CHARLOTTE CHURCH'S FOREST SCHOOL FACES CLOSURE OVER PLANNING ROW

The Awen Project, an outdoor learning initiative established by singer Charlotte Church, could be forced to close following the rejection of a retrospective planning application by Vale of Glamorgan Council. The project has operated from a site in Wenvoe without proper permissions since 2024. Church has appealed the council's decision to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales. The council cited concerns over noise pollution, transport safety, insufficient parking, and a failure to demonstrate how the scheme would "conserve and enhance green infrastructure".

Neighbours Paul and Samantha Edwards objected to the development, reporting that they had witnessed vehicles parked illegally and heard children making noise they described as disruptive. Jonathan Field, a project representative, rejected these accusations as "totally unfounded and with zero evidence", stating that children making sound whilst learning was not a valid reason to oppose the facility. The Awen Project operates as a free-to-attend democratic school for children aged 11 to 16 who are primarily electively home educated. The site uses temporary structures including a welfare unit, canvas shelter and compost toilet.

This is the second location for the project. The Awen Project was previously based in woodland near Dinas Powys with permission from the Woodland Trust, but the trust revoked its licence agreement in 2023, citing "multiple breaches" of permission and "health and safety concerns" for visitors and wildlife. Planning and Environment Decisions Wales confirmed it had received the appeal but said no date for a hearing has been scheduled.