Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking people’s views on bringing in new Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to ensure future developments enhance and protect the county borough’s rich history and character.

The guidance – set out in a document which went out for public consultation for a six week period beginning on January 9 - will help encourage anyone engaged with the planning system to fully understand the heritage and environment of an area before taking important decisions on its development.

In addition, the Historic Environment Consultation Draft SPG document builds on detailed guidance and protections already contained in the Neath Port Talbot Council Local Development Plan that advises on the location of buildings and developments and ensures historic views and locations across the county borough are preserved.

The SPG document suggests a schedule comprising a total of 225 Buildings/structures of Local Importance (BLIs) across Neath Port Talbot including the former railway Refreshment Rooms in Cymmer, The Colliers pub at Efail Fach, Carmel Chapel in Gwaun Cae Gurwen, the Crown Inn at Lower Brynamman and Brick Row, Seven Sisters.

Others on the suggested BLI schedule include the Briton Ferry Workingmen’s Club and nearby Leigh’s Barber Shop, Saron Chapel, Bryncoch, The Green Dragon pub at Cadoxton, William Knox House, Llandarcy, the Dark Arch Tunnel and the Big Cam, Neath, Tonna Hospital, Pontardawe Arts Centre, The Rolling Mill pub in Cwmavon, St Oswald’s Chambers and the Grand Hotel, Port Talbot, The Pentreclwydau Farm Pigsty and the headquarters of Taibach Rugby Club.

It also suggests a list of structures along the Neath, Tennant and Swansea Canals, including Ynysmeudwy Lower and Upper Locks, the Arched Railway overbridge at Neath Abbey Wharf and Ynysarwed Lock South, Abergarwed.

The document also lists well established conservation areas such as the Glynneath Woollen Mill, Cilybebyll, Tonna Canal Depot, Neath Town Centre, Llandarcy Village and Margam Country Park.

The consultation period runs until midday on Wednesday, February 20, after which comments will not be accepted.

Comments can be submitted between those dates only using these methods: directly online at www.npt.gov.uk/ldp/consultation or by e-mail to ldp@npt.gov.uk or by post to Nicola Pearce, Head of Planning and Public Protection, Neath Port Talbot Council, The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Neath, SA11 2GG.

Comments via e-mail or post will need to be submitted using the SPG Representation Form, copies of which are available on request in Welsh or English or an editable version is available to download from the Council’s website:www.npt.gov.uk/ldp .