Bridgend councillors have granted developers an additional five years to construct the Ty'n Y Waun Solar farm, located west of Heol-y-Cyw. The decision was made by Bridgend County Borough Council's planning committee in June, amending the original condition set by the Welsh Government in 2024, which required construction within five years of approval.
Project Details and Impact
Once completed, the solar farm between Heol-y-Cyw and Bryncethin is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 12,500 homes annually. However, Cenin Renewables, the developer, requested the extension due to potential delays in connecting to the National Grid, stemming from changes in UK Government policy in April 2025 regarding grid connections for renewable projects.
The report presented to councillors highlighted a "reasonable concern that the connection date could easily be pushed back to a date that would be beyond the five-year lifetime of the permission." A representative for Cenin Renewables emphasized that the extension was solely a timeframe adjustment, with no changes to the project's scale or material planning impacts, describing it as "prudent foresight."
Council Debate and Concerns
Councillor Tim Thomas of St. Bride's Minor and Ynysawdre opposed the extension, arguing it could have a "widespread impact" on the community by leaving residents without a definitive timeline for completion. He also noted that the delay might render collected environmental data obsolete. Other members expressed concerns about a report section suggesting the solar farm could "dovetail" with the proposed Mynydd y Gaer wind farm, which is still awaiting approval. They deemed this speculative, though planning officers clarified that the solar farm had already been approved by the Welsh Government independently.
Councillor Simon Griffiths supported the extension, stating it would be short-sighted to force the developer to abandon green plans due to grid connection timing issues. Following recommendations, the amendment to extend the works date was approved by a vote of eight to four.
