Cowbridge Comprehensive School to be demolished for housing

In December 2022, Vale Council approved proposals from Hafod Housing for the site of the old Cowbridge Comprehensive School building on Aberthin Road to be redeveloped into 34 affordable homes – 30 flats and four houses.

There has been huge opposition to the development over multiple concerns including bats allegedly living in the abandoned building.

But now a judicial review against the plans has been thrown out, meaning the Cowbridge Comprehensive School Sixth Form and its ancillary buildings on Aberthin Road, which date back to the 1890s, will now be demolished.

‘It would be terrible if a building with local and national, historical and architectural importance was demolished’

Strong objection to the development came from the likes of Cowbridge Town Council, MPs and Senedd members.

The disapproval of residents was also expressed in letters to the council and two petitions – one with more than 3,000 signatures, and another with over 2,000.

The petitions called for the rejection of the proposal on the grounds of concern over the loss of a historic building and claims the development is too big and exceeds the recommendations of the Local Development Plan (LDP).

Councillors also expressed their opposition to the plans at a Vale Council meeting that decided the application in June.

Councillor Nic Hodges said at the time: “If you look at Barry, and I do a lot, we have a number of buildings that have been adapted for housing and affordable housing.

“I have a belief that perhaps we need as a council to consider the reuse of this building.”

Cowbridge Town Council member, Councillor Heather Weddell, said: “It would be terrible if a building with local and national, historical and architectural importance were to be demolished when realistic options appear to exist to retain and restore it.”

Conservation officer at conservation charity SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Ben Oakley added: “The school is a solid structure, which has stood for 125 years and could be easily repaired given the willingness and interest to do so.”

The school is set to be demolished for housing (Image: Google Maps)

Vale of Glamorgan Council wins £7,500 in costs and gets its development in Cowbridge

Hafod Housing’s development aims to provide much-needed affordable housing in the area.

At a hearing in Cardiff in November, Judge Andrew Keyser KC dismissed challenges including measures to protect bats and drainage not being completed and ordered Vale Council be paid £7,500 in costs, the maximum that can be awarded in such cases.

What the proposed new dwellings on the site of the old Cowbridge Comprehensive Sixth Form building will look like (Image: LRM Planning Limited)

Figures from the council’s Homes4U waiting list show there are 375 people on the list for a bed in Cowbridge.

On the outcome, Cllr Bronwen Brooks, of Vale Council, said: “Properties of this type are much needed in the area as the council’s own waiting list for housing illustrates.

“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.”

Representative of the housing developer, Simon Mellor said: “This decision will enable us to provide these much-needed homes, helping us to tackle the housing crisis in Wales.”

Right or wrong decision? Do we need to protect our heritage, or do we need to build houses? Could Cowbridge Comprehensive have been reused, or did it have to go? Let us know in comments, on our Facebook page, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.