Vale of Glamorgan Council’s planning committee recently showed their support for plans to remove hazardous substances consents on a former plastic factory site in Barry. The site, located off Sully Moors Road, was previously occupied by the Ineos Chlorovinyls plant, which produced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) until its closure in 2010. Currently, the land is subject to three hazardous substances consents dating back to between 1992 and 2002, allowing the storage of hazardous chemicals and substances.
Despite the plant’s closure in 2010, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) protections zones surrounding the site remain in place, limiting potential future development opportunities. Ian Robinson, head of sustainable development at the council, explained that removing these consents would eliminate a historical barrier to development. While the committee’s approval is a positive step, final confirmation from the Welsh Government is still required to proceed with the revocation.
The council’s report indicates that none of the substances covered by the consents have been on-site for over five years, making it eligible for the revocation process. Furthermore, the former PVC site has not been registered under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations since 2010 and has been largely vacant for an extended period.
Member of the planning committee, Cllr Ian Johnson, inquired about the discovery of the site and its consents. Robinson explained that ongoing urban capacity studies in Barry and Penarth brought attention to the site’s potential for development. These studies are crucial in determining suitable areas for future growth and align with the council’s aim to exhaust opportunities within sustainable settlements before considering greenfield development.
As Vale of Glamorgan Council progresses with its replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), the focus is on identifying suitable housing and employment sites. The current stage involves examining brownfield and greenfield sites while engaging stakeholders to establish growth strategies. Revoking the hazardous substances consents marks a pivotal milestone in potentially unlocking development opportunities on the former factory site.
The council’s efforts to address barriers to development and prioritise sustainable growth underscore its commitment to strategic urban planning. By navigating through regulatory processes and evaluating potential sites, Vale of Glamorgan Council aims to create a conducive environment for balanced and responsible development in the region.