A former plastic factory in Barry is on the path to potentially being cleared of restrictions that currently limit its development opportunities. The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s planning committee has shown support for plans to remove hazardous substances consents from the land previously occupied by the Ineos Chlorovinyls plant located off Sully Moors Road. This plant, which closed its operations in 2010, was known for producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The site currently has three hazardous substances consents dating back to 1992, 2001, and 2002, permitting the storage of hazardous chemicals and substances.
Despite the plant’s closure over a decade ago, the protective zones set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) around the site are still enforced, posing limitations on future development. Ian Robinson, the Head of sustainable development at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, explained that the removal of these consents does not imply immediate development but rather aims to eliminate historical barriers hindering suitable future development possibilities.
The council’s approval of the plan is a significant step towards potentially enabling future development on the site, though the final confirmation lies with the Welsh Government. As per a council report, the site can have its hazardous substances consents revoked if no such substances have been present on-site for over five years since the last registration under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations in 2010, indicating a lack of hazardous substances on the premises.
During the planning committee session, a council member, Cllr Ian Johnson, inquired about the discovery of the site and its associated consents. Mr. Robinson cited the ongoing urban capacity study in Barry and Penarth, conducted as part of the Local Development Plans (LDPs), as the avenue through which the obsolete status of the site came to light. LDPs are essential tools for councils in identifying suitable areas for future developments.
The council’s replacement LDP (RLDP) is presently in progress, focusing on potential sites for housing and employment developments, including both greenfield and brownfield sites. Mr. Robinson highlighted the importance of exploring opportunities for development in sustainable settlements before considering greenfield sites, aligning with the broader strategy for future growth in the area.
The potential clearance of hazardous substances consents from the former factory site signifies a positive step towards unlocking opportunities for future development in Barry. With the support of the council and pending approval from the Welsh Government, the site could soon shed its restrictions, paving the way for new prospects and growth in the area.
The vision for a revitalised post-industrial site holds promise for the community, signalling a potential transformation that could bring economic and social benefits to the area. As stakeholders collaborate to shape the future landscape of Barry, the journey towards reclaiming and repurposing this land represents a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the region.