Restoration
The principal aim of the 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' is to progressively restore the land to its former use, to a simple landform and landscape, characteristic of this area; void of dereliction, and incorporating certain features retained for various reasons throughout site operations; and recreating others that are presently considered to be of notable interest. A number of enhancements are also planned for the site to complement the original uses. The land reclamation will commence in year eight of the project and will then continuously progress with the movment of the excavation throughout the scheme.
All urban common land within the planning application site boundary would be restored to urban common. The remainder of the land would be restored predominantly to agricultural land with certain areas protected for nature conservation, archaeological or local heritage interests.
A network of watercourses and drainage channels with small water features would be incorporated throughout the restored area for watering grazing stock, to recreate certain habitats and to compliment the existing adjacent free drainage system, which is of archaeological significance.
Certain features considered to be of nature conservation value, including bat roosts, badger sets, amphibian habitats, nesting sites, hedgerows and woodlands are to be actively managed and enhanced during site operations and will be integrated into the restoration strategy and further managed for the five year aftercare period.
Other notable ecological features such as the acid grassland over the north eastern sector; certain water features that provide habitats and support for various fauna; certain hedgerows and nesting sites; would have been disturbed or displaced during site operations. Such features, as have been identified in the Environmental Statement, will be reinstated during the restoration period and managed for a period of five years to re-establish their integrity in the landscape.
Archaeological features protected during operations, such as the Scheduled Ancient Monument known as Sarn Howell Pond and Watercourses, the wooden aqueduct over the disused railway line that is a listed building and the recently discovered Iron Age Settlement, would also be incorporated into the restoration strategy with suitable management being afforded to protect and preserve these features throughout the period of aftercare.
A footpath and bridleway network would be provided to complement the public right of access for air and exercise over the urban common. As there are no registered rights of way shown across the common on the Council's definitive map, the routes would recognise unregistered routes referred to as 'claimed footpaths' and shown on the local authority's draft or working copy of the definitive map.
The proposed alignment would provide a similar network to that of the claimed footpaths, whilst being adjusted to reflect the new site contours, landscape features and the absence of dereliction across the site. Similarly, additional footpaths would be created over the areas that are not common land to complete the proposed network.
During the working of the site, temporary routes will be provided for public use.
As part of the works, the 'Bogey Road' (which passes through the site) will be realigned in part, removing the old bridge with current weight and width restrictions, and two severe bends.
As an alternative restoration strategy, there will also be the potential to create further development and employment opportunities in certain areas within the site. However, this would require further consultation and a further Planning Application with the Council.