Deposit Plan

8 Active and Social Places Comment

8.1Creating Active and Social Places is a central ambition of national policy, which emphasises that successful places must support healthy, cohesive and socially connected communities. Development should encourage people to move safely and easily within and between places, with an emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport as part of an integrated, sustainable movement network. This approach recognises that well‑designed environments play a critical role in promoting physical activity, reducing car dependency and supporting long‑term well‑being.

8.2Social infrastructure is fundamental in creating vibrant neighbourhoods where people can meet, interact and participate in community life. By ensuring that new development protects and enhances such facilities, the 2RLDP helps sustain resilient communities and supports the wider placemaking goals of inclusivity, equity and accessibility.

8.3The 2RLDP plays a key role in delivering Active and Social Places by applying placemaking principles to ensure that all development proposals demonstrate how they contribute to health, well‑being and social cohesion through good design, high‑quality public realm and effective integration with existing communities. By embedding these principles into the assessment of proposals, the 2RLDP ensures that development, regardless of scale, supports the creation of lively, inclusive and sustainable places across the County Borough.

Housing Comment

8.4Meeting housing need is a fundamental requirement of the 2RLDP, but it is also a key consideration for placemaking and the delivery of sustainable development. It is essential that the quality of life of the current and future residents of the County Borough is sustained and where possible enhanced, with services and community infrastructure providing for residents needs whilst accommodating the planned growth for the County Borough. New housing, both affordable and market, is required to ensure the future well-being of the County Borough and not delivering the planned new housing would result in economic decline which would have major impacts on the well-being of communities throughout the County Borough.

Housing Growth Comment

8.5The 2RLDP ensures that sufficient residential land is made available to meet the future needs of communities for both market and affordable housing over the plan period. Strategic Policies SP1 and SP7 identify a housing requirement of 6,165 dwellings over the plan period, equating to 411 units per annum.

8.6A flexibility allowance to account for the non-delivery of allocated sites must be applied to the housing requirement, to allow for choice and flexibility, as not all sites will come forward in the timescales anticipated. The 2RLDP includes a 16% flexibility, making provision for a total of 7,151 dwellings. This flexibility ensures the 2RLDP is robust and resilient, as there is delivery in the short-term while the larger sites take time to be developed out, and providing a range and choice of sites ensures the 2RLDP is not solely reliant on the delivery of larger sites which are more complicated to develop.

8.7The housing requirement will be delivered by a number of components of the Housing Land Supply, including:

• Total Completions: all residential completions since the start of the 2RLDP period (1^st April 2020), split by large sites (10+ units) and small sites (under 10 units).
• Land Bank Commitments: number of units with planning permission on sites of 10 or more units. This includes sites with planning permission that are either under construction or that are due to commence development in the short-term.
• Windfall Sites: large and small windfall sites are not specifically allocated for housing yet come forward during the life of the Plan.
• New Housing Allocations: sites submitted as candidate sites and assessed through the candidate site assessment process, able to evidence deliverability and viability. These allocations are identified in Policy HO1.

Spatial Distribution of Housing Comment

8.8There are several housing supply components which must be assessed in combination to inform the delivery of the housing requirement. Table 1 summarises these components as they relate to the 2RLDP Settlement Hierarchy, defined in Policy SP2. All housing supply components have the base date of 1st April 2026.

Table 1: Summary of Spatial Distribution of Housing

8.9Table 1 illustrates that the spatial distribution of all housing supply components is being directed in line with the spatial growth strategy, Policies SP1 and SP2, specifically to the settlements in the county borough that are best served by public transport connectivity and offer a good range of services and facilities. The Tier 1 Principal Settlements are accommodating a significant proportion of development commensurate with its status in the hierarchy and its credentials as a sustainable settlement well served by sustainable transport.

8.10Tier 2 Local Settlements are also accommodating an appropriate share of development. These are settlements that as well as having good access to services and public transport, are also well served by employment opportunities nearby, aligning housing with employment.

8.11There is limited development within Tier 3 and there are no new allocations within Tier 4 and 5, just small-scale development within the Land Bank Commitments and Completions.

Housing Delivery Comment

8.12Policies SP1 and SP6 identify a housing requirement of 6,165 dwellings over the plan period. To allow for choice and flexibility, the 2RLDP makes provision for 7,151 dwellings, which equates to a flexibility allowance of 16%. Policy HO1 sets out the allocations that will contribute towards meeting the housing land supply requirement.

8.13The allocation of sites for residential development is important in ensuring sufficient land is available to meet the population’s housing requirements. Table 1 illustrates the spatial distribution of new housing is being directed in line with the spatial growth strategy, Policies SP1 and SP2, specifically to the settlements in the county borough that are best served by public transport and offer a good range of services and facilities.

8.14The Tier 1 Settlements are accommodating a significant proportion of new development commensurate with its status in the hierarchy and its credentials as a sustainable settlement well served by sustainable transport.

8.15Tier 2 Settlements are also accommodating an appropriate share of development. These are settlements that as well as having good access to services and public transport, are also well served by employment opportunities nearby, aligning housing with employment.

8.16There is only one allocation within a Tier 3 Settlement, and this site is well located to rail station, offering excellent opportunity to reduce reliance on the private car, and increasing walking, cycling and use of public transport.

8.17Appendix 1 contains further detail on housing allocations. Appendix 11 comprises a housing trajectory demonstrating the timescales for the delivery of the housing allocations and Appendix 12 contains an Infrastructure Delivery Plan setting out what is needed to support the development of the allocated sites.

Housing Led Regeneration Opportunities Comment

8.18New housing allocations require robust supporting evidence on delivery, phasing, infrastructure requirements and viability. There are a number of sites that the Council wishes include within the 2RLDP for potential regeneration purposes, but it is not possible to clearly evidence that the sites can be delivered within the plan period. These sites include sites that were allocated in the Adopted LDP but have not yet been developed.

8.19Policy HO2 identifies Housing-led Regeneration opportunities. These sites cannot be relied upon to contribute towards the identified housing requirement, and the sites will not be considered when calculating potential windfall development.

8.20These aspirational sites are generally brownfield sites, within Tier 1 and 2 Settlements and they are well located for employment, services and public transport. Due to uncertainty in respect of viability and deliverability, these sites are not included within the housing trajectory, however, they are allocated to encourage investment and regeneration and deliver wider benefits for the surrounding communities.

8.21Detailed descriptions of these sites can be found in Appendix 1.

Affordable Housing Comment

8.22The Council aims to ensure that everyone in the County Borough has access to a good quality home that meets identified housing needs. The provision of a range of housing that is affordable to the local population is vital in achieving this. A shortfall of affordable housing is a significant issue facing residents in the County Borough.

8.23In 2024, the Council approved an updated Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA) and this estimates a need for 218 affordable units per annum for the five-year period 2024-2029. A further annual need of 189 has also been identified over the remaining 10 years of the LHMA period. This would represent an affordable housing requirement of 2,980 homes if extrapolated over the 2RLDP period. This is not a realistic affordable housing target for the 2RLDP, and it is not expected to be as new development is only one of a variety of means of achieving a supply of affordable homes.

8.24The LHMA contains analysis of need at both ward and housing market area level, with 20 housing market areas being identified within the County Borough. Overall, the need for affordable housing is highest in the Tier 1 Settlements of Caerphilly and Blackwood, and the Tier 2 Settlement of Maesycwmmer, however the LHMA identifies a need of affordable housing across the authority, and the greatest need is for one-bedroom properties.

8.25The target of at least 1,906 affordable dwellings reflects the number of units that it is expected can be delivered across the County Borough through Section 106 agreements or planning conditions, which require the provision of a percentage of affordable housing. The target includes:

• The number of affordable homes that have already been provided during the period April 2020 – March 2026;
• Affordable homes that are expected to be delivered on sites that have planning permission and are capable of being delivered over the plan period;
• Affordable homes that are expected to be delivered, through the use of planning obligations, on new allocations for the remainder of the plan period;
• An assumption of affordable homes that could be delivered through the development of windfall sites for the remainder of the plan period.

8.26In calculating the affordable housing target, it is recognised that the number of affordable homes delivered during the plan period could be lower or greater than the target because of site viability, or where sites are brought forward by either Caerphilly Homes or another Registered Social Landlord.

8.27There is a significant need for affordable housing in the County Borough and therefore seeking appropriate levels of affordable housing is justified as a means of contributing to mixed, balanced and sustainable communities through the provision of housing for all sectors of the population.

8.28These targets should be treated as indicative as, at planning application stage, site-specific requirements will depend on the current market conditions having regard for the most up to date LHMA, recent Viability Assessments and information from the Council’s Housing Division. The targets assume that no grant or public subsidy will be used. Should grant funding be available, a higher level of affordable housing may be sought. In the case of sites assessed and formally concluded by the Council as being in locations of high affordable housing need and possessing locational or other attributes of particular suitability in terms of meeting such need, the Council may seek to negotiate levels of affordable housing provision up to 100%, having regard to all relevant considerations including the viability of such provision.

8.29To supplement national policy and guidance, Planning Officers Society Wales (POSW) commissioned Financial Viability in Planning Guidance for Wales, included as evidence base paper EB56. This has been prepared to provide practical guidance and interpretation when addressing specific instances where financial viability is a material consideration, principally in a plan-making context, but also in the context of Development Management.

8.30Further information on affordable housing requirements is provided in Supplementary Planning Guidance: Affordable Housing Obligations.

8.31Exception sites are a potential means of delivering affordable housing in rural areas. Such developments must relate to rural settlements and be on sites where development is strictly controlled and new-build housing would not normally be permitted. Exception sites should be at an appropriate scale for the size of the settlement to ensure that communities are balanced and would normally accommodate no more than 10 dwellings.

8.32Planning permission will be subject to a planning condition or obligation to ensure that the affordable housing will remain available in perpetuity to meet local housing needs. The release of exception sites will only be appropriate where there is evidence of local need, and this need cannot be addressed within the particular settlement or an adjoining one. In the context of this policy, ‘local need’ means a person or household who lives within and/or has a family connection to the settlement in question or an adjoining settlement and is in affordable housing need.

8.33The ‘rural settlements’ to which this policy applies are Tier 4 Settlements, as identified in Policy SP2:

• Argoed
• Brynawel
• Deri
• Fochriw
• Hafodyrynys
• Hollybush
• Llechryd
• Porset
• Princetown
• Rudry
• Senghenydd
• Trinant
• Waterloo
• Wyllie 
• Ynysddu

Later Living Housing Comment

8.34The lack of suitable housing for older people within the County Borough is a matter of concern as the mix of housing throughout the County Borough is unlikely to meet the needs of residents in future. This lack of provision results in the under-occupation of the existing housing stock, to the detriment of the successful functioning and efficiency of the housing market.

8.35The expected rise in overall demand for housing, which is driven by both population growth and the changing nature of households, which are shrinking and ageing, means that there is a need to ensure that there is an opportunity for people to right-size to more suitable accommodation. This would in turn free up larger properties suitable for larger households e.g. families with children.

8.36In order to make this transition over the plan period, all new housing sites of 10 or more dwellings will be required to make provision for 10% of dwellings to be housing suitable for older people as an integral part of the mix of housing types.

8.37This could include the development of bungalows as well as other forms of housing such as single storey link homes or lifetime homes. Such homes need to be capable of adaptation over time to meet changing need and are built suited to possible future requirements, such as space for aids and adaptations, storage for mobility scooters, space to retain independence and technology that supports independence.

8.38The key driver for this policy is to diversify the type of housing available in the private sector for older people. Given the objectives underpinning this policy, it will not be appropriate for social housing for older people provided through the affordable housing policy to contribute to the provision that is required under this policy. Where provision is required for older people as part of the affordable housing policy, this would be in addition to that required through this policy.

Development Management Policies Comment

8.39This policy seeks to ensure that new housing developments create sustainable, inclusive communities by providing a range of house types and sizes at efficient densities. National planning policy emphasizes that developments should deliver a mix of housing to meet the needs of different groups within the community and make the best use of land. This approach supports placemaking principles, reduces pressure on greenfield sites, and promotes compact, walkable neighbourhoods that are well-served by public transport and community facilities.

8.40Higher densities in appropriate locations, particularly near transport hubs and town centres, help to minimize car dependency, reduce infrastructure costs, and support local services. At the same time, requiring a mix of housing types addresses demographic changes such as smaller households and an ageing population, ensuring that developments cater for families, single-person households, and older residents. Both the LHMA and national guidance confirms that housing mix policies are essential for tackling affordability issues and preventing imbalanced communities.

8.41By embedding these principles, the policy contributes to the delivery of national well-being goals under the WBFG Act, supports efficient land use, and aligns with the strategic objectives of Future Wales.

8.42Small sites and infill plots play a critical role in maintaining housing supply across the County Borough. They provide flexibility and diversity in the housing market by enabling opportunities for local builders, SMEs, and self-builders, often delivering homes more quickly than strategic allocations. In line with PPW, they contribute to making the best use of land within settlements, reduce pressure on greenfield sites, and support compact, sustainable communities.

8.43The policy applies to sites within defined settlement boundaries, including the development of vacant plots, the subdivision of large residential curtilages, and the redevelopment of under-used land and buildings such as garages or small commercial sites. By focusing on locations already served by infrastructure and services, the policy aligns with Policy SP2 and helps reinforce the role and function of each settlement.

8.44By setting out clear and measurable criteria, this policy ensures that small-scale developments make a positive contribution to local housing delivery, reinforce the character of settlements, and are capable of being delivered without undermining the comprehensive redevelopment of larger allocated sites.

8.45Householder development, including extensions, alterations, and outbuildings, is common and can improve living conditions, but must be managed carefully to avoid harm to neighbours, heritage assets, and local character. This policy establishes clear criteria to ensure proposals respect the host dwelling and surrounding context, safeguard privacy and daylight, and prevent overdevelopment. It also seeks to protect heritage features, mature trees, and biodiversity, particularly in Conservation Areas or near Listed Buildings.

8.46Residential annexes are recognised as valuable for accommodating extended families, and carers, as well as supporting flexible living arrangements. However, they must remain subordinate and ancillary to the main dwelling, sharing access, parking, and utilities, and should not create independent units. Annexes are generally expected to be incorporated within or attached to the main dwelling, with detached annexes only acceptable where extensions are not feasible and the design remains modest and close to the host property. Planning conditions or obligations will be used to restrict their use to prevent severance and ensure that they cannot be sold or let as a separate dwelling at any time.

Gypsy And Traveller Provision Comment

8.47The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 places a statutory duty on local authorities to assess and meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers within their areas. This duty is reinforced by Welsh Government guidance, which requires local planning authorities to identify suitable, sustainable sites through their local development plans. The purpose of this policy is to ensure fair and equal treatment for Gypsy and Traveller communities, enabling families to maintain their cultural traditions and way of life while accessing essential services such as education, health care, and employment.

8.48To inform the position in respect of the need for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, the Council is required to prepare a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) that considers this need. Making provision to meet this need is essential to comply with statutory obligations and to support the well-being goals of the WBFG Act.

8.49The Council’s most recent GTAA was undertaken in 2021. An Addendum was included to reflect the subsequent approval of two planning applications. The GTAA was agreed by Welsh Government in 2024. A further Addendum has been prepared to reflect an additional planning permission.

8.50The latest assessment identifies no unmet need for residential pitches within the next five years. However, a requirement remains for 5 additional residential pitches over the wider 2RLDP period to 2035, arising from projected household growth within the existing Gypsy and Traveller community.

8.51The Council undertook three Calls for Candidate Sites between July 2021 and February 2025, during which any landowner, developer or other interested person could put forward land for consideration for inclusion in the Plan. A total of 236 sites were submitted to the Council for consideration: one site was submitted for a Gypsy and Traveller proposal (Land at Former Station House, Rhymney). The submitted candidate site has since been granted planning permission for 6 pitches, and these pitches have been developed and are occupied. Expansion of the site is proposed to provide an additional 6 pitches, which exceeds the identified needs of Gypsy and Traveller families over the plan period.

8.52Despite seeking to identify additional sites through a Call for Candidate Sites, no new sites have been identified. Therefore, the 2RLDP has responded to market conditions by addressing approaches from the existing gypsy and traveller community to extend an existing site,

8.53In respect of transit provision within Caerphilly County Borough, the GTAA identifies that there is no need to provide a transit site based on current evidence. It is considered that transit provision is a regional issue and as such transit provision is actively being considered on a regional basis.

8.54In addition to the permanent site identified in Policy HO8, it is important to include a detailed criteria-based policy to meet any future or unexpected need. Such policies should adhere to national planning policy set out in PPW and TANs, and be fair, reasonable, realistic and effective in delivering sites.

8.55This policy relates to applications for both permanent and transit gypsy and traveller sites. Site proposals must be in accordance with advice in Welsh Government Circular 005/2018: Planning for Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sites, which will be a material consideration as appropriate in the determination of any planning applications.

8.56As with other types of housing, it is important that gypsy and traveller communities have the same opportunity as the settled population to access facilities and services such as schools or GP surgeries. For this reason, the preferred location for sites is inside or on the outskirts of built-up areas, although suitable sites in rural or semi-rural settings would also be acceptable.

8.57Many gypsies and travellers run businesses from the site on which their caravans are stationed and, therefore, sites should only be permitted where this mix of uses can be accommodated without detracting from the amenity of local residents or character of the local area.

Transport Comment

8.58The Welsh Government is committed to reducing resilience on the private car. It requires the use of a sustainable transport hierarchy in relation to new development, which prioritises walking, cycling and public transport ahead of private motor vehicles. Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy 2021, sets an ambitious target of 45% of all trips to be made by sustainable modes by 2045.

8.59A key part of the 2RLDP strategy is to promote development in sustainable locations, reducing the need travel, wherever possible, whilst facilitating easy access to public transport and active travel. Reducing reliance on the private car will also help address the growing threat of climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel.

8.60Therefore, it is essential for the 2RLDP to include an ambitious strategic policy that addresses sustainable travel choices.

8.61A placemaking approach must be adopted in the identification, design and delivery of all transport measures to maximise the sustainability of developments and improve accessibility. The location, scale, density, mix of uses and design of all developments should be carefully considered in a manner that reduces transport demand and enhances the scope for sustainable transport choices.

8.62Addressing social exclusion is a critical element in regenerating disadvantaged areas throughout the County Borough. Improving the ability of residents to access services and facilities is a key factor in realising changes to these areas. Whilst it is acknowledged that a significant proportion of the improvement will be through non-land-use related factors, physical access to services and facilities can be enhanced by appropriate location and design. This policy seeks to maximise this potential.

8.63A move towards sustainable modes of transport is essential in tackling the issues of climate change, congestion and air quality. In order to maximise these opportunities, all development proposals will need to demonstrate that the sustainable transport hierarchy has been adhered to.

8.64A key factor in delivering more sustainable transport is realising a significant increase in the number of shorter trips through active travel (walking and cycling). The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 makes provision for councils to identify and provide dedicated active travel routes within their areas. The County Borough already has a well-established network of national and long-distance cycle routes that is nearing completion. With the national and long-distance routes almost complete the key issue now is to link this network to key destinations and origins on a local level to facilitate increased use of cycling and walking for short journeys. The provision of a high-quality integrated local network of routes is an essential element for active travel.

8.65To facilitate active and sustainable travel, the routes of former railway lines, which have potential for transport related development, will be safeguarded in line with Policies SP8 and TR2, specifically those with potential to facilitate walking, cycling, rail freight or passenger movements.

8.66The design and layout for residential, employment, retail, leisure and other developments will be expected to incorporate provision for walking and cycling and where possible links / access to the developing walking and cycling networks.

8.67The transportation strategy for the County Borough is very much focused on measures to encourage the greater use of the active travel and public transport systems. It is important to protect strategic transport routes, which could enhance the sustainable transport network, from development that would preclude them coming forward in the future.

8.68The Council fully supports any proposals that promote the development of the South East Wales Metro. In addition, the Council will also support proposals that make the existing transport network more resilient and more efficient for sustainable transport. It is acknowledged that transport improvements and new transport routes can take a significant period of time to come to fruition and, as such it is essential that the Council protects strategic transport improvement routes from inappropriate development that could prejudice their future use for transport purposes.

8.69Notwithstanding the desire to reduce reliance on the car there continues to be a need to ensure that the strategic road network is of an appropriate standard to facilitate the regeneration of the area. The closure in 2014 of the A469 north of New Tredegar as a consequence of a landslide served to highlight how dependent communities in the north of the County Borough are on this vital transport link. There is, therefore, a need to ensure resilience along this route to maintain accessibility along its length, and to safeguard the economic future of the area. Land will be safeguarded in the 2RLDP to ensure that no development is permitted that could potentially prejudice the future route of the road.

8.70As part of actions to improve the transport infrastructure, it is essential the 2RLDP maximises the opportunities to repurpose former rail lines for transport related developments, including developing them for passenger transport purposes. Consequently, it is important to protect former rail routes from development that could prejudice their future transport use.

8.71The Council is pursuing the development of a new station at Nelson as part of any future development of the Cwmbargoed line for passenger services. This new station would provide a link to Ystrad Mynach and rail services on the Rhymney Valley line.

8.72The reopening of the Ebbw Valley line for passenger services provides an excellent opportunity to increase rail patronage in the County Borough. There are currently two trains per hour operating on the line, one that services Cardiff and one that services Newport. There also remains a pressing need to establish a new station at Crumlin, which would assist in providing public rail transport to the main employment site at Oakdale Business Park/ Penyfan.

8.73The existing rail station in Llanbradach has limited opportunities for park and ride. The relocation of the station to the former Wingfield Tip would serve to increase the attractiveness of this station to residents within the local area as well as wider communities and to elevate the importance of the station as a significant park and ride facility. Importantly, this development would serve to encourage modal shift by offering commuters a credible, reliable and frequent alternative travel option into Cardiff.

8.74The specific land requirements for the new stations have yet to be considered in detail, and the schemes are at differing stages of development. The 2RLDP Proposals Map identifies the general locations that relate to the proposals but does not seek to identify specific sites for them.

8.75The provision of park-and-ride facilities at stations increases access to the rail network and encourages car users to change to rail for a significant part of their journey. The facilities also provide the opportunity for future bus park-and-ride options when demand becomes sufficient to sustain them.

8.76The ongoing frequency and capacity improvements on the Rhymney Valley line and the Ebbw Valley Line for passenger services provides an excellent opportunity to increase rail patronage in the County Borough.

8.77There are now four trains per hour running from Bargoed to Cardiff and the provision of park-and-ride facilities at Llanbradach and Ystrad Mynach would significantly increase the potential for the public, particularly commuters, to access and utilise the improved rail services.

8.78Caerffili 2035 is a long‑term regeneration and placemaking plan aimed at transforming Caerphilly Principal Town Centre through major investment in public spaces, transport, tourism, housing, and the local economy.

8.79Caerphilly Transport Interchange is one of a number of flagship projects, involving the redevelopment of the existing bus and rail stations into a single, modern, integrated transport hub that seamlessly connects rail, bus, taxi, walking and cycling routes, providing improved accessibility, passenger facilities, and increased capacity. This new interchange is intended to act as a landmark gateway to the town, enhancing connectivity, boosting the visitor experience, and catalysing further investment linked to major projects such as the redevelopment of Caerphilly Castle.

8.80The establishment of a road hierarchy will facilitate the efficient use of the highway network by ensuring that traffic is channelled onto the most appropriate routes to maintain appropriate environmental, amenity and safety conditions. Maintaining an efficient and safe highway network will assist public transport services in the form of buses, maintaining their frequency and ensuring that they run to schedule. The roads that comprise the tiers in the hierarchy are set out in Appendix 2, along with their restrictions for development.

8.81Machen Quarry is an active quarry (policy MN5 refers) involved in the extraction and supply of limestone, which is served by a rail link to the wider network. National policy requires that existing railheads should be identified for safeguarding, in order to provide a full range of sustainable transport options.

Retail and Commercial Centres Comment

8.82The Welsh Government operates a ‘Town Centre First’ policy requiring significant new commercial, retail, education, health, leisure and public service facilities to be located within town centres as the first consideration. This approach recognises that town centres are moving away from their traditional retail roles.

8.83National policy refers to ‘retail and commercial centres’ as hubs of social and economic activity and the focal point for a diverse range of services which support the needs of local communities. Also, they are ‘highly accessible to different modes of transport and are the most sustainable locations for new development’.

8.84A key element of the 2RLDP strategy is to promote growth and regeneration of town centres, as well as regarding key transport nodes as focal points of development.

8.85Consequently, it is important that the Council protects its town centres from inappropriate development while allowing them the flexibility required in order to thrive. To assist in this the 2RLDP has identified its Principal Town and Local Centres within a Retail and Commercial Centre hierarchy.

8.86The diversification of town centres is important if they are to survive changing shopping habits, encourage additional footfall, improve dwell time and increase tourism and retail activity. This is vital to ensure that these centres flourish and meet the needs of residents into the future.

8.87Attractive, thriving and vibrant town centres help to create jobs for local people, they retain spend within the County Borough and attract visitor spend. They are essential to build a strong and sustainable local economy. Development proposals that follow the hierarchy will help to stimulate economic and social activity, reinforcing sustainable settlement patterns.

8.88National policy and Future Wales operate a ‘Town Centre First’ policy, which requires authorities to adopt a sequential approach to the selection of sites in development plans and in the assessment of planning applications for retail and other, complementary uses. First preference should be to locate new development within a centre defined in the hierarchy set out for retail and commercial use, followed by edge-of-centre sites. Only then should consideration be given to sites located elsewhere, provided they are accessible by a choice of public and private modes of travel.

8.89The sequential approach applies to retail and all complementary uses to retail and commercial centres, although some community-oriented uses may have specific accessibility requirements which mean they need to be located close to the communities they serve. The nature of a proposed use is likely to determine what type of centre (i.e. higher or lower order) is most appropriate as a starting point for the application of the sequential approach. Proposals will be subject to an assessment of need where appropriate, in accordance with national policy.

8.90Town Centres will be accessible for all and prioritise sustainable transport; they will be well served by Active Travel infrastructure and public transport that connects to surrounding settlements.

8.91Development proposals that comply with this policy should help to make the town centres busy and prosperous throughout the day and in the evening. Also, an increase in economic activity should create jobs and wealth, perhaps helping to raise local living standards.

8.92Development proposals will apply the Placemaking Principles set out in Section 7, ensuring that Town Centres are attractive, safe and welcoming.

8.93The County Borough’s retail and commercial centre hierarchy is set out in Policy SP11 above and comprises five principal town centres and four local centres. It excludes any edge-of-centre or out-of-town locations, to which this policy directly applies. Proposals for new retail and commercial developments in such locations will be controlled in accordance with national policy, to support existing, established centres.

8.94Policy RC3 sets out the criteria by which proposals for new retail and commercial development in edge and out of town locations will be assessed in line with national policy. The policy applies to all proposals that create additional floor space for retail, financial and professional services and food and drink uses. It also applies to all applications, including changes of use, extensions, the subdivision/merger of existing units, mezzanine floors and variations to relevant planning conditions, with the aim of the policy being to preserve and enhance the vitality, viability and attractiveness of existing principal town and local centres.

8.95Proposals for new retail or commercial development outside of the centres contained within the hierarchy will need to demonstrate that they have satisfied the sequential test referred to in national planning policy. Developers will need to demonstrate that all potential town centre options have been thoroughly assessed using the sequential approach before edge and out of centre sites are considered for key town centre uses. This approach requires developers and retailers to be flexible and innovative about the format, design and scale of the proposed development and the amount of car parking provided, tailoring these to fit local circumstances.

8.96It is recognised that small-scale proposals, such as a small shop serving a local neighbourhood, will not be detrimental to the vitality and viability of centres. Such proposals will be supported under the policy as they will help sustain communities and reduce the need for residents to travel to other areas and settlements for basic amenities.

8.97The allocations are part of a wider regeneration programme for Caerphilly – Caerffili 2035. Caerffili 2035 is a long‑term regeneration and placemaking plan aimed at transforming Caerphilly Principal Town Centre through major investment in public spaces, transport, tourism, housing, and the local economy. It includes the flagship projects of:

• Land Next to Cardiff Road - includes a potential hotel development and proposed leisure quarter that will maximise the benefit of views over the castle. The site is intended to strengthen the town’s visitor offer by providing high‑quality accommodation and complementary ground‑floor retail space, supporting wider regeneration and tourism growth.
• Pentrebane Street - involves the redevelopment of part of Pentrebane Street to deliver around 72 new apartments and ground‑floor commercial space. The scheme aims to regenerate a key part of the town centre by replacing the former indoor market buildings with a modern mixed‑use development that strengthens the town’s residential offer and enhances commercial activity.
• The Caerphilly Transport Interchange - involves redeveloping the existing bus and rail stations into a single, modern, integrated transport hub that seamlessly connects rail, bus, taxi, walking and cycling routes, providing improved accessibility, passenger facilities, and increased capacity. This new interchange is intended to act as a landmark gateway to the town, enhancing connectivity, boosting the visitor experience, and catalysing further investment linked to major projects such as the redevelopment of Caerphilly Castle.

Community and Social Infrastructure Comment

8.98Community and social infrastructure are essential to the delivery of sustainable development, cohesive communities and the well-being of residents of the County Borough. It provides the services and facilities that complement the principal uses of housing, employment and retail. The 2RLDP defines community and social infrastructure as those facilities used by local communities for social, health, education and cultural purposes.

8.99Community facilities can be owned or delivered by the public sector, private sector or community groups. Such facilities can be considered appropriate in residential and non-residential areas, where they satisfy the relevant planning policies, as they serve the needs of the wider community. Whilst there is a general presumption in favour of community facilities, they should reflect sound placemaking principles and contribute positively to their local community well-being. Any proposals for community facilities must be of a scale appropriate to the settlement in which it is located and support the role and function of that settlement.

8.100The 2RLDP acknowledges that good access to social and community facilities is fundamental to address social inequalities within and between different communities in the County Borough, providing the opportunity for people to lead healthy, safe, and well-balanced lives. Where a need is identified, the Plan seeks to ensure that facilities are delivered in an appropriate manner at appropriate locations.

8.101When locating new or replacement facilities, the Council and its partner organisations will play a vital role in supporting and developing the model of provision. An innovative and joined-up approach to service delivery will be prioritised, especially through the co-location of housing, social and community facilities.

8.102It is recognised that opportunities for new social and community facilities may often be limited, especially where these are not commercially funded but subsidised by the Council. As a result, the 2RLDP sets out a basic principle of retaining existing facilities where these provide a vital and sustainable role within their communities.

8.103This policy aims to protect all existing and proposed social and community facilities that provide a valuable role in their communities. Development that would result in the loss of such facilities and would have an adverse impact on the community within which they are intended to serve will not be permitted unless the policy criteria are met.

Leisure and Recreation Comment

8.104Recreation and leisure are fundamental parts of life in our communities. Access to space and facilities for informal and formal recreational activity is part of the make-up of our settlements and they contribute significantly to the well-being of our residents. The plan seeks to ensure that appropriate formal and informal recreation facilities are provided to support the growth of the County Borough and the existing communities.

8.105The design and layout of new residential development should incorporate adequate areas of useable public open space, natural play areas, woodland play, habitat-rich spaces for informal recreation as an integral part of the development. Care should be taken to ensure that where amenity open space is incorporated into the layout of the site it should be designed in such a way as to exploit site topography, create open views and avoid incidental areas of unusable space. Where sufficient open space exists adjacent to the development site, developers will need to consider how to exploit this resource and thus provide well-designed public links within the development to these areas of land through a new footpath and/or cycle path provision.

8.106The amount of land required for children’s play and outdoor sport provision is based on the Fields in Trust (FIT) standards (updated in 2024):

• Total open space (parks and gardens, amenity green space, natural and semi-natural spaces): minimum of 3.2 hectares per 1000 people (32 metres squared per person);
• Total outdoor sports: minimum of 1.6 hectares per 1000 people (16 metres squared per person); and
• Total play space (equipped designated play and areas and informal play provision): minimum of 0.55 hectares per 1000 people (5.5 metres squared per person).

8.107Precise requirements for each site will need to be agreed with the Council as local factors may require amendment to these standards, for example the location and quality of existing provision. Where necessary the Council will seek to enter into planning obligations under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) in order to secure the appropriate provision of such facilities. Details in respect of the future maintenance and, where appropriate, management of facilities should be submitted as part of any application.

8.108Open spaces are essential to the creating active and social places and promoting healthier environments. Protecting open space ensures communities retain access to vital recreational, social, and environmental resources that directly support physical and mental well‑being. Open spaces include public parks, amenity greenspace, outdoor sports facilities and children’s play areas.

8.109Development proposals that would lead the loss of some, or all, of an open space will need to demonstrate that there is sufficient remaining open space in the area to meet the needs of the local community. To do that a robust open space assessment must be submitted as part of a planning application that identifies the loss of the open space does not result in a, or exacerbate an existing, shortfall in provision.

8.110This policy seeks to retain areas of open space that are designed as part of a wider area or development, as these are designed elements within the streetscape that have significant amenity value, whether that be as informal space or due to landscape value. This policy does not seek to protect against the loss of incidental open space (space left after development has taken account, unless it results in a shortfall of provision.

8.111Where alternative provision is made, this should be of an equivalent or higher quality provision when compared to the area that is lost. This is considered in terms of the replacement provisions size, function, accessibility and environmental value.

8.112Local leisure facilities are important to the health and community well-being of the County Borough. In addition, these facilities often provide the key elements to achieving more sustainable settlements by providing facilities within easy reach of people by foot or bicycle, creating sustainable, active, inclusive and socially connected places. This policy seeks to retain such facilities to ensure facilities remain accessible and well‑distributed within settlements.

8.113For the purposes of this policy, formal leisure facilities include, but are not limited to:

• Allotments
• Land associated with community facilities;
• Other outdoor sports facilities (tennis courts, bowling greens, cricket pitches, golf courses etc.);
• ‘Provision for children and young people’ (playgrounds, MUGAs, LEAPs, LAPs, skateparks etc.);
• Sports pitches (designated).

8.114Formal parks and gardens and areas of formal open space are essential components of high‑quality, sustainable places that support physical and mental well‑being, social interaction, and community cohesion. Incremental reductions in their boundaries in favour of built development should be avoided in order that they are present for future generations to experience.

8.115Many parks are laid out with attractions such as floral displays, plant growing, sports pitches, children’s playgrounds and ornamental water features. Whilst it is important to incorporate some flexibility for selective development that will consolidate these uses such as shelters, pavilions and storage buildings, it is vital that the leisure aspect is protected and enhanced for the benefit of community well-being.

8.116Country parks are large-scale, less formal facilities that offer a valuable resource for recreational and tourism activities within a rural setting, close to the County Borough’s main centres of population. In order to recognise their contribution to the landscape as tourism attractions in their own right and to ensure that they continue to serve this purpose, the 2RLDP defines their boundaries.

8.117Country Parks should be protected from any inappropriate development, and new development proposals should contribute towards enhancing the recreational, ecological and tourism function of country parks.

8.118A number have been developed on land that was once covered by heavy industry but now reclaimed, with all offering a range of recreational activities. Already there are cycle routes identified in the County Borough, and the varied parks along the Rhymney, Sirhowy and Ebbw Valleys offer potential for linking these. This will feed into the loops and links network that will in turn form part of the Valleys Regional Park.

8.119This five-hectare site is part of the former Markham Colliery. The development proposal could provide a leisure area, renewable-energy technology and a rural skills training centre.

8.120A leisure area, comprising walks, shrubs and trees will promote biodiversity, making the area attractive, encouraging users to take an interest in nature while exercising. A renewable-energy project could involve opportunity for wind, solar or hydro energy, supplying ‘green’ energy to local people while respecting nature and the landscape. A training Centre could offer teaching of vocational and rural skills such as gardening, hedge laying, carpentry and dry-stone walling, offering alternative skills, improving future employment opportunities.