THE demolition of an old school in Cowbridge to make way for new homes can now go ahead following a judicial review.
The Vale Council approved plans for the demolition of the former Cowbridge Comprehensive School complex on Aberthin Road in 2022, but the plans were met with disapproval at the time.
Two separate petitions in opposition to the plans gained thousands of signatures and the town council, MP and MS added their voices to those who were against knocking the school down. One group of residents said paperwork relating to drainage at the site had not been completed and that measures to protects bats were not in place.
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Following a recent hearing in Cardiff, which the Vale Council won, challenges to the plans were dismissed and the local authority was awarded £7,500 in costs.
Photo: Vale Council.
Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for sustainable places, Cllr Bronwen Brooks, said: “I’m delighted by this verdict which means Hafod Housing can press ahead with plans to bring new affordable homes to Cowbridge.
“Properties of this type are much needed in the area as the council’s own waiting list for housing illustrates.”
The demolished former school site, which used to house Cowbridge Comprehensive School’s sixth form, will make way for 30 flats and four houses.
In addition to the properties, the development will feature parking, landscaping and a bespoke bat roost.
Cllr Brooks added: “They will offer individuals, couples and families safe modern places to live and bring a previously derelict space back into use.
“I hope this verdict sends out a message that the council will robustly defend its decisions and stick firmly with plans that benefit residents and our communities.”
When the scheme was initially approved, voices of opposition to it also raised concerns over the loss of a historic building and the potential size of the development.
At the time, one town councillor, Cllr Heather Weddell, said it would be “terrible” to loose what she called a building with local and national importance “when realistic options appear to exist to retain and restore it”.
The buildings that make up the old school complex were built in 1896 and 1908 according to The Victorian Society.
Commenting on 9th December regarding the outcome of the Judicial Review hearing, a spokesperson for SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls’ School local campaign group said:
We are saddened to report that the Judge has ruled against our case and the Judicial Review was unsuccessful.
Yesterday afternoon the Judge made his ruling and went against both grounds that we had brought to the court with the aim of overturning the planning permission.
Next week we will consider the judgement with our legal team and whether there are grounds for appeal.
Thank you for all of the support received over the five years of campaigning. Whilst this is the decision that we did not want, we know that we could not have done more to fight to save the school buildings.
There are still many questions that need answering as to why this was allowed in the first instance and in time we will ensure that those behind these decisions are held to account. This destruction of our history and culture against the community’s wishes cannot continue.
Thank you again.
– SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls School
By Ted Peskett (local democracy reporter) and Glamorgan Star staff
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