South West Wood Products Ltd has withdrawn its application to process wood at Berth 31 on Barry Docks, following a decision by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s planning committee to refuse permission last September.
The facility had already faced criticism for operating without planning consent and spreading sawdust into nearby homes and businesses, including the Wimborne Road industrial site and residential streets in Barry town centre.
Town Councillor Dennis Clarke said: “The withdrawal of the applications for a permit, and for planning permission, is another success for the town in avoiding an unnecessarily polluting and dangerous development on the Docks.
“This comes after excellent work by the Fire and Safety Service, and Natural Resources Wales, who sent a 17-page demand for explanations to South West Wood Products Ltd.
“We still have concerns as to how this process developed, and are grateful to those members of the public who sent in objections that prevented the Vale Council from progressing their initial strong recommendations to grant permission.”
Concerns about limited consultation time over the Christmas period, new information from the applicant, and other deficiencies led to a deferral in January before the application was ultimately withdrawn in June.
The site remains usable as a dockside berth for the loading, sorting, and storage of shipped goods. However, the council has warned that enforcement action could follow should unlawful wood processing resume.
Vale of Glamorgan councillor Millie Collins, who represents Barry Docks and The Bendricks, said: “Despite assurances about dust mitigation from the site, there has never been a plausible other reason given for the amount of dust that local residents have seen on their cars and on the street.
“As we saw with the Incinerator, which has now been defeated, it is a challenge having an industrial area so close to housing in Barry.
“Berth 31 should continue to be used for its accepted use for loading and unloading shipped goods.”
The Barry Greens also welcomed the decision.
Local member Saar Lenaerts said: “The Barry Greens welcome the news that Berth 31 will no longer be used for wood processing.
“For many months, residents in Castleland and the Waterfront area have had to put up with wood dust settling on their cars, homes and neighbourhood.
“Local residents have repeatedly provided the council with photographic evidence showing the scale of the problem, demonstrating that this was not an isolated incident but an ongoing issue affecting the community.
“We recognise that the docks are an important industrial area. However, industrial activity must be managed responsibly, particularly when it takes place so close to established residential communities and areas earmarked for future housing.
“Everyone in Barry has the right to breathe clean air, regardless of their postcode.”
