Plans for 14 new affordable homes on land in Penywaun have been approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council's planning committee. The decision was made on Thursday, August 13, for the site east of Ger-Y-Bont, Hirwaun Road.
Details of the development
The development will comprise six one-bedroom flats and eight two-bedroom semi-detached houses. Access will be via Ger-y-Bont at the south-western corner of the site, with a new internal estate road constructed along the southern boundary.
The homes will be arranged around the perimeter of the site, accessed via a proposed turning head. Each property will have off-street parking to the front or side, with private or shared amenity space at the rear.
Site and affordable housing status
The site is an irregularly shaped parcel of land north of Hirwaun Road on the southern edge of Penywaun. It covers approximately 0.5 hectares and consists of relatively flat vacant land that slopes down at its western boundary.
According to the planning report, the development—on behalf of a registered social landlord—will provide 100% affordable housing for social rent, requiring a section 106 agreement. This will ensure the dwellings remain affordable to meet identified local housing needs and include an off-site recreation contribution for upgrading existing play areas.
Council support and planning assessment
Councillor Danny Grehan welcomed the proposal, saying he likes building houses in infill sites and that affordable housing is something they really need.
RCT planning officers recommended approval, stating: “The proposed development would deliver 14 affordable housing units on a site located within the defined settlement boundary, contributing to the provision of much-needed affordable housing within the area.” They added that the site can accommodate the dwellings without significant harm to the character or appearance of the surrounding area, or to residential amenity and privacy of neighbouring properties. The development is also not considered likely to cause unacceptable impacts on highway safety in the vicinity.
No objections were received from the public.
