PLANS to install an air source heat pump system at a Bridgend nursing home have sparked debate among councillors following the submission of council plans after work had already begun.
The approval will now see retrospective permission granted for the new heating system at Bryn Y Cae Nursing Home based in Brackla, Bridgend.
This was given the go-ahead by members at a planning committee held on March 19, 2026.
Here they were told how much of the installation work for the two pump system had already been carried out on a grassed area next to the existing building – though it had not yet been turned on.
It came despite a number of objections from neighbouring residents who had fears over the level of noise the new system could create as well as what they said was a failure to receive proper notification about the application from the authority.
Officers said the aim of the plans was to upgrade, improve and decarbonise the heating system in the nursing home, with the principle of the development being considered acceptable.
When it came to noise issues they said this would be dealt with by an acoustic screen around the two units, adding that it should not result in any significant issues for nearby residents or occupants of the nursing home.
They also said the council went beyond minimum expectation in terms of notification of residents, which gave people an opportunity to make comments on the plan.
However, residents, and councillors in attendance at the meeting raised additional concerns over the fact that this was a retrospective application which had been made by the local authority.
In a letter read out to the chamber, one resident said they were making a decision on a scheme that was already in place which made a mockery of the council’s own planning processes and procedures.
Cllr Jonathan Pratt, of Newton, said it was disappointing for another part of the council to submit a retrospective application, adding that he feared it could cause conspiracy theories among local residents.
In response, planning officers at the meeting made clear that it was acceptable to submit a retrospective planning application, noting that the proposal was handed in as soon the relevant department understood that permission was needed.
Chair of the committee, Cllr Richard Granville, said he was disappointed that the officers behind the application had not been in attendance at the meeting and suggested writing a strongly worded letter over the matter to make sure it didn’t happen again.
Cllr Martin Hughes said the disapproval of the committee had been expressed very clearly, proposing the idea of sending the letter as an amendment to the plans.
The plans for the new heating system were later approved with the amendment by a vote of six to four, with responses to be brought back by planning officers at a later date.
