Plans for a community cafe and market hall in Cowbridge was turned down by the Vale Planning Committee.

The new building was set to reside in the conservation area of Cowbridge town, adjacent to the Grade 2 Listed Building at the Market Place.

The planning report states: ''The market area will be used for a range of uses

and activities including Farmers Market, Food and Wine festival, general produce markets, French Market, antiques, bric-a-brac, Christmas Market and other potential uses including space to local charities, choirs and entertainers.

''The café is proposed to be run as community café, where any income would cover its running costs and any market/event management that is not recovered directly from the activities and any profits would be invested back into the local community.''

A total of 34 letters of representation were received, of which 27 objected or

had concerns with the application.

But the Vale Council's planning officers proposed that the committee should refuse the application.

They state: ''The proposal by virtue of its siting and design will result in a building of significant massing and impact, which would be considered out of keeping with the established building form and pattern of development of the frontages on Westgate and High Street.

''The proposal would therefore fail to preserve the character and appearance

of the Cowbridge Conservation Area.

''Furthermore, the proposal is also considered to negatively impact on the setting of the adjacent Grade 2 Listed Building at The Market Place, by virtue of the proximity, height and depth of the proposed building.''

Amanda Davis and Jeff Webber spoke at the meeting and asked councillors to consider the benefits of their proposal.

Ms Davis said: ''Cowbridge is a charming market town, a historic town and a very special place.

''It has some great traders all of whom say that the footfall needs to increase to ensure their futures here.

''The chamber of trade and town council support the exchange as they understand the need to plan for the future of our town to the benefit of its residents and visitors.

''It is a win win if we get it right.''

Mr. Webber continued: ''We were advised to consider changes to this submitted scheme at a meeting on the 29th of July.

''This meeting was disappointing as we had submitted the application in January 2019 but did not receive comments in February, March, April, May or June.

''If we had submitted plans in August the Vale officer would have to reconsult on plans and this would take at least 21 days which would have meant we could have met the 6th of September agenda date and thus this committee.

''This would jeopardize our funding which is EU related and has a firm availability date. We were stuck between a rock and a hard place.''

The debate then opened up to the councillors.

Cllr. Andrew Parker opposed the proposal. He said, ''my view knowing the area extremely well, which is in fact one of the most historic areas, and has now become visible due to the removal of the old cattle sheds.

''It will have a severe effect on the market place which is listed Grade II, 1 and 3 the butts and the town hall which is a Grade II*.

''The proposal is out of keeping with the area when considered against the new visible town wall which was restored with the help of a grant of £26,000 from the Vale of Glamorgan.''

''the proposal does not reflect the conservation area when considered against the effect of the adjacent listed buildings and the town wall.''

Vale AM Jane Hutt disagreed. She told the council: "This is an exciting project which will provide Cowbridge with an important community facility, with a market place to sell local produce and a gathering area for community events.''

The planning proposal was then rejected by the committee after hearing a variety of opinions.