Home / Education / Charlotte Church School Faces Closure Threat
Charlotte Church School Faces Closure Threat
11 Aug
Summary
- Singer's forest school opened without planning permission.
- Council cited noise and parking concerns for refusal.
- School's appeal is now before the Welsh government.
The Awen Project, a forest school founded by singer Charlotte Church, is at risk of closing. The school began operating in 2024 in Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, on a former pig farm, but without the necessary planning permission. A retrospective application submitted in October 2025 was denied by the council.
The council cited several reasons for the refusal, including concerns about noise, the impact on local residents, and inadequate parking which posed dangers to pedestrians. Furthermore, the project failed to demonstrate how it would conserve and enhance green infrastructure.
Charlotte Church has appealed this decision to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), part of the Welsh government. The Awen Project, which offers a free educational environment and accepts donations, was previously based in Cwm George and Casehill Woods but lost its license due to health and safety concerns for visitors and wildlife.
A council spokesperson reiterated that the application refusal was based on sustainability concerns for the site location and potential impacts on neighboring residents and biodiversity. PEDW has confirmed receipt of the appeal, though a hearing date has not yet been set.
