Porthcawl Regeneration Project Update
I really don't want to be a moany boots but I was super disappointed to see the houses on Saltlake return to the original 450 mark, after there had been previous talk of them dropping to about 150... which seemed much more reasonable.
You can see on the first image (the wonky rectangular block) the proposal for Saltlake. If you consider how huge the bus terminal is now, these are 3 times the height 😭, standing at a potential of 6 storeys. Isn't John Lewis 6 storeys, just to give some context.
I understand the need for housing, but this regen unveiling just made me remember why we started @avoiceforthefutureporthcawl back in 2020......to try and stop over development on Saltlake, specifically.
I think we could see that it was futile to try and have any impact over the development on Coney and Sandy bay, but trying to create a community space on Saltlake seemed worth the fight.
Since the bus terminal has sort of shit all over that anyway, my personal thought is now to try and petition to again reduce the number and HEIGHT of houses on Saltlake so it's not so completely overbearing. I feel it's better to try and find a compromise than fight for no resi on saltlake at all.
So we'll be writing a letter expressing concern and I'll have copies in the shop or to email should you want to add your name. I got the impression that if enough of us wrote in expressing the need for less and lower buildings we've got a good chance.
On a plus side, there were some real positives.... so I really don't want to moan too much. A pump track, community building, mini golf, potential climbing wall 😁😁, fair amount of green space. Some sympathetically designed housing (some not so). Nice commercial spaces. In general, if we can sort Saltlake (go Porthcawl! 🫶💪) perhaps it could be amazing!! Finally, I do believe in Jacob and Billy, the regen officers from BCBC. I think it's a good job we have such 'current' and aspirational people on that team and I really think they've been trying to fight for a more appealing design. It's probably not an easy job given....(🫢). Let's hope everyone's thoughts from this consultation are heard
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