Outline plans for a 250-home estate at Leiros Parc in Bryncoch have been refused by Neath Port Talbot council following a major public backlash. The decision was made at a planning committee meeting on November 10, with eight members voting against the proposals and one abstention.
Proposals and Site Details
The application, submitted by the Codi Group, sought permission for a new housing development on an 11.79-hectare site north of Neath town centre, approximately 300m east of the A474 adjacent to the residential area of Caewern. The land has long been earmarked for housing as part of the local development plan, and this was the latest in a string of applications for the site in recent years.
If approved, the scheme would have delivered a range of new homes with access off Daphne Road, along with a mixed-use community hub, public open space, associated landscaping, and infrastructure works. A representative speaking on behalf of the applicant said the plans responded directly to the "acute need" for housing in the area, offering a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership homes.
Public Opposition
However, the plans were fiercely opposed by local residents, with Blaenhonddan Community Council and a number of county borough councillors also objecting. A report presented to councillors said members of the public had made a total of 697 representations against the application, compared to just four letters of support.
Objections included fears that local road infrastructure would not cope with the increased number of cars, adding to traffic problems already reported in the area. Some felt the scheme would risk transforming an area with a semi-rural feel into something "far more urban," with the scale and density threatening to significantly change its character. Others raised concerns over drainage and flood risk, stating it could result in the loss of a "valued greenfield area" that supports wildlife and provides natural space for the community.
Council Decision
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Jo Hale said: "Planning is about development in the right place and this is the wrong place for a scheme of this nature. We cannot support proposals that actively harm the fabric of the infrastructure through character of our local area."
Officers recommended refusal, saying the plans failed to show how a safe and resilient highway network could be delivered, as well as a "robust and reliable" transport assessment. They also felt the scale of the development could put "unacceptable pressure on the natural topography," harming the character and appearance of the landscape. Following discussions, the plans were refused with a vote of eight members against and one abstention.
