The British
What and where is The British?
The British is the largest remaining site of industrial dereliction in South East Wales, with Torfaen County Borough Council purchasing 1,300 acres of the site in late 2016. The site is situated in Talywain and it is now a major regeneration project.
Phase 1 Works: First piece of the jigsaw
This phase is essential to improve the safety of the site and is the first piece in The British Masterplan jigsaw. The Masterplan for the site was developed in partnership with the community and stakeholders – it was approved by Torfaen Councillors in November 2018.
Phase 1 focuses on the area of the site known as ‘The Black Patch’ and the ‘Former Iron Works’, addressing the highly challenging and historic health and safety hazards. This involves investigation and treatment of shafts and adits, in addition to the creation of a new watercourse.
The watercourse will reduce the risk of surface flooding in the area and aid biodiversity on the site. A new pond will be created and this will be connected to a new above ground watercourse that will reduce the use of the deteriorating underground culverts.
This first phase has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Current progress and works
In September 2024, a planning application will be submitted to the council for an above-ground, open water channel on the area known as the Black Patch, connecting the Castlewood and Blaengafog streams to a newly-created pond.
The pond will be able to withstand a 1 in 100 year flood event, with an additional 20 per cent storage capacity to account for climate change.
The plans were put on public display in Talywain Community Centre on Tuesday 9 July. You can see the plans on our online consultation hub Get Involved Torfaen.
Members of the public can request information about the design and overall project by contacting thebritish@torfaen.gov.uk
The design follows extensive investigatory work carried out at the site in 2023, including subsurface data and laboratory soil analysis.
Joint Venture Agreement
In July 2024, councillors gave officers the green light to enter into a legally-binding Development Agreement with socially focused company Idris, to explore the possible development of energy infrastructure and commercial land uses on the British.
The agreement will form the basis of how the council and Idris will work together, should the feasibility study prove there is the potential for an ambitious green energy generation project.
The study would include an assessment of different green energy sources on the site, including wind, solar and hydro, and employment opportunities, as well as the other ambitions set out in the British Masterplan.
Working in partnership with Gwent Wildlife Trust
In addition to these essential Phase 1 works, Torfaen Council is working in partnership with Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT).
Since the launch in April 2022 of our partnership with GWT, an exciting and diverse programme of free wildlife focused events and activities, including volunteering opportunities have enabled the local community to get involved and learn more about The British.
Find out more about GWT events and activities at The British at Gwent Wildlife Trust.
Where can I get more information ?
Join the project’s mailing list to receive updates and volunteer here.
Contact the project team on 01633 648083.
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Last Modified: 09/09/2024
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