Advertising on Broadlands Community Website

Dear All,

I am writing to you as business owners on Broadlands to inform you of a new exciting online community which is about to be launched on Broadlands.

Over the last month we, at the Broadlands Residents Association, have been developing our new official website, but also a spin off website which will act as a community website for Broadlands.

This will contain all aspects of contact information, links to schools, community links, as well as feeding in community news from social media.

On this site there will also be a "Local Businesses" page this will be done in categories as well as an A-Z. We will also be providing webpages within this for small local businesses who don't have their own webpage set up for an additional cost.

Firstly the basic link in from this "Local Businesses" section will be charged as follows:

£30 for 12 months
£18 for 6 months
£10 for 3 months

For businesses that wish to have more exposure we can tailor something on an individual basis, and work out a bespoke price accordingly.

We also have 4 additional "sponsored by" ad spaces which will appear on every opened page on the site. These will attract a premium for additional exposure - prices are yet to be fixed, but if this is of interest to you please let us know as they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

All funds raised from this website will be added to community funds and spent on projects or events to benefit the Broadlands Community.

If you would like more information or to register an interest please email us atcontactus@broadlandsresidentsassociation.org.uk

Kind regards

Ian Spiller
Chair

New Website Coming Soon

Broadlands Residents Association are pleased to announce that over the coming days we are launching a new website for Broadlands.

http://broadlandsresidentsassociation.org.uk

As well as keeping you up to date with all the news from your area, and providing you with links to community bodies, we will also have links to local businesses so if you need a plumber, electrician or perhaps want some driving lessons or a cake for that special occasion you will be just a click away from supporting a good local business.

If you're a business owner and would like more information about how we can link to your website or would like to get your business out to the local community get in touch for more information contactus@broadlandsresidentsassociation.org.uk

Reminder - Broadlands Residents AGM tomorrow night 7pm - The Loft Lounge Broadlands

Broadlands Residents Association will be holding its AGM  next week.

 Any Broadlands Resident can put themselves forward for nomination for the following roles:

Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Communications

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing BRASecretary@gmail.com or by contacting our current chair Ian Spiller on 07971 659011.

Broadlands Residents AGM - 2nd September @ The Loft Lounge 7pm

Broadlands Residents Association will be holding its AGM  next week.

 Any Broadlands Resident can put themselves forward for nomination for the following roles:

Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Communications

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing BRASecretary@gmail.com or by contacting our current chair Ian Spiller on 07971 659011.

Maes Yr Haul School PFA Summer Fayre - Saturday 22nd June 11am-3pm

The Maes Yr Haul School PFA have been working hard towards their wonderful annual event planned on Saturday 22nd June 2013 from 11am-3pm in the school facilities.

The fayre will include a bouncy slide, obstacle course, nail painting, face painting, hook a duck, coconut shy, Archery, Basketball challenge, Beat the goalie, hoopla, scalextric racing, Police and Fire Brigade Vehicles, BBQ, Popcorn, Sweets and Chocolate fountain.

There's a Maes Yr Haul's Got Talent event in the main hall , the school choir will be performing and a number of puppet shows through the day.

There are some great raffle prizes and a chance to meet and greet Ironman along with his Audi A8!

Please support what will be a wonderful community event organised by the PFA of our local school.

Objection Letter regarding exploration borehole, Tyla Farm, Merthyr Mawr LPA Reference: 13/322

Dear Mr Gore

Objection to proposed exploration borehole, Tyla Farm, Merthyr Mawr
LPA Reference: 13/322

On behalf of the Broadlands Residents’ Association, I wish to lodge our formal OBJECTION to the above application.

The Association has a number of fundamental concerns. These relate to:

• the highway safety implications of the proposed works arising from the additional HGV movements that they would generate;
• the potential effect on European and Nationally designated sites of nature conservation ;
• the effect on protected species present at and in the vicinity of the site;
• loss of high quality agricultural land;
• the effect on the local landscape and visual impact;
• noise;
• pollution risk relating to the use of chemical lubricants; and
• archaeological impact.

We detail our concerns in turn below.

Highways

The proposed development site is accessible only by a narrow single track lane with high hedge banks.

Contrary to the statement made in the application submission, the lane provides no formal passing places between the site access and the A48. The only means by which vehicles may pass at present is by using a private drive access or driving onto unsurfaced verge. This is entirely unsuitable as a solution to address potential conflict of cars with articulated vehicles, or indeed, two articulated vehicles passing to and from the site.

It is customary in such situations for the applicant to be requested to provide a survey of the access route and to demonstrate that vehicles may track in both directions without giving rise to vehicular conflict. This has not been done in this case. We would respectfully suggest that without this information the local planning authority is unable to make a reasoned assessment of the highway effects of the proposal.

We would also note that the lane provides no segregation of vehicular and non vehicular traffic. While, in part for the issues outlined above, the lane is only lightly trafficked, it is, as a consequence, used heavily for recreational purposes by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Indeed, we note that Tyla Farm operates as a commercial stables and regularly uses the lane for access to the local bridleway network.

There is already a highway safety issue of conflict between vehicular traffic and other uses on this lane, and intensification of this use, particularly using HGV vehicles, is likely to exacerbate this. The applicant has to-date failed to address this issue at all.

We note further that while the applicant anticipates numerous HGV movements to the site, no information is provided as to how vehicles will be able to manoeuvre within the site to enter and leave it in a forward gear.

Finally, and related to the above issue, for HGVs to be able to enter and leave the site in a forward gear, a surfaced turning area will be required. No mention is made in the submission of this surfacing or its extent and no details of tracking are provided.

Taking these issues together, it is our view that the application is seriously deficient in its consideration of highways and access issues.

Ecology

In respect of the sensitive ecological context of the application site we have read the supporting ecological note and would respectfully suggest that it is woefully inadequate.

In particular, we note that this statement makes no reference to the site's location only 1,400 metres from a Special Area of Conservation, which is of European importance for nature conservation and protected under UDP policy EV18. It is a similar distance from a Site of Special Scientific and a Local Nature Reserve, both of which are protected under UDP Policy EV19 of the adopted UDP.

Paragraph 23 of Minerals Planning Policy Wales states that:

“ Minerals proposals within or likely to significantly affect potential and classified SPAs, designated, candidate or proposed SACs or Ramsar sites must be carefully examined in relation to the site’s conservation objectives in order to ascertain whether or not they are likely to be significant in terms of the ecological objectives of the site.” (our emphasis)

Paragraph 25 makes a similar statement in respect of SSSIs.

Even though the application site itself falls outside of these designations, both the above ground and under ground operations have the clear potential to significantly affect them and ought to be assessed accordingly. That the applicant has failed to make any reference to these designations is extremely concerning and brings into serious question the robustness of the ecological assessment undertaken.

The site is also intended to be lit over a 24-hour period. The implications of this for the foraging routes of bats in the vicinity is obvious, and the failure to consider this issue at all raises a further question mark over the reliability of the applicant’s report.

Finally, the applicant indicates in the submitted statement that it is intended to widen the existing site access to allow HGVs to enter the site freely. This will involve the removal of hedgerows that have the potential to hold ecological potential and it is essential that a hedgerow survey is undertaken before removal can be permitted.

We would also note in this regard that the hedgerow in question is of demonstrable heritage and is without doubt an “important” hedgerow as defined by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. As such, removal of the hedgerow without express consent could potentially constitute an offence.

In summary therefore, it is our view that before the local planning authority can reach a decision on this application, a comprehensive re-assessment of the ecological effects of this proposal is essential. In particular, consideration of the effects on designated areas and on bats is required.

Landscape impacts

The site is situated in a prominent location elevated above open ground to the east and west and is highly visible from a number of public vantage points. While the ground works themselves may not be highly visible, the proposal includes 24 hour drilling which will necessitate 24-hour illumination of the site. The applicant has not to-date provided a plan to demonstrate the light spread of the proposed floodlighting. Without this information, neither we nor the local planning authority are in a position to conclude whether this will have an acceptable effect in landscape and visual terms.

Loss of high quality agricultural land

Paragraph 32 of Minerals Planning Policy Wales notes that:

“Land of grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food Agricultural Land Classification is the best and most versatile agricultural land and should be protected from development as a national resource for the future. Unless clear evidence is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of restoring such land to a standard equivalent to its original Agricultural Land Classification grade then it should only be used for mineral development exceptionally if there is an overriding UK need for the development and sufficient land in lower grades is either unavailable or available lower grade land has an environmental value recognised by statutory designation which outweighs agricultural considerations.”

In this case, the application site is in active agricultural use and is evidently of a grade where this guidance would apply. However, the applicant has failed to provide any information on restoration of the site. In particular the applicant has not shown how any impacts of the hard surfacing, physical works and potential pollution arising from drilling fluids will be mitigated such that the land may be re-used for its previous agricultural use should the borehole testing yield negative results.

In our view the applicant ought to be required to submit an ALC survey of the application site, together with full details of intended site restoration at the end of the 36- week drilling period.

Noise

The submitted noise statement takes as its basis ‘Minerals Policy Statement 2’. This is however English guidance that is not applicable in Wales, where (with the exception of Paras 7-10) Minerals planning Guidance Note 2 continues to apply, alongside Minerals Planning Policy Wales as mentioned above.

In our view, to provide the LPA with a reasonable basis for considering this aspect of the proposal, a revised assessment with full regard to the requirements of TAN11 ‘Noise’ is essential.

Pollution

The applicant’s statement refers to the use of 4,400 gallons of drilling fluids but does not provide any details as to how this is to be transported and stored on site or what precautions will be taken in respect of potential leakage or leaching of this fluid to protect the local aquifer and agricultural land. This information is essential to a proper understanding of the possible environmental effects of this proposal.

Archaeology

The application site sits on the route of the Pilgrims’ Trail and has potential to be of significant archaeological potential. To ensure that no archaeological features are damaged or destroyed by the proposed borehole, a full archaeological assessment of the site is essential prior to the grant of any planning consent. To-date, this has not been undertaken.

Conclusions

It is apparent from the comments above that we consider that this application raises a number of significant concerns that have not been addressed by the applicant. Until and unless these are addressed fully, the Broadlands Residents’ Association wishes to OBJECT to this application.

I trust that the above will be taken into account in your consideration of the proposal and if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Yours sincerely

Arfon Hughes MRTPI
Vice Chair
Broadlands Residents’ Association

Family Fun Day - Raffle Winners

We hope you all enjoyed our family fun day, we are already planning 2014's!   Thank you to those buying raffle tickets.  Winners are announced below and if you've not heard from us directly, please personal message us via the facebook page

Winners of prizes are.......

BBQ Tracy Jaques
The Priory Massage - Tracey Ezard
Virgin voucher mike davies
Virgin voucher Vicky spiller
Beth Daniel Cut & Blow Dry - Roz
Cushion - Pauline Sloan
Golden Mile meal for 2 - Anthony Blewitt
Smellies - Liz Rees
Soap & Glory - Mike Davies
Jenny Books Voucher - Joanne Davies
Smallprint Voucher - Angela Williams
Harri's Cafe - Kerri Rees
Freixenet pink & tea light holder - Matthew Hickman
Spoons - Richard tanner
RSPB Book - David Thomas
Obbligato - Sophie Cliff
Dammit Doll - Mrs S Loke
Clock - Roz 
Baby Bouquet - Hazel
Bag - Melinda Mulcahy
Dance lessons - Matthew Dawson
Teddy - Claire Lucas
Maples chocolate & voucher
Cupcake Voucher - Colin Davies
Tea time basket - Wayne Tucker
Freixenet green - Leah
Penguin - Linda John
Boots bag - Deano
RSPB - S Loke
Necklace - Sarah Hughes
Melinda Mulcahy - Colin Davies
Directors cut & blow dry - Caroline stradling
Sweet pea - A Gwyne
Candle holder Samantha Tallis
FCUK - Julie Owen pamper kit
No 7 Rachel
Hot Towel Throat Shave - Tracy Jacques

Broadlands Residents Association AGM....

AGM previously Monday 1st July at 7pm. - POSTPONED FOR 2 WEEKS

Any Broadlands Resident can put themselves forward for nomination for the following roles:

Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Communications

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing BRASecretary@gmail.com or by contacting our current chair Ian Spiller on 07971 659011.

Broadlands Residents Association Family Fun Day 4th May 2013

Broadlands Residents Association Family Fun Day 4th May 2013, a set on Flickr.

Broadlands Residents Association Family Fun Day 4th May 2013, a set on Flickr.

For those of you that follow us outside of facebook, here are the family fun day photographs. We hope the photographs capture the atmosphere of the event and we're already thinking about planning next years. Thanks again to our main event sponsor PJC Homes, our flyer sponsors and to you for turning out for this wonderful community event!

Apology from BRA over noise

We would like to put out a personal apology to all the neighbours affected by noise over the last few days, thank you for bearing with us.

We are making adjustments for next year based on the issues raised by a few of you and I can assure you we will do our very best to limit the disturbance next year.

We have already made the decision as a committee to cut off at around 8pm next year to give people a bit of peace after a hectic day.

I would also like to issue a personal apology as event organiser to all those affected.

Kind regards

Ian

2013 Family Fun Day..... Thats a wrap folks

 

What a day! thanks to everyone for supporting the event, we'll be posting more about the day shortly.

 

Its here folks! Broadlands Residents Association Family Funday @BroadlandsRes #broadlands #familyfunday #community

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

Wonderful prizes

Today is Broadlands Family Funday - 1pm Maes-Yr-Haul School Field #community #broadlands #funday

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

Under Construction....... Family Fun Day is being prepared......

Broadlands Funday - Win Some Prizes!

Thanks to many of our sponsors, we have some wonderful raffle prizes for you!    Tickets will be available at the entrance Kiosk from our volunteers posted there.  

This is it folks 24 hours and counting to Broadlands Residents Association Family Funday @BroadlandsRes

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

2 Days to Go for Broadlands Family Funday #community #broadlands #bridgend #funday

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

3 days to go - Broadlands Family Fun Day #community #Broadlands #Bridgend #May4th

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

Broadlands Family Funday Raffle Prizes!...

 

The Fun Day Raffle has some outstanding prizes courtesy of some very generous businesses and Stallholders in our 100ft x 40ft Craft Marque. Purchase your raffle tickets from the BRA table as you enter the field on Saturday

Raffle Prizes...

Gas BBQ - B&Q
Weeks Family pass to Virgin Active (x2)
Directors cut & blow dry - The Priory
30min back, neck & shoulder massage - The Priory
Ladies Forever Initial Pendant Necklace - Melinda Mulchay
£50 Sweet Pea Photography Voucher
Boots Natural collection top to toe pamper kit - Boots
No 7 protect & perfect skin care- Boots
FCUK women's gift set - Boots
Soap & Glory box set - Boots
Polka dot black/white bag - Honeypot Boutique
Baby bouquet - Lickle Pickle
Cupcake bouquet - Cupcake Creations
Tree of Life Pendant - Obbligato
Tea Time hamper - Honeybee
Retro Sweet - Candyshack
7" vinyl Welsh Clock - Brenda Mullis
£5 Usborne books voucher - Jenny Books
Window Clean - Monstercones
£10 Smallprint Voucher
Teddy bear - Cats Protection
Toy penguin - Gardner Embroidery

Still awaiting about 10 more :)

You have to be in it to win it!!! Purchase your raffle tickets from the BRA table as you enter the field on Saturday

4 Days to Go - Broadlands Family Funday #community #Broadlands #4thMay @BroadlandsRes

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

5 Days To Go - Broadlands Family Funday #community #Broadlands #Bridgend #4thMay @BroadlandsRes

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

6 days to go - Broadlands Residents Association @BroadlandsRes #4thMay #familyfunday #community #bridgend

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

7 days to go to Broadlands Family Fun Day #community #Broadlands #funday @BroadlandsRes

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

Saturday 4th May 2013 

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

8 days to Broadlands Residents Association #4thMay #Broadlands #Familyfunday #Community

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted

9 days to Broadlands Family Funday @BroadlandsRes #4thMay #community #funday #Bridgend

Broadlands Residents Association is proud to present its Family Funday 

1pm onwards at Maes-Yr-Haul School Field

Careg Llywd, Broadlands

Entry £1 per Adult, Children Free, All Activities Free!

Bring a Chair and the Family and Join us for Party on the Pitch

Bouncy Castles & Slide, Fun and Games, Craft and Trade Stalls, Refreshments, 

Bar, BBQ, Hog Roast,  Kids Treasure Hunt, Music

BMX Ramps & Much Much More!

No pets or glass permitted