An open letter to CCR Energy

Dear CCR Energy ,

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed removal of the Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) mound at the old Aberthaw Power Station site. As a resident of East Aberthaw, I am particularly alarmed by the lack of concrete redevelopment plans and the potential environmental and community impacts.

The PFA mound has been a fixture of our landscape for decades. Its removal, especially without a detailed and transparent redevelopment plan, raises several issues. The immediate concern is the dispersion of dust and particulates into the local environment, posing health risks to residents. Moreover, East Aberthaw is a designated conservation area, renowned for its natural beauty, grasslands, and trees. The mound currently provides a visual barrier, and its removal would expose the community to whatever new development takes place on the site.

Should the mound be removed, there is a real possibility that an incinerator plant or other heavy industrial site could become a prominent feature. This scenario is particularly troubling as it starkly contrasts with the character of our conservation area. Conservation areas like East Aberthaw are protected for their historical and architectural significance, with strict regulations to preserve their unique character. Residents face restrictions on modifications to their properties to maintain the area's integrity. Introducing an industrial site in such a setting would undermine these efforts and degrade the area's environmental and aesthetic value.

During a recent meeting with our local Labour MP, Kanishka Narayan , it was revealed that residents are not directly notified of planning for this site, despite being notified in previous planning processes. I would like to think that the Vale of Glamorgan Council will hold CCR Energy Ltd to a full planning approval process and expect a comprehensive ecological and environmental survey. According to the Wildlife Trust for Wales, the site is home to 62 species of principal concern to the conservation of biodiversity in Wales. Such significant actions should necessitate full planning approval from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, ensuring that all potential impacts are thoroughly examined and that the community's voice is heard.

Furthermore, the potential development of a waste incinerator plant on the site is troubling. Replacing a coal-burning plant with a facility that burns hazardous waste and wood does not align with a sustainable, forward-looking vision. This approach not only poses environmental risks but also goes against the principles of preserving and enhancing conservation areas.

It is also important to highlight that when RWE sought planning permission to demolish the power station, the ash mound was explicitly excluded from the demolition boundary. The Aberthaw Power Station site covers 197.97 hectares, all of which lies within Aberthaw power station grounds. This area includes the ash mound and the East Aberthaw Reservoir, which were not included within the demolition boundary and were expected to remain largely unaffected by the demolition activities. This exclusion underscores the recognition of the mound's distinct status and the need for careful consideration in its handling.

I urge CCR Energy Ltd to reconsider the approach to the PFA mound removal. It is crucial to prioritise transparent, detailed planning that includes comprehensive environmental assessments and genuine community engagement. The future development of the Aberthaw site should reflect sustainable practices and respect the environmental and social fabric of the area.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to a future where the Aberthaw site is developed in a manner that benefits both the environment and the local community.

This a view from my window many in the village share a similar view, you can just see the top of the stack of Aberthaw Power Station

Cardiff Capital Region

Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government

BBC News

Yours sincerely,

Daniel Osman

East Aberthaw Resident