Cymru South club handed major boost on most ‘significant’ day in history

Cymru South club Llantwit Major have been granted planning permission for a major redevelopment of their UWL Stadium ground, potentially removing a key barrier to their ambitions of reaching the Cymru Premier.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has approved plans to redevelop the club’s facilities, including the clubhouse, in what Llantwit have described as one of the most significant days in their history.

The club finished top of Cymru South in 2021/22 but couldn’t take their place in the top flight because they lacked a Tier One Licence, and several key players subsequently departed.

In a club statement, Llantwit Major said: “We can confirm that Vale of Glamorgan Town Council has granted planning permission for major redevelopment to the club facilities, including the clubhouse.

“This is one of the most significant days in the history of our football club, and means that results on the pitch can no longer be held back by other factors.

“Numerous people have worked extremely hard to get to this moment, and we thank them all for their immense contribution to the future of Llantwit Major AFC.”

What do the Llantwit Major redevelopment plans include?

The plans include a proposed two-storey side and rear extension to the club’s clubhouse, featuring a balcony, alongside an extended car park and associated landscaping works.

The wider proposals also include eight floodlights for the main pitch and two spectator stands, improving facilities for players and supporters alike.

Why the UWL Stadium redevelopment is so important for Llantwit Major

The planning approval represents a significant milestone for Llantwit Major, whose ambitions have previously been restricted by the facilities available at their home ground.

The club enjoyed a remarkable campaign in 2021/22, finishing top of the Cymru South. However, despite their success on the pitch, they were unable to take their place in the Cymru Premier because they did not hold the required Tier One Licence.

The setback had a major impact, with several players departing the club following the disappointment.

Since then, Llantwit have recorded league finishes of seventh, 12th, ninth and eighth, as they have continued to compete in the second tier while working towards improving the infrastructure needed to support their ambitions.

The latest announcement offers renewed hope that the club can address some of the off-field issues that have stood in the way of further progress.

Llantwit Major have hosted European football but faced stadium challenges

Despite the limitations at their ground, Llantwit Major have already experienced the excitement of hosting European football.

The UWL Stadium welcomed Danish side BK Skjold for a Fenix Trophy fixture, providing a memorable occasion for the club and its supporters. However, other matches in the competition had to be played at Penybont’s Dragon Bet Stadium.

The contrast underlines the importance of the redevelopment, with improved facilities potentially allowing Llantwit to provide a more suitable home for football at a higher level.

The club have also held auctions to raise funds towards securing a Tier One Licence, including an opportunity to rename the ground Prince Moomin’s Palace, after a pet dog.

Cymru South survival remains the immediate priority

While the redevelopment provides encouragement for the future, Llantwit Major still have work to do on the pitch.

The club are currently second from bottom in the Cymru South, although recent victories over Llanelli Town and Carmarthen Town have offered a timely boost as they look to improve their league position.

Having worked their way up through the Welsh football pyramid, Llantwit were playing in the fourth tier as recently as 2017. Their rise to the top of the Cymru South in 2021/22 demonstrated what they could achieve, even if the lack of a Tier One Licence ultimately prevented promotion.

Now in their eighth year at tier two, the club will hope the redevelopment can provide the foundations for another period of progress.

Llantwit Major did not apply for a Tier One Licence this season, but seven clubs did, with Aberystwyth Town, Caerau Ely, Carmarthen Town, Llanelli Town, Newport City, Pontypridd United and Pure Swansea all submitting applications. The planning approval represents a significant step for Llantwit, who could now look towards a future application with greater confidence once the redevelopment work has been completed and the required facilities are in place.