Patriotic Alternatives threaten protest at Llantwit Major refugee site

Leaflets by "Patriotic Alternatives" has reportedly been circulated around Llantwit Major after the council approved plans to build temporary accommodation for Ukrainians fleeing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war at a site on the town’s Eagleswell Road.

Now the local MP is concerned at what he describes as an “extreme right wing group” planning to protest in the town.

It was reported that many in the area felt the site was suited for a local medical centre, however the council is proposing to build 90 units of temporary accommodation.

Alun Cairns MP said he has notified the police about the threat of an extreme right-wing group protesting.

“From what I understand, Patriotic Alternatives is an extreme right-wing group, and as a result, I have been in touch with the police,” said Mr Cairns.

There have also been plans shared on social media for a counter protest by socialist revolutionary group the Welsh Underground Network.

“I am scheduled to meet the leader of the council and will make the point that there is a strong feeling to support Ukrainian families, although there is equal concern over the selection process of this site.

“Whatever the outcome, it is essential that a commitment given for a medical centre is protected to serve the community."

The plans for the site at Eagleswell Road, to build accommodation for those in need

The accommodation was described as designed to look like traditional housing estate.

Leader of the Vale Council, Liz Burnett, said the plans are for temporary homes, and that the site was selected because of among other things, its size and access to water, electricity and drainage.

“This is a significant investment by the council and Welsh Government that will provide high-quality short-term housing for those in need, such as refugees from the war in Ukraine,” said Cllr Burnett.

“Welsh Government has declared Wales a ‘Nation of Sanctuary’, emphasising its desire to help improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. The council is committed to that aim.”

Cllr Burnett did mention the community’s desire for a new medical centre, however gave no definite date of when the temporary accommodation would be taken down.

“The future long-term use of the site is also being discussed amid calls within the community for a new medical centre,” added Cllr Burnett.

“Conversations have taken place and will continue with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board over the possibility of utilising part of this site for that purpose.”

Eagleswell Road in Llantwit Major

Homes for Ukrainians at Llantwit Major: What we know

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has provided answers to a number of ket questions about the plans.

Why were local residents not informed about this earlier? Funding was only secured for the temporary housing scheme in mid-December 2022. 

How long will this remain as temporary accommodation? As it is unclear how long the war in Ukraine will last, it is not possible to say for certain how long the accommodation units will be needed. Once the conflict has ended, the time it may take for the country to stabilise and nationals to be repatriated is also not known. If the site were to remain beyond the period allowed under permitted development rights [a rule that allows planning permission for certain things without needing approval], this being one year, the council would have to submit a detailed planning application

What will happen to the site in the future? The site is allocated for housing development in the current local development plan and any future use is likely to involve residential development.

What about the medical centre? There has also been discussion with Cardiff and Vale Uuniversity Health Board about the use of some or all of the site for a new health centre for Llantwtit Major.  These discussions will continue and any permanent development of the site will be subject to public consultation.

Editor's note: We are reporting this story because we believe it is in the public interest that people are aware of both the plans and the protest. However, we have chosen not to publish the date of the planned protest.