The Vale council's decision for a former Cowbridge school building to be demolished has been met with anger and disappointment from the local community. 

At a planning committee meeting on June 8, the council voted on the decision to grant permission for Hafod Housing to build 34 homes on the Aberthin Road site despite objections from MPs, Senedd members and Cowbridge Town Council. 

Petitions with thousands of signatures and letters were also sent to the council, claiming the development proposed by Hafod Housing was too large and raised concerns about the loss of a historic building in the town.  

Valda Field commented on Cowbridge Nub News' Facebook post: "Seriously wondering why we pay our taxes providing large salaries for councillors who just don't listen to the ideas and requests of residents." 

Mark Pontin added: "Proof it's all about money - no doubt the backhanders flowed to the planning committee. An absolute travesty.  

"My grandmother, mother, aunt, brother and myself all went to that school. It's a saveable building and the people involved should be utterly ashamed of this decision. 

"How can they hold their heads up high after this? Who are these people?" 

Martin Fallon commented that the building could have been repurposed for the town's youth: "It should have been turned into a youth club for gymnastics and martial arts or something for the youngsters." 

Reaction from the Cowbridge community has been widely negative about the council's decision. (Image credit: Google Maps)

Alun Cairns MP has also spoken out on the decision. He said: "This is totally the wrong outcome, and I am really disappointed by the result.  

"The alternative plans put forward by the campaign group led brilliantly by Sara Pederson and Save Britain's Heritage actually provided more units of social housing, while still maintaining the existing building.  

"Yet this plan was declined by the Vale council. The Girls' School is a precious part of the Cowbridge community and I am saddened to see this loss of important local heritage.  

"I have always sought to support the local campaign group and their efforts to save this part of our local history. I have no doubt that the Vale council deliberately delayed the decision until after the recent elections to force through these damaging plans." 

At the meeting, Marcus Goldsworthy, Head of Regeneration and Planning at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said the need for affordable housing "has been weighed against those negative aspects" and "the need for affordable housing" was greater.  

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