Public right of way LLanfedw FP1 goes through the Castle grounds between the locked gates at the North to the South of the site (purple line on image). This path forms part of the Rhymney River Circular walk, which is enjoyed by many. To continue the walk, walkers must currently take a path outside the west wall of the Castle grounds which is very steep and uneven at one end, with the other end being very muddy in the winter.

Welsh Government guidance for local authorities states that the effect of development on a public right of way is a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission and authorities should ensure that the potential consequences are taken into account whenever such applications are considered.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 2024 defines public rights of way as green infrastructure and states that the planning system must protect the provision of green infrastructure.

LLanfedw FP1 isn’t indicated on any of the proposed site plans. The gates proposed are not permitted on a public right of way. They would act as a physical and psychological deterrent to walkers.

Different metal gates were previously approved to obstruct this public right of way when the last planning permission was granted with conditions in January 2023 – despite objections, including by Caerphilly’s own Public Rights of Way department. Use your voice to make sure this does not happen again so we can continue to enjoy our heritage, and views of the only pageant castle in Wales.

Take a few minutes to send in a comment to object to these gates obstructing our right of way before 2 July.

To comment, visit Caerphilly Council’s Planning Portal called Public Access: 
And search for: 24/0439/FULL: Widen the south drive entrance located within the perimeter boundary wall to the south west of the castle.

You can view the associated documents and click on 'comments' to make a comment.

You can also view the heritage impact assessment . If you would like to make comments on the impact of widening the gates and the removing part of the Listed wall please search for ref: 24/0440/LBC.

Find out more about walks and visiting the area 


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Despite objections, we were disappointed that Caerphilly Council’s planners recommended approval of plans for Ruperra which - as well as the heritage and nature conservation issues - ignored the public right of way that we have been waiting patiently to be re-opened.  We still await Welsh Government’s decision on whether to call in one or more of the applications for its own determination.

Public right of way LLanfedw FP1 goes through the Castle grounds between the locked gates at the North to the South of the site (purple line on image on the left). This path forms part of the Rhymney River Circular walk, which is enjoyed by many. To continue the walk, walkers must currently take a path outside the west wall of the Castle grounds which is very steep and uneven at one end, with the other end being very muddy in the winter.

Welsh Government planning guidance for local authorities states the need for adequate consideration of the rights of way before the decision on a planning application is taken; and the need, once planning permission has been granted, for the right of way to be kept open and unobstructed unless the statutory procedures authorising closure or diversion have been completed.

LLanfedw FP1 wasn’t indicated on any of the proposed site plans (latest site plan - image on the right).  Despite objections being made to this there was not adequate consideration given to it so that walkers can navigate it safely. The gates approved are not permitted on a public right of way. They would act as a physical and psychological deterrent to walkers.

There are currently ‘holding directions’ on these applications while the Welsh Government decide whether to call them in for their own determination. Holding directions are issued infrequently and indicate that the proposed development is likely to raise planning issues of more than local importance.
We believe there are very good grounds to call in the applications for a national decision as they:

• are in conflict with national planning policies;
• give rise to substantial controversy beyond the immediate locality;
• will significantly affect sites of scientific, nature conservation or historic interest and areas of landscape importance; and
• raise novel planning issues.

Find out more about the process for calling in planning applications

Find out more about Rhymney River Circular walk and visiting the area