Demolition of Old School in Cowbridge Approved After Judicial Review

The demolition of an old school in Cowbridge to make way for new homes can now go ahead following a judicial review.
Vale of Glamorgan Council approved plans for the demolition of the former Cowbridge Comprehensive School complex on Aberthin Road in 2022, but the plans were met with disapproval at the time.
Two separate petitions in opposition to the plans gained thousands of signatures and the town council, MPs and MSs added their voices to those who were against knocking the school down.
One local group of residents said paperwork relating to drainage at the site had not been completed and that measures to protects bats were not in place.
Following a recent hearing in Cardiff, which Vale of Glamorgan Council won, challenges to the plans were dismissed and the local authority was awarded £7,500 in costs.
Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for sustainable places, Cllr Bronwen Brooks, said: “I’m delighted by this verdict which means Hafod Housing can press ahead with plans to bring new affordable homes to Cowbridge.
“Properties of this type are much needed in the area as the council’s own waiting list for housing illustrates.”
The demolished former school site, which used to house Cowbridge Comprehensive School’s sixth form, will make way for 30 flats and four houses.
In addition to the properties, the development will feature parking, landscaping and a bespoke bat roost.
Cllr Brooks added: “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.”
When the scheme was initially approved, voices of opposition to it also raised concerns over the loss of a historic building and the potential size of the development.
At the time, one town councillor, Cllr Heather Weddell, said it would be “terrible” to loose what she called a building with local and national importance “when realistic options appear to exist to retain and restore it”.
The buildings that make up the old school complex were built in 1896 and 1908 according to The Victorian Society. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​