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From: Whittle, Elisabeth (DH - CADW) Sent: 31 October 2012 15:48 To: Green, Jonathan (DH - CADW); Kevern, Richard (DH - CADW) Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219 These two docs are relevant. Attachment 001 and 002 below Liz From: Scott Hand Sent: 31 October 2012 15:37 To: Whittle, Elisabeth (DH - CADW) Cc: Sarah Green; Nick Sharp Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219 Elisabeth Please find the GGAT and the Merthyr Design, Heritage and Conservation Officer's comments attached for info. Regards Scott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scott Hand Senior Conservation Officer (Vale and Valleys)/Uwch-Swyddog Cadwraeth (Y Fro a'r Cymoedd) Countryside Council for Wales/Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru Rivers House/Plas yr Afon St Mellons Business Park/Parc Busnes Llaneirwg Fortran Road/Ffordd Fortran St Mellons/Llaneirwg Cardiff/Caerdydd CF3 0EY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From: Nick Sharp Sent: 31 October 2012 15:17 To: Scott Hand Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219 <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> From: David Cross Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 3:37 PM To: Nick Sharp Subject: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219 Hi Nick, Further to our telephone conversation earlier, please find attached a copy of the consultation responses from our Heritage Officer and GGAT along with their suggested conditions. Kind Regards David Cross Principal Planning Officer BSc (Planning), Ma (Urban Design), MRTPI Unit 5, Triangle Business Park, Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4TQ

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From: Whittle, Elisabeth (DH - CADW) Sent: 31 October 2012 15:48

To: Green, Jonathan (DH - CADW); Kevern, Richard (DH - CADW)

Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219

These two docs are relevant. Attachment 001 and 002 below Liz

From: Scott Hand

Sent: 31 October 2012 15:37 To: Whittle, Elisabeth (DH - CADW)

Cc: Sarah Green; Nick Sharp

Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219

Elisabeth Please find the GGAT and the Merthyr Design, Heritage and Conservation Officer's comments attached for info. Regards Scott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scott Hand Senior Conservation Officer (Vale and Valleys)/Uwch-Swyddog Cadwraeth (Y Fro a'r Cymoedd) Countryside Council for Wales/Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru Rivers House/Plas yr Afon St Mellons Business Park/Parc Busnes Llaneirwg Fortran Road/Ffordd Fortran St Mellons/Llaneirwg Cardiff/Caerdydd CF3 0EY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From: Nick Sharp Sent: 31 October 2012 15:17

To: Scott Hand

Subject: FW: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219

<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> From: David Cross

Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 3:37 PM To: Nick Sharp

Subject: Cyfarthfa Retail Development P.12.0219

Hi Nick, Further to our telephone conversation earlier, please find attached a copy of the consultation responses from our Heritage Officer and GGAT along with their suggested conditions. Kind Regards

David Cross Principal Planning Officer BSc (Planning), Ma (Urban Design), MRTPI Unit 5, Triangle Business Park, Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4TQ

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for

the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The contents of this e-

mail represent the views of the individual(s) named above and do not necessarily

represent the views of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Mae'r e-bost hwn ac unrhyw ffeiliau a drosglwyddir gydag ef yn gyfrinachol ac wedi'u

bwriadu ar gyfer pwy bynnag y cyfeirir ef ato neu atynt. Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn

cynrychioli barn y sawl a enwir uchod, felly nid ydyw'n dilyn ei fod yn cynrychioli

barn Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful.

Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful

Canolfan Dinesig

Stryd Y Castell

Merthyr Tudful

CF47 8AN

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Civic Centre

Castle Street

Merthyr Tydfil

CF47 8AN

Attachment 001

INTERNAL MEMORANDUM

To : David Cross Re : P/12/0219 Cyfarthfa Retail Park From : Design, Heritage and Conservation Officer Ask for : Lewis Thomas Ext. : 6268 Date : 3rd October 2012 OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE ABOVE PLANNING APPLICATION Full planning permission is sought for the reconfiguration of the eastern terrace of Cyfarthfa Retail Park to accommodate new retail units. The proposals will also include the erection of new retail units to the north across Swansea Road. These comments are written in relation to the impact of the proposals on heritage assets. The site location is located adjacent to a Scheduled Ancient Monument by means of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks Blast Furnace (GM 425). Additionally, the proposals are located near the Scheduled Ancient Monuments of Pont-y-Cafnau Iron Bridge (GM 424), Cyfarthfa Feeder Canal (GM 467) and Gurnos Tramroad (GM 478). The proposals are also located within Cyfarthfa Conservation Area, within 500m of 10 Listed Buildings (one of which, Grade I), within the Merthyr Tydfil Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and within the setting of the Grade II* Registered Cyfarthfa Park, which is of special historic interest. National Policy Framework Planning Policy Wales (Edition 4: 2011): This is the Welsh Assembly Government’s principal planning policy. Section 6.5 recognises the importance of protecting the historic environment.

Paragraph 6.5.1 states:

“The desirability of preserving an Ancient Monument and its setting is a material consideration in determining a planning application, whether that monument is scheduled or unscheduled. Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings are likely to be affected by proposed development, there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation in situ”.

Paragraph 6.5.9 states:

“Where a development proposal affects a Listed Building or its setting, the primary material consideration is the statutory requirement to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, or its setting, or any features of special architectural interest which it possesses”

Paragraph 6.5.17 states:

“Should any proposed development conflict with the objective of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a conservation area or its setting, there will be a strong presumption against the grant of planning permission”.

Paragraph 6.5.25 states:

“…The effect of proposed development on a park or garden contained in the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, or on the setting of such a park or garden, may be a material consideration in the determination of a planning application”.

This development has the potential to affect the setting and character of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Registered Historic Park and Garden and Listed Buildings. The impact on these features, as well as non-scheduled archaeology is a consideration in this planning application. Furthermore, the proposals should take into account the desirability of preserving the character of Cyfarthfa Conservation Area.

Welsh Office Circular 60/96: “Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology”:

The circular sets out advice on legislation and procedures relating to archaeological remains and supplements Planning Policy Wales.

Paragraph 10 states:

“The desirability of preserving an ancient monument and its setting is a material consideration in determining a planning application whether that monument is scheduled or unscheduled”.

Paragraph 17 further states:

“Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings, are affected by proposed development there should be a presumption in favour of preservation in situ i.e., a presumption against proposals which would involve significant alteration or cause damage, or which would have a significant impact on the setting of visible remains”.

Welsh Office Circular 61/96 “Planning the Historic Environment: Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas”: Part 1 of Para 11 states:

“Sections 16 and 66 of the (Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)) Act require authorities considering applications for planning permission or Listed Building Consent for works which affect a listed building to have special regard to certain matters, including the desirability of preserving the setting of the building”

Local Policy Framework

Merthyr Tydfil Local Development Plan (2006-2021) Policy AS4 (Historic Landscape) states:

“There will be a presumption in favour of the protection, conservation and enhancement of:

Gelligaer Common; and

The main settlement of Merthyr Tydfil

In accord with their status as Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales. The extent of these areas is shown on the LDP Proposals Map and proposals for development will only be permitted where they would maintain or enhance the character and integrity of the landscape”.

Policy AS15 (Key Contributors to the Valleys Regional Park) states:

“Land required for the development of the Cyfarthfa Heritage Park and Parc Taf Bargoed is safeguarded as shown on the LDP proposals map. Development proposals that enhance the strategic leisure and tourism potential of these areas as part of the Valleys Regional Park concept will be favoured subject to satisfying other relevant policies of the LDP”.

Policy BW6 (Townscape and Built Heritage) states:

“The Council will protect and support the enhancement of the unique built heritage of the County Borough. Development proposals will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated they would preserve or enhance the architectural quality, character and setting of any of the following:

• Listed Buildings; • Scheduled Ancient Monuments; • Conservation Areas; • Registered Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest; • Townscape character, and the local distinctiveness of settlements; • Other historic, archaeological and cultural features of acknowledged importance”.

Regard should therefore be given to the setting and character of the Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas and other archaeological or cultural features of acknowledged importance (namely through the Historic Environment Record and National Monument Record). Cyfarthfa Conservation Area Character Appraisal (December 2009): The Cyfarthfa Conservation Area appraisal describes in detail the Conservation Area. The proposals will impact directly upon Character Area 4 (Cyfarthfa Ironworks and Taf Fawr Valley). This area is characterised by expanses to the west of the River Taf containing historic features such as Pont-y-Cafnau Bridge, the former Blast Furnaces, Cefn Viaduct, Tai Mawr Leat and the Cyfarthfa Fingertip. The majority of the area remains wasteland with self-seeded scrub, woodland and heathland. The appraisal proposes the regeneration of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks as a vistors’ attraction and the preservation of the settings of its historic features. Considerations After consideration of the submission, it was concluded that the reconfiguration of the eastern terrace of the existing retail park will have very little or no impact upon the cultural heritage of Merthyr Tydfil due to the reconfigured buildings being of a similar size, massing and height to the existing building. However, it is considered that the extended retail park to the north, crossing Swansea Road will have a far greater impact. Accordingly, this extension is assessed below. Settings of Listed Buildings and Historic Parks The proposals are likely to impact upon the settings of 10 Listed Buildings, which are located within 500m of the site. In my view, the proposals are not considered to impact greatly on the Listed Buildings of Cefn Coed Viaduct, 15-21 Gellideg Cottages nor No.50 Grawen due to the changes in topography in the surrounding area. It is therefore agreed with the Environmental Statement that a ‘neutral’ impact would be had on these elements. The most pertinent impact would be on the setting of the Grade I Listed Cyfarthfa Castle, located within the Grade II* Registered Cyfarthfa Park. This building, along with its Grade II Listed railings, gatepiers, railings, walls and associated Pandy Farmhouse with clocktower, was designed specifically to overlook the Ironworks over which it presided – to which the development site included a number of tramroads and cokehouses. This wider industrial hinterland includes the site to which the northern extension to the retail park is to be located. The Environmental Statement notes that a ‘neutral’ residual impact would be had upon the setting of Cyfarthfa Castle. In my view this is incorrect. Whilst it is understood that the extension would be a continuation of the existing retail park, its location above the blast furnaces and ironworks would directly encroach a key view from Cyfarthfa Castle. Equally, it is appreciated that development of a large scale has occurred within this key view, including new housing and Efi Astex industrial estate. This has bisected the physical link between the Castle and Ironworks considerably, thus diluting the impacts of the proposals. Additionally, a line of trees have matured over a period of 150 years to the front of the Park which removes some wider views during the summer months. However, when looking at the impact of the proposals in isolation, it is considered that the Environmental Statement has not considered the impacts of the proposals on key viewpoints from Listed Buildings. This

impact on setting should be upgraded to ‘moderate/severe’ as a result. This would be consistent with the assessment noted within the submitted Assessment of the Impact of Development on the Historic Landscape. Setting and Integrity of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and on-site Archaeology As iterated previously, the proposals will be located adjacent to the remains of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks Furnace Bank (GM 425). Additionally, the archaeological assessment notes a number of substantial and well-preserved archaeological remains belonging to the ironworks within the development site. In terms of the on-site archaeology, this is considered to be of regional importance, and perhaps not of schedulable quality. However, these features retain some value in interpreting the historical development of Merthyr Tydfil. The proposed building, which is to be constructed on piles, is likely to impact upon these underground features. Historically, the site also contained a distinctive pattern of tramroads. It is disappointing to note that the proposals have not taken this layout into account when developing a context or distinctiveness for the proposals. In terms of the impact upon the Furnace Bank (GM 425), the setting of this feature is a large part of consideration. The evolution of Merthyr Tydfil over the previous 50 years as well as vegetation growth has seen a number of views towards this feature being truncated. Accordingly, apart from higher viewpoints to the east and west of the town, it is difficult to retain views of the Ironworks and the site above solely within context. From recreational areas to the east of the site, along the River Taf corridor, the angle of view and height of the Furnace Bank makes it impossible to see potential development above. Furthermore, longer-range views encompass the existing retail park as part of the visual impact. This dilutes the impact upon the setting of the potentially internationally important Scheduled Ancient Monument. Accordingly, the assessment of the impact of development on the setting of this feature is agreed with. The proposals will involve heavy construction on a plateau which is partially retained by the Blast Furnace Bank (GM 425). Any construction is likely to cause vibration and/or disturbance to this feature. No scheme of mitigation has been submitted for the protection of this feature during construction. This should be supplied. Other Scheduled Ancient Monuments located within a short distance of the site includes the Pont-y-Cafnau Iron Bridge (GM 424), the Cyfarthfa Canal (GM 467) and the Gurnos Quarry Tramroad and Feeder (GM 478). It is considered that the impacts upon the settings of these features will be neutral, as per the submitted assessment. Character of Cyfarthfa Conservation Area The submission contains a brief assessment of the impact of development on the Cyfarthfa Conservation Area. It is acknowledged from this assessment that attempts have been made to incorporate the building into the landscape-based designation, including a reduced massing, camouflaging through a ‘green roof’, colouring along with screening to emphasise the wooded nature of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks and Taf Fawr Valley character area. However, the proposals introduce a new element to this character area of the Conservation Area which is sought to be eradicated within the management proposals for the Conservation Area. Additionally, the remains located on the development site add significant character to the Conservation Area and justifies the ancient quality of the landscape, as stated within the Conservation Area Appraisal. The proposals, equally, terminate a number of views sited within the ‘key views and viewpoints’ section of the Conservation Area Appraisal. This is considered to be a detrimental impact. It is therefore considered that the proposals are therefore contrary to the objectives of the Conservation Area as well as its management framework, which encourages the regeneration of Cyfarthfa Ironworks as a vistors’ attraction and the preservation of the settings of historic features. Whilst some mitigation is to be provided, it is considered that these would be little consolation for the loss of the essential character of a key area within the Conservation Area. Historic Landscape Impacts

An ASIDOHL2 Assessment was submitted as part of the planning application, which assessed the impacts upon the Historic Landscape of Merthyr Tydfil. This assesses the impacts upon the landscape character areas directly affected as ‘Moderate’ (HLCA012 – Cyfarthfa Ironworks) and ‘Fairly Severe’ (HLCA013 – Cyfarthfa Castle and Park). This assessment of the development on the Merthyr Tydfil Historic Landscape is accepted. The ASIDOHL2 notes a number of mitigation measures which attempt to alleviate the impact of the development. Whilst I consider that these measures will not downgrade the impacts upon Historic Landscape Character Areas further, additional screening of the site would be helpful to lessen impacts from key viewpoints. Heritage Contributions The proposals, as mitigation, include provisions for a landscaped ‘heritage trail’ along the eastern side of the site, a wayfinding strategy, heritage related interpretation boards and a furnace area viewing platform. It is considered that these features will positively interpret the site. However, little information has been submitted as to the detail and commitment to these proposals. Whilst it is considered that mitigation in this respect will not alleviate any of the impacts of the actual development, it is considered to be a positive gain should consent be granted. Conclusions To conclude, the proposals will have an impact on a number of heritage assets. This is summarised below: The proposals will impact upon the setting of a key Grade I Listed Building and Grade II* Registered Park and Garden. However, recedes somewhat into existing development lines with mitigation. I consider that this will have a moderate impact on cultural heritage. Whilst being located very near to one, the proposals will have minimal impact on the settings of Scheduled Ancient Monuments in context. I consider that this will have a low impact on cultural heritage. The proposals will severely contravene the objectives of Cyfarthfa Conservation Area and its management proposals. I consider that this will have a high impact on cultural heritage. The ASIDOHL2 concludes an overall ‘moderate’ impact upon the Merthyr Tydfil Historic Landscape with a ‘fairly severe’ impact at worse. This conclusion is agreed with. The proposals will therefore have an overall moderate impact upon cultural heritage resulting in some losses to regional features as well as impacts upon the setting of nationally important assets. It is advised that the case officer takes into account this advice in his determination. Conditions In addition to those which are to be proposed by the Council’s Archaeological Advisors (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust), should the proposals be positively determined, it is advised that conditions are added requiring the following information:

BEFORE works commence, a ‘Heritage Interpretation Strategy’ must be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The Strategy should contain full proposals for a landscaped ‘heritage trail’ along the eastern edge of the site, a heritage-related wayfinding strategy on the site, heritage-related interpretation boards in key locations and a furnace area viewing platform. All proposals within the Heritage Interpretation Strategy must be implemented in full prior to the beneficial occupation of the Retail Park extension element of the proposals to the north of Swansea Road. Reason: To mitigate for the loss of cultural resource resulting from the development.

BEFORE works commence, a scheme for the mitigation of the impacts of construction on the integrity of the nearby Scheduled Ancient Monument (GM 425) and on-site archaeology shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme should include proposals for building foundations and a schedule of working methods and mitigation to prevent the impacts of heavy construction from impacting upon the structural stability of Scheduled Ancient Monument GM 425. Construction of the building shall be in full accordance with this scheme for mitigation. Reason: To protect the structural integrity of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and to ensure that no undue destruction of on-site archaeology occurs.

Attachment 002 Our ref: MTY0110/CNM CURATORIAL DIVISION

Head of Town Planning

Planning Division Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Unit 5 Triangle Business Park, Pentrebach MERTHYR TYDFIL CF48 4TQ 5th October 2012 Dear Sir

Re: Demolition of existing B&Q building and erection of 6 retail units (No. 12-17) within Cyfarthfa Retail Park (Use Class A1) with cafe in Unit 17 and associated alterations to existing car park serving Cyfarthfa Retail Park, erection of 3 retail units (Use Class A1) on land at former Thorn Electrical site together with the creation of car parking areas, service/compound areas and associated landscaping works, highway works to the A470(T) and Swansea Road Demolition of existing B&Q building and erection of 6 retail units (No. 12-17) within Cyfarthfa Retail Park (Use Class A1) with cafe in Unit 17 and associated alterations to existing car park serving Cyfarthfa Retail Park, erection of 3 retail units (Use Class A1) on land at former Thorn Electrical site together with the creation of car parking areas, service/compound areas and associated landscaping works, highway works to the A470(T) and Swansea Road:

Land At Former Thorns Electrical Site And Cyfarthfa Retail Park, Including Part Of The A470(T) And Swansea Road Merthyr Tydfil

Pl.App.No P/12/0219 Thank you for sending us a copy of this application, the accompanying environmental statement and cultural heritage statement. After consideration of the submission, we have concluded that the reconfiguration of the eastern terrace of the existing retail park will have very little or no impact upon the historic environment of Merthyr Tydfil due to the reconfigured buildings being of a similar size, massing and height to the existing building. However, it is considered that the extended retail park to the north, crossing Swansea Road will have a far greater impact. Accordingly, this extension is assessed below.

The proposed development will be located on the charging ramp and coking works of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks. The Cyfarthfa Ironworks, was one of the most important industrial sites in Wales competing in the early 19th century with the Dowlais Ironworks for the position of the largest ironworks in the world and it is designated as a scheduled ancient monument. In our opinion, there will be four historic environment issues that will be material considerations in the determination of the current application:-

The direct impact of the proposed development on the buried archaeological resource

The impact of the development on the setting of the scheduled ancient monument

The impact of the development on the setting of Listed Buildings and Historic Parks

The impact of the development on the wider Registered Merthyr Tydfil Landscape of Outstanding Historic Importance

The application is accompanied by an environmental statement that includes a Cultural Heritage section which has been produced from three works included as appendices; a desk-based assessment of the archaeological resource prepared by PJOArchaeology; a report on an archaeological field evaluations carried out by GGAT Projects and an Assessment of the Significance of the Impact of Development on Historic Landscape produced again by PJOArchaeology. These documents provide sufficient information on the historic environment for its significance to be determined, the impact of the development on it to be assessed and for appropriate mitigation measures to be considered. The archaeological evaluation located features relating to the late 19th century coke works that are associated with the redevelopment of the Cyfarthfa site as a steelworks and evidence of other structures relating to this late use of

the site. The international importance of the Cyfarthfa site is the early to mid 19th century ironworks, whilst the redevelopment of the site as a steelworks relates to a later attempt to regenerate the site. Whilst this phase of the site is still important, it is less so than the earlier phases and therefore the structures found during the evaluation in our opinion are of regional importance and their presence is not of such significance for the current planning application to be refused, subject to appropriate conditions ensuring that they are fully investigated and recorded being attached to any consent that is granted. The impact on the setting of the scheduled ancient monument is less clear. The greatest impact could be during construction works when it is proposed to use piled foundations for the new building. The insertion of these piles could cause vibrations that may cause the historic structures to become unstable and therefore it will be necessary for the construction method to be agreed prior to works commencing and the effect of those works monitored. In the long term, the impact of the development on the scheduled monument will be less. Views to the proposed development from the main part of the scheduled monument, the site of the casting house and furnaces will be minimal, blocked by the height of the surviving furnace bank, and longer views will be softened by the existing vegetation and the presence of the existing Cyfarthfa Retail Park. Moreover the development area is located on the marshalling yards and charging ramps of the furnaces, an area that when the ironworks were in use was a busy transport hub, it can therefore be argued that the use of the area as car parking etc is similar to that use. Consequently it is our opinion that the impact of the development on the setting of the scheduled monument is acceptable subject to a condition ensuring that any piling works are carried out to an approved methodology and that the impact of those works is monitored. There are 10 listed buildings inside 500m of the development area; however the topography of the area limits the impact of the development on some of these sites making the main issue the impact of the development on the setting of Cyfarthfa Castle (Grade 1) and its park (a Grade 11* Registered Historic Park). The Castle and park along with associated features such as railings and gate piers, and Pandy Farmhouse with it’s clock tower were designed to specifically overlook the ironworks. The charging ramp (the development site) which was a key part of the ironworks, is part of this view and whilst the site is now partly screened by vegetation the new building will be clearly visible. However, the new building is “industrial” in design and therefore can be said to fit into the view. Consequently in our opinion this impact is not sufficient for the current application to be refused. The environmental statement includes an Assessment of the Significance of the Impact of Development on Historic Landscape following the methodology outlined in the Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process. We concur with the results of this work and in our opinion the impact of the proposed development on the historic landscape is not sufficient for the current application to be refused. The developer has offered a number of proposals to mitigate the impact of the proposed development on the historic environment, that includes further investigation of the archaeological resource during the development; a landscaped ‘heritage trail’ along the eastern side of the site; a wayfinding strategy; heritage related interpretation boards and a furnace area viewing platform. It is considered that these features will positively interpret the site, but, so far, little information has been submitted as to the detail and commitment to these proposals. Consequently a condition will need to be attached to any consent ensuring that these measures are implemented to an appropriate standard. In conclusion, as your archaeological advisors, we can confirm that the proposed development will have an impact on the historic environment of Merthyr Tydfil, but subject to the implementation of various mitigation measures, this is insufficient for planning consent to be refused. We therefore do not object to the granting of planning consent to this application subject to the attachment of the following conditions:

No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured the

implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation

which has been submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: In order that the archaeological operations are undertaken to an acceptable standard and that

legitimate archaeological interest in the site is

No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has submitted a ‘Heritage Interpretation Strategy’ to the Local Planning Authority and this has been approved in writing. The Strategy should contain full proposals for a landscaped ‘heritage trail’ along the eastern edge of the site, a heritage-related wayfinding strategy on the site, heritage-related interpretation boards in key locations and a furnace area viewing platform. All proposals within the Heritage Interpretation Strategy must be implemented in full prior to the beneficial occupation of the Retail Park extension element of the proposals to the north of Swansea Road. Reason: To mitigate for the loss of cultural resource resulting from the development. No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title has submitted a scheme for the mitigation of the impacts of construction on the integrity of the nearby Scheduled Ancient Monument (GM 425) and this has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme should include proposals for building foundations and a schedule of working methods and mitigation to prevent the impacts of heavy construction from impacting upon the structural stability of Scheduled Ancient Monument GM 425. Construction of the building shall be in full accordance with this scheme for mitigation. Reason: To protect the structural integrity of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and to ensure that no undue destruction of on-site archaeology occurs. Thank you for consulting us on this application. If you have any questions or require further advice on any of the issues raised in this letter please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully

Neil Maylan

Archaeological Planning Manager