Decision gives developers time but stirs local concerns
Bridgend County Borough Council’s planning committee has approved a five-year extension to the time allowed for construction of the Ty’n Y Waun solar farm, a project sited to the west of Heol-y-Cyw between the villages of Heol-y-Cyw and Bryncethin.
The development, which was originally approved by the Welsh Government in 2024, was granted permission on the understanding that work would start within five years. At the meeting in June councillors agreed to extend that period by a further five years following a request from the developer, Cenin Renewables.
Why extra time was sought
The company asked for more time because of potential delays in securing a connection to the National Grid. A report presented to councillors said that changes introduced by the UK Government in April 2025 altered how renewable energy projects can obtain grid connections, creating uncertainty over connection dates.
Speaking for the developer, a representative described the application as a simple change to the timeframe and insisted the scheme would remain unchanged in scale with no additional planning impacts. They said the extension represented “prudent foresight” given the risk that the connection process could take longer than the original consent period allowed.
“It was a timeframe change only with the project remaining exactly the same in scale and with no material planning impacts… simply prudent foresight.”
Local concern about timetable and data
Not all members supported the extension. Councillor Tim Thomas, who represents St. Bride’s Minor and Ynysawdre, urged colleagues to reject the proposal, warning that granting extra time could have a “widespread impact” on the community by leaving residents without a clear schedule for construction and completion. He also raised the possibility that environmental surveys already undertaken could become out of date if the project is delayed.
“[The extension] could have a have ‘widespread impact’ to the community who would have no definitive timeline for the works to be completed.”
Project scale and wider context
When complete, the solar site is expected to generate enough electricity to supply about 12,500 homes per year. Members discussed how the solar development might align with other proposed renewable schemes, with a section of the report suggesting construction could be coordinated with the proposed Mynydd y Gaer wind farm, which is still awaiting a decision.
Some councillors felt the suggestion was speculative while planning officers reminded the committee that the solar project already had Welsh Government consent.
- Project: Ty’n Y Waun solar development
- Developer: Cenin Renewables
- Original approval: 2024 by Welsh Government
- Extension granted: five years
- Expected output: power for approximately 12,500 homes per year
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approved by | Welsh Government (2024) |
| Extension length | 5 years |
| Estimated homes powered | ~12,500 per year |
What this means for Bridgend
For residents in the nearby villages the extension secures the developer additional time to resolve grid connection issues without risking the loss of planning permission. For campaigners and some members, however, the decision raises questions about certainty, local disruption and the longevity of environmental assessments already completed.
The committee’s vote reflects a balancing act familiar to local authorities across Wales: supporting renewable energy and the transition to low-carbon supplies, while also seeking to protect local communities and ensure that proposals remain current and appropriate over time.
As the Ty’n Y Waun scheme moves into its extended timeframe, the key next steps will be for Cenin Renewables to progress grid connection arrangements and for any remaining pre-construction conditions to be satisfied so work can begin while environmental monitoring remains relevant.
Reporting from Bridgend.
