Llantwit Major: Making the Plan

📅 Date: 02 September 2025

📍 Location: Llantwit Major Town Hall

🗣️Facilitators: Design Commission for Wales.

Who we spoke to: Members of the Internal Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Group, the Vale Placemaking Board, and the Llantwit Major Town Board

🙋 Type of engagement: Workshop and Group discussions creating a collaborative environment focused on shaping the future of Llantwit Major.

Why We Held This Workshop

The Design Commission for Wales highlighted the Llantwit Major Placemaking Plan as a good example of best practice because of its way local and town councils worked hand-in-hand with the community to deliver innovative, collaborative initiatives. The purpose of this workshop was to strengthen our shared vision for placemaking in Llantwit Major. As the town continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to ensure that development aligns with community needs, heritage, and sustainability principles. This session provided an opportunity to:

• Review ongoing placemaking initiatives and identify gaps.
• Engage stakeholders from different boards and local governance to share insights.
• Explore design-led approaches that enhance the town’s character while supporting infrastructure and amenities.

The Design Commission for Wales guided discussions to ensure best practice in placemaking, focusing on creating vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected spaces.

The workshop featured:

• Interactive group discussions on key themes such as transport, public spaces, housing growth, and community facilities.
• Collaborative exercises to prioritize future projects and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Feedback sharing from previous community engagement sessions, ensuring residents’ voices remain central to decision-making.

Workshop Outcomes

Bringing together representatives from every Placemaking group proved essential in making the workshop both constructive and energising. With voices from planning, community engagement, and local governance all at the table, the session captured a full picture of what our places need to thrive.

Most importantly, the workshop didn’t just spark discussion, it built real alignment. Participants worked together to identify shared priorities and agree on practical next steps that will guide our collective efforts in the months ahead. This commitment has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of Placemaking planning and collaboration.

📅Dates: 10-14 March 2025

📍 Locations: The Old School Hall and Llantonian Hall, Llantwit Major

The Llantwit Major Draft Placemaking Plan consultation involved a week of discussions and engagement with the residents of Penarth.

Attendees could view the draft plan and main objectives and meet the team to discuss ideas and share feedback with the Placemaking team.

📢 What we did : To make sure everyone had a chance to get involved, we engaged the community across multiple locations in Penarth (the Library, Leisure Centre, CF61 and Western vale GP surgery, Town Council, St Illtyd Church. These locations featured hand copy the survey with QR codes to Participate Vale.

This information was also available online, so everyone had a chance to have their say, and take time to think about their feedback on the opportunities areas for Llantwit Major.

📅 Date: 26 June 2025

📍 Location: Poundfield Precinct

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Shoppers (various ages)

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Street engagement - asking questions survey

🚀 Emerging themes:

• Positives:

The community appreciates the range of practical services (pharmacies, hairdressers, pubs, unique shops), beach, friendly community, village feel, history, surf and creative culture.

• Concerns:

Community feedback highlighted a strong demand for larger, well‑established retail options, such as Tesco Extra or Asda, particularly to improve access to affordable everyday essentials and clothing. Residents also expressed frustration that local cashpoints frequently run out of cash, and with only one remaining bank in the area, many people now have to travel to Cardiff for basic financial services.

There is a noticeable lack of dedicated youth spaces, and the few family‑friendly facilities that do exist are often costly. The closure of the soft‑play area at the leisure centre means the nearest alternative is now in Bridgend. Housing availability and affordability were also raised as key concerns, especially among long‑term residents.

• Next 5 years:

Large retailers with clothing, return of banks, affordable youth clubs, more bins (incl. recycling), more free cashpoints, and age‑appropriate housing on the Eagleswell site.

💬 Comments:

“We need local clothing options and more cash points.

Summary:

Residents have highlighted the need for stronger local provision of essential retail and banking services, more affordable activities and spaces for young people, and well‑planned, sensitive housing options that support older members of the community.

📅 Date: 18–22 November 2024

📍 Location: Llantwit Major Comprehensive School

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Over 300 students during each lunch breaks

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers and Vale Youth Service Team

🙋 Type of engagement: Short questions and interactive activities

This engagement aimed to capture young people’s views on the future of Llantwit Major, their priorities for change, and what they value most about their town. Officers spoke to students over five days during lunch breaks, using quick surveys and creative prompts like “What might a newspaper headline say about Llantwit Major in 10 years?”

🚀Emerging Themes

• What students like about Llantwit Major:

  • Beach and scenic walks were the most popular features.
  • Green spaces, parks, and a calm, friendly atmosphere.
  • Good community spirit, historic buildings, and small-town feel.
  • Shops, takeaways, and places like Greggs and Filco.
  • Leisure centre and sports facilities (though many want upgrades).

• What they want to change:

  • Litter and dog fouling – calls for more bins and litter-pick clubs.
  • Better public toilets and cleaner facilities.
  • Improved skate park, more ramps, and upgraded parks (Frampton Park noted as unsafe).
  • Beach improvements – café, seating, shelter, and toilets.
  • More shops (clothing, sports, supermarkets) and affordable food options.
  • Youth spaces – free clubs, indoor activities like cinema, trampoline park, arcade.
  • Transport issues – more frequent buses and trains, cheaper fares, better reliability.
  • Safety concerns – more streetlights, cameras, and police presence; reduce crime and drug activity near Black Bridge.

• Future aspirations (next 10 years):

  • A safe, clean, eco-friendly town with more recycling facilities.
  • Cycle-friendly routes, adventure trails, and green spaces with seating.
  • Modern leisure centre, bigger swimming pool, and upgraded gym.
  • Youth centre, better sports pitches (3G), and more community events.
  • Large indoor attractions like cinema, trampoline park, and bowling alley.
  • Improved public transport, possibly even an airport!

💬Comments:

“We need more places to hang out – a youth centre with free clubs would be amazing.”

“The beach is great, but it needs toilets and a proper café.”

“Public transport is too expensive and unreliable – trains are late and buses don’t run often enough.”

“Litter is everywhere – we need more bins and a litter-pick club.”

“Please upgrade the leisure centre – it’s old and scruffy.”

Summary:

Students appreciate Llantwit Major’s stunning beach, open green spaces, and strong sense of community. However, they’re calling for major improvements in facilities, transport links, and youth services. Their vision for the future includes cleaner streets, upgraded parks, affordable local shops, and safe, welcoming spaces to socialise. There’s a clear demand for modern leisure facilities, indoor entertainment options, and eco-friendly initiatives to create a vibrant, inclusive town for everyone.

📅 Date: 15 May 2024

📍 Location: Tudor Inn area, Llantwit Major

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents and community members

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Informal Discussion and surveys

This engagement gathered views from residents in and around the Tudor Inn area to understand what they value about Llantwit Major, what concerns they have, and what improvements they would like to see in the next five years. Feedback covered community life, infrastructure, services, and aspirations for the future.

🚀 Emerging Themes

What people like:

• Community spirit and village atmosphere: Residents praised the friendliness and closeness of the community, describing Llantwit Major as welcoming and safe.
• Local businesses and social life: Strong appreciation for small shops, Greggs, pubs like the Tudor and the Hart, and events such as beer festivals and live music.
• Scenery and outdoor spaces: The beach, coastal paths, countryside walks, and historic character were highlighted as key attractions.
• Facilities and amenities: Residents value the leisure centre, CF61, Town Hall, library, and good schools.
• Events and culture: Christmas lights, fireworks, summer festivals, and arts activities enrich community life.

What people dislike:

• Parking limitations: Lack of spaces near the beach and town centre.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes and more maintenance.
• Bins and litter: Not enough litter and dog waste bins.
• Public transport issues: Infrequent trains and buses, unreliable services.
• Healthcare access: Difficulty getting GP appointments; calls for a multipurpose health centre.
• Youth provision: Lack of activities for teenagers and young children.
• Retail gaps: Need for affordable supermarkets, clothing shops, and ATMs.
• Safety concerns: Poor street lighting, anti-social behaviour, and drug use in some areas.
• Governance frustrations: Concerns about housing developments, lack of consultation, and transparency in decision-making.

Future priorities (next 5 years):

• Leisure and recreation: Cinema, bowling alley, improved leisure centre, and multipurpose recreation hub.
• Transport and infrastructure: More frequent trains and buses, better road and pavement maintenance, cycle lanes, and safer crossings.
• Healthcare: New health centre with comprehensive services.
• Retail and jobs: Competitive supermarkets (e.g., Lidl/Aldi), clothing shops, coffee shops, and support for local businesses.
• Youth and sports: More youth clubs, free activities, upgraded sports facilities, and improved school opportunities.
• Environment and safety: More bins, cleaner streets, better lighting, and beach access improvements.
• Community and culture: More events, better promotion of tourism, and preserving the village feel.

💬 Comments:

“We love the community spirit, but parking and transport need urgent attention.”

“The beach is beautiful – please improve access and facilities.”

“We need more activities for young people and affordable shops.”

“Better lighting and tackling anti-social behaviour would make the town safer.”

Summary:

Residents appreciate Llantwit Major’s friendly community spirit, historic character, and beautiful natural surroundings. At the same time, they highlighted a need for better transport links, improved healthcare access, more diverse retail options, and enhanced opportunities for young people.

There is strong support for upgraded leisure facilities, cleaner public spaces, and more community events, improvements that would help preserve the town’s unique character while ensuring it continues to meet modern needs.

📅 Date: 7 May 2024

📍 Location: Crawshay Court (Assisted Living Accommodation)

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Residents, plus local PCSO and assisted living volunteers

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Informal one-to-one conversations and questionnaires during residents’ social activities

This engagement focused on informal engagement with older residents living in assisted accommodation. The aim was to understand what residents value about their area, what challenges they face, and what improvements they would like to see.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• What people like:
  • Strong community spirit and sense of belonging.
  • Community gardens – residents enjoy learning new skills and improving outdoor spaces.
  • Visits from local schools (e.g., St Lltyd Primary) to the gardens were uplifting and made residents feel connected.
  • Charity shops, socialising opportunities, and initiatives like Vale Plus and Age Friendly Vale.
  • Natural assets such as the coastline and large gardens.
• Concerns:
  • Parks need upgrading – Blue Park and Dyfrig Park described as “old.”
  • Poor transport provision – buses only once an hour “if we’re lucky.”
  • Pavements in poor condition, making walking difficult for older residents.
• Future priorities next 5:
  • Maintain pavements for safety.
  • Install benches along main roads into town so residents can rest while walking.
  • Upgrade local parks (Blue Park and Dyfrig Park).
  • Create an Outdoor Wellbeing Refuge Centre for young children, away from schools, with funding and a suitable location.
  • Reconnect with Greenlinks service and create a weekly trips

💬 Comments

“We need benches along the main roads – it would make walking into town possible for us.”

“Blue Park and Dyfrig Park are old and need an update.”

“Visits from the school really lifted our spirits – more of that please.”

Summary:

Residents highlighted how important community connections, shared gardens, and social activities are to their wellbeing. However, they also identified several barriers to staying independent, including limited transport options, uneven or poorly maintained pavements, and too few places to rest while out and about.

They expressed a strong desire for improved park facilities, more accessible seating, and dependable transport services. There was also enthusiasm for new wellbeing initiatives for children and opportunities that bring different generations together.

📅 Date: 11 April 2024

📍 Location: Ysgol Dewi Sant Llantwit Major (school-based engagement)

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Parents and PTA members

Facilitators: School PTA in collaboration with Llantwit Major Town Council

🙋 Type of engagement: Written survey responses

This engagement gathered views from parents at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant to understand what they value about Llantwit Major, what concerns they have, and what improvements they would like to see in the next five years. The feedback reflects family priorities around safety, infrastructure, and community facilities.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• What people like:
  • Safe community where children can explore freely.
  • Strong village atmosphere and sense of belonging.
  • Access to emergency services, good internet, and library/warm spaces.
  • Natural assets like the beach and historic sites (St Illtyd’s Church).
  • Train services, two supermarkets, and good playgrounds.
  • Active community life with clubs, organisations, and CF61 community space.
  • Variety of pubs and restaurants.
• What people dislike:
  • Parking issues near Dewi Sant Primary and Learning Hub (Ham Lane East).
  • Concern about losing school crossing patrols (lollipop ladies).
  • Limited public transport – need more frequent trains and buses.
  • Lack of youth services for teenagers.
  • Leisure Centre needs major refurbishment and better cleanliness.
  • High supermarket prices, no children’s clothing shop, and no petrol station.
  • Beach area underdeveloped – need investment in café and access improvements.
  • Healthcare pressures – long waits for doctors/dentists as population grows.
  • Litter and dog fouling – not enough bins across town.
• Future priorities (next 5 years):
  • Shuttle buses from railway station to the beach.
  • More frequent and reliable public transport routes.
  • A modern Health and Wellbeing Centre (upgrade Leisure Centre).
  • Establish a Western Vale Welsh Comprehensive School in town.
  • Improve roads and infrastructure, fill potholes, address flooding, and dredge ditches.
  • Protect the historic old town and provide safe paths that respect heritage.

💬 Comments:

“We need better transport links and shuttle buses to the beach.”

“The Leisure Centre needs a major upgrade.”

“Please protect the old part of town and keep its historic character.”

“We’d like to see more bins and cleaner streets.”

Summary:

Parents appreciate Llantwit Major’s safe, family‑friendly atmosphere, rich heritage, and strong community facilities. At the same time, they highlighted an urgent need for better transport links, improved healthcare access, and enhanced leisure provision.

There is strong support for improved beach access, more affordable shopping options, and continued efforts to protect the town’s historic character. The PTA also expressed enthusiasm for contributing to future surveys, including helping to gather children’s views to ensure younger voices are heard.

📅 Date: 05 May 2024

📍 Location: Llantwit Major

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents during street engagement

Facilitators: Llantwit Major Town Council

🙋 Type of engagement: Street engagement

🚀 Emerging Themes

• Strong appreciation for natural assets (beach, green spaces) and community spirit.
• Positive views on local amenities such as schools, historical buildings, leisure centre, train station, and independent shops.
• Concerns around transport reliability, limited retail choice, and lack of youth facilities.
• Frustration with infrastructure issues (road access, potholes, inaccessible council tip).
• Desire for better amenities to match population growth (healthcare, supermarkets, sports facilities).

💬 Comments

• Residents value the town’s character but feel there is less to do now than in the past.
• Calls for investment in sports and club facilities, improved transport, and support for lower-income families.
• Overpriced housing and limited venues were noted as barriers to community vibrancy.

Summary

Llantwit Major residents expressed pride in their town’s natural beauty and sense of community but highlighted gaps in infrastructure, transport, and leisure opportunities. There is a clear appetite for enhanced amenities, affordable housing, and inclusive activities to support a growing population.

📅 Date: 5 April 2024

📍 Location: Outside Filco

🗣️ Who we spoke to: ~50 members of the public (mixed ages)

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Street engagement & conversations

🚀 Emerging themes :

• Positives:

Residents highlighted many things they value about the area, including its strong community spirit, friendly atmosphere, and low levels of crime. The town’s parks, green spaces, and unspoilt beach were seen as major assets, along with its peaceful surroundings and convenient free parking both in the town centre and at the beach.

People also appreciated the practical amenities available locally—such as the train station, dentists, hairdressers, independent shops, pubs, sports facilities, and the network of good walking paths that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

• Concerns:

Residents raised a number of important concerns affecting daily life in the area. Key issues included the pressure created by temporary accommodation, the need to protect greenfield sites, and the sense that local infrastructure is not keeping pace with new housing development. Transport was highlighted as a particular challenge, with limited connectivity and infrequent services, alongside unsafe pedestrian access to the beach due to fast‑moving traffic.

Healthcare access remains difficult, with GP surgeries overstretched and many residents needing to travel to Barry for appointments. People also noted a lack of local shops—particularly for food and clothing—as well as several vacant units in the town centre.

Maintenance and cleanliness were recurring themes, including uneven pavements, overflowing dog bins, unswept roads, and blocked drains that contribute to flooding. Additional concerns included noise from nearby developments, limited provision for both young people and older residents, some drug‑related issues, and worries about unsafe or inconsiderate cyclist behaviour.

• Next 5 years:

Community feedback highlighted a strong desire for managed, sustainable development alongside better transport options, including two buses and two trains per hour and reduced traffic speeds on routes to the beach. Residents expressed interest in a wider range of local amenities, such as an alternative supermarket, petrol station, hardware store, wine bar, and additional GP surgeries.

Improved services for both young people and older residents were seen as essential, along with an upgraded leisure centre. There was also support for modern infrastructure such as EV charging points, free public Wi‑Fi, and traffic‑calming measures like speed bumps. Creating more local job opportunities was another key priority for the years ahead.

💬 Comments:

“Transport is too infrequent for daily use.”

“We need more surgeries and safer walking routes to the beach.”

Summary:

Prioritise infrastructure before growth—improving transport frequency and safety, expanding healthcare capacity, strengthening retail and local services, and maintaining high‑quality public spaces.

📅 Date: 04 April 2024

📍 Location: Llantwit Major Conservative Club

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Members of the Conservative Party

Facilitators: Llantwit Major Town Council

🙋 Type of engagement: Street engagement

🚀 Emerging Themes

• Strong appreciation for coastal walking paths, beach, historical importance, and community friendliness.
• Positive mentions of low crime rate, volunteers, and Town Council staff.
• Concerns about transport services (bus reductions, poor coordination), pavement conditions, and lack of infrastructure (doctors, dentists, banks).
• Frustration with Eagleswell Road development, parking issues, and dog fouling.
• Desire for better supermarkets, improved leisure facilities, and traffic control.

💬 Comments

Residents value the town’s history and community spirit but feel maintenance standards are slipping (overgrown vegetation, hazardous pavements).

Calls for fair treatment by the Vale Council, improved transport frequency, and modernized amenities.

Speed bumps and deteriorating road conditions were highlighted as safety concerns.

Summary

The group expressed pride in Llantwit Major’s heritage and community but emphasised urgent needs for transport improvements, healthcare infrastructure, and better maintenance of public spaces. There is a clear push for removing unpopular developments, enhancing leisure facilities, and upgrading essential services to meet future demands.