A planning application has been submitted for 109 new homes in Penrhys, Rhondda, as the first phase of a housing-led regeneration of the Valleys village. The application, submitted by housing association Trivallis, includes 92 houses and 17 apartments, with a mix of two- to four-bedroom homes. Of these, 63 will be market homes and 46 affordable units.
Background of Penrhys Estate
Penrhys was once the largest public sector housing scheme in Wales, with over 900 homes when it opened in 1968. However, the district heating system, which used a central coal-fired boiler, became financially unviable after the 1973 oil crisis, leading to many residents leaving. Attempts to rejuvenate the village in the 1980s had limited success, and by the 1990s, the local authority began a relocation programme, demolishing many buildings. Today, only approximately 300 properties remain, with around 550 residents.
Masterplan and Future Phases
The planning statement, prepared by The Urbanists Ltd on behalf of Trivallis, indicates that further phases of regeneration will be guided by a future masterplan. This masterplan has the potential to deliver over 800 new homes, new community uses, localised retail and commercial spaces, significant new green infrastructure, and upgrades to highways and active travel routes. Penrhys Primary School is also being redeveloped by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, with scope for phased expansion to serve a growing village.
Design and Access
Access to the first phase will remain from Penrhys Road, with internal routes primarily from Heol Pendyrus, which will be upgraded in key sections to reduce vehicle speeds. All junctions will include provisions for active travel, such as 1.5-metre footways. Cycling will be accommodated on-road, and an active travel route will connect the north of Heol Pendyrus to the southernmost area of this stage. Parking will include one space per unit for one- and two-bedroom properties, and two spaces per unit for three- and four-bedroom properties. One long-stay cycle parking stand is required per apartment, while houses are assumed to store bicycles in garages. Trivallis also plans to provide electric bikes for rent and a car-sharing scheme in the south of the village.
Community Impact
Executive director of development at Trivallis, Louise Attwood, said: “Over the last six months we’ve worked closely with experts in community safety, highways, and ecology to refine the planning application and make sure what we’re proposing is the best it can be for the current and future residents of Penrhys. Working together with these partners has helped us focus on how the design of the new village can best support people to thrive. We’re really excited about the final plans and the positive difference they could make for the community.”
