**Seventeen New Homes to Be Built on Former Farmland in Bridgend**
Seventeen new homes are set to be constructed on former agricultural land in Bridgend county following the approval of a planning application by local authorities. The decision was made at a recent council planning meeting, marking another step forward in the transformation of rural sites for housing across Wales.
The development, located at Marlas Yard and Paddock in Pyle, will replace historic farm buildings, including a disused cow barn and pig shed, with a mix of detached, semi-detached, and linked homes. These new properties will comprise one, two, three, and four-bedroom units, catering to a range of prospective residents and housing needs.
The site, found at the north-western fringe of Pyle and immediately south of Marlas Road Lane, is less than 200 metres from the Grade II-listed Llanmihangel Mill and close to Afon Y Felin Primary School. This area was previously used for agricultural purposes but had reportedly shifted to light industrial and storage usage in recent years. The application sought to address the underuse of the land while contributing to the local housing supply.
A noteworthy aspect of the scheme includes the careful conversion of the existing historic hay barn adjoining the vehicle access. Rather than being demolished, this building, regarded as having heritage value as a “curtilage listing” to the adjacent Grade II-listed Marlas Farm House, will be transformed into two separate residences—a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom unit. This approach seeks to blend new development with the area’s historic character, a point lauded by proponents of the plan.
Vehicular access to the site will be maintained through the existing northern entrance, with a newly designed main road running into the housing development. This internal spine road will link to public open spaces, landscaping, parking, and turning areas, improving the neighbourhood’s overall infrastructure and accessibility. According to the council report, the aim is to create a well-connected and attractive residential environment, aligning with national goals around active travel and community amenity space.
However, not all parties welcomed the decision. At the planning meeting, the current farming tenant challenged claims that the yard and paddock were no longer serving agricultural purposes. They argued that their business remained active and would be unviable without continued use of the barns and associated land. This highlights an ongoing tension in rural planning between preserving agricultural capacity and addressing the need for new homes.
A representative of the applicants, however, stated that the proposal was the result of five years’ consultation and planning, asserting that the project takes care to respect the local area’s heritage and appearance. The representatives emphasised the heritage-led nature of the work, seeking to reassure stakeholders that the site’s historical elements would be sensitively managed and retained where possible.
Council officers ultimately endorsed the proposal, judging it to be in accordance with local and national policies for development while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding area. Bridgend councillors on the planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans, noting both the sensitive conversion of heritage assets and the provision of new homes as significant benefits to the borough.
With these plans now receiving the green light, Bridgend can expect new residents to join the Pyle community in the near future, as the transformation of Marlas Yard and Paddock gets underway. As debates continue over balancing rural heritage with development, this project may serve as a blueprint for thoughtful regeneration of similar sites across Wales.
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