbridge Girls’ School said: “These attractive designs rightly allow the school to stand proud as a testament to the significant contribution it played in paving the way for equal opportunities in the education of girls.”
He added that while an alternative buyer has been found for the conversion, the Sir Thomas Mansel Franklen Trust who own the site will not consider further offers until the current application has been determined.
Last year, a petition signed by more than 5,500 people was submitted to the Senedd and was re-considered by the Petitions Committee recently. As a result, the case for listing will be brought to the attention of the new Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport.
Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE Britain’s Heritage added: “Glamorgan has long been a stone county, with civic, church and domestic buildings handsomely built of the best stone, imported as well as local. It is telling that so many local people feel so strongly about this important Glamorgan landmark”
A Hafod spokesperson said that the application would be proceeding, saying: “Hafod is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting communities by providing much needed high-quality affordable homes where they are necessary.
“The application has been subject to many discussions and negotiations involving statutory consultees including Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on ecology matters, particularly regarding the welfare of bats.
“Earlier this year, we submitted further details to NRW in relation to the proposed bat house and subsequently we have been liaising closely with the ecologist and lighting designers to achieve a suitable solution.
“We are now in a position to resubmit the planning application imminently and are keen for the Vale Council’s planning committee to consider the application as soon as practicable.”
For more information on the history of the school visit Old Girls School and the campaign Facebook page: SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls’ School on Facebook
