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Charlotte Church’s forest school, The Awen Project, which was established on a former pig farm in Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, is facing the possibility of closure due to environmental concerns. The initiative began operating in 2024 without obtaining the necessary planning permission and sought retrospective approval in October 2025. However, this application was refused by the local council.
The refusal was based on several issues raised by the council, including noise disturbances, the potential negative impact on nearby residents, and pedestrian safety risks connected to inadequate parking facilities. Additionally, authorities criticized the project for failing to demonstrate how it would protect and improve the area’s green infrastructure. While Charlotte Church has chosen not to comment publicly, she has lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), the Welsh government body responsible for such cases.
The mission of The Awen Project is to provide a free learning space where children are encouraged to be themselves and engage actively within a democratic community. Originally, the school operated at locations in Cwm George and Casehill Woods near Dinas Powys with permission from the Woodland Trust. This arrangement was terminated in 2023 due to “multiple breaches” of the license agreement that raised health and safety concerns for both visitors and wildlife, leading the charity to revoke the site access.
Following the loss of the Woodland Trust’s support, The Awen Project expressed on social media that it had “given its best efforts to salvage” the partnership. Meanwhile, the council reiterated that the refusal was rooted in sustainability concerns of the site’s location and the possible adverse effects on neighboring residents. They also noted a lack of sufficient evidence addressing the impact on biodiversity and the natural environment. PEDW has acknowledged receipt of the appeal but has yet to schedule a hearing date
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