The Awen Project, a free forest school set up by Charlotte Church near Cardiff, is at risk of closure after its planning application was refused amid neighbour complaints and parking concerns
A woodland educational initiative established by Charlotte Church faces potential closure following complaints(Image: Mark Lewis)
A woodland educational initiative established by Charlotte Church faces potential closure following complaints regarding “rude” youngsters and hazardous parking practices.
The Awen Project, which the singer characterises as “a free-to-attend democratic school in the woods”, has been running from the Wenvoe location in the Vale of Glamorgan without the required authorisations since 2024.
The charitable organisation established by Ms Church submitted a retrospective application to Vale of Glamorgan Council for change of use, but it was rejected with authorities highlighting concerns surrounding transport safety and noise disturbance.
It had also failed to demonstrate that the location would “conserve and enhance green infrastructure”, the council determined. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
The decision to reject the application has subsequently been challenged and taken to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) by Jonathan Field, identified by the Awen Project as a “tribal elder”.
In opposition to the development, neighbours Paul and Samantha Edwards stated they had “witnessed parents’ vehicles parking illegally” and reported children could be heard screaming and shouting, alleging they “have been rude to neighbours”.
They said: “These unneighbourly behaviours are detrimental to the amenities of local residents.”
Mr Field firmly dismissed the allegations, stating: “The fact that children make sound when they are learning, whether that is singing and playing instruments or making excited cries at having discovered something that chimes with their passions, is a terrible reason to argue against them having a place to learn.
“The accusation of unneighbourly behaviours is unfortunately pure projection – totally unfounded and with zero evidence.”
Ms Church, 40, explained she established the Awen Project to provide a “more nature-based, more humane, more natural [education]”.
The project welcomes children aged 11 to 16 who are primarily electively home educated.
The appeal form states that the Wenvoe site remains undeveloped, beyond minor removable temporary structures – including a welfare unit, a canvas shelter and a compost toilet.
Mr Field stated in the appeal: “The refusal of planning permission places this learning community at risk of immediate and severe disruption.
“Many of the children attending have previously struggled in mainstream education and have now found stability, confidence, and purpose at the Awen Project.
“Removing access to this setting will cause significant emotional and educational harm.”
In 2023 the Woodland Trust withdrew the Awen Project’s access to a former site due to breaches of health and safety.
The Awen Project has been contacted for comment.
