Bridgend Council’s planning department has been given powers to approve listed building consent without having to involve Welsh Government conservation body, Cadw, it has been announced this month.
The move came after a planning meeting where council bosses heard how an application for the powers had been submitted to Cadw by the council in March of 2022.
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The purpose of the application was to streamline the planning process in Bridgend County Borough Council where it involves listed buildings, with Cadw noting in the report that it was minded to grant listed consent powers for Grade II buildings.
This consent comes with the condition that planning officers in Bridgend take the advice of the council’s conservation officer and notify Cadw when this isn’t available. You can get more Bridgend news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
After a unanimous approval by councillors in attendance, it means the delegation of power will now apply to 331 of 375 of the county borough's Grade II listed buildings with the exception of applications for total demolition.
The report read: "The feedback from Cadw confirms that in its opinion the right expertise and processes are in place within this authority to make robust and sound decisions which protect and preserve the historic environment"
Councillor Martin Hughes added: "It makes sense for us administratively and also in terms of resources. It is indeed a credit to the council that this move is being made and that Cadw are more than satisfied with the arrangement." You can read more of our stories from Bridgend here, or subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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