Application made for 35 new homes in Bettws near Sarn

A QUIET village in Bridgend County Borough could be the site for 40 new homes.

Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) has received a full planning application for the construction of 35 homes and an outline planning application for five custom built homes – all proposed for Bettws near Sarn.

The site of the proposed development put forward by Llanmoor Developments Co. Ltd is situated on land at City Farm on Bettws Road.

The “much needed residential development” – as labelled by planning agents DPP Planning – would include private and public open spaces and parking.

If approved, only six of the 35 houses proposed in the first part of the ‘hybrid application’ would be affordable.

The three areas of open space would include an “informal” community space, a play area and a multi-functional space.

Prominent figures in the local community have given their approval for the site, like Martyn Jones, who was the councillor for Bettws before the 2022 election period.

In a letter written in February, Mr Jones said:

“The community currently has an imbalance in opportunities for private purchase.

“At present most housing is currently owned and maintained by social landlords. This proposed development will certainly redress the balance with the provision of private house purchasing opportunities, especially for those with strong ties to the area.”

During the consultation process there was opposition to the proposed development due to concerns over a potential increase in noise pollution and an increase in traffic on Bettws Road.

Mr Jones added in his letter of approval:

“I am aware that there may be planning concerns around the development beyond the settlement boundary however the need for housing within the Bettws and across the
County Borough surely provides us with a rationale to decide to unlock land not previously considered.

“I would present an argument that to stifle this opportunity based on a strict and literal interpretation of the line of the settlement is counter-productive to supporting this private investment and providing much needed housing.”

In response to concerns over increased traffic in the area, DPP Planning pointed to a transport statement revealing that the development would only increase traffic on the main road to an additional two vehicles per hour.

The planning agents also responded to concerns over noise pollution, adding that the development “is not considered to be [one] which will cause any material noise concerns to adjoining development.”