PLANS for a social housing development in Treharris have been approved by Merthyr Tydfil councillors.

The application from Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association for 23 affordable homes on land at Springfield Rise went before Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, February 9 and got unanimous approval.

The development would be made up of four pairs of semi-detached houses, a detached house and two buildings that would provide a total of 14 walk-up flats.

The development would mainly provide one and two bedroom properties with a pair of semi-detached houses providing three bedrooms and the detached house providing four bedrooms.

It also would involve extending the existing access road to the south-west and a new access would also spur off the road to serve the upper levels of the flats and four houses.

The existing section of the access road serving the site would be improved
with a new footpath provided along both sides of the carriageway.

The existing road serving Springfield Rise to the north-east would be improved and the vegetation in the south-west corner of the site would be cleared to accommodate a new pedestrian route that would form part of the diverted right of way.

Each of the houses would accommodate at least two parking spaces on driveways and one parking space would be provided for each of the flats in designated parking spaces to the front and back of each block.

One letter of objection to the plan has been received by the council which said that it was understood that 20 executive type houses would be built within the site, consisting of 4/5 bedroom homes.

It said the proposal for 16 flats is unacceptable, it is not in keeping with the area and would be an eye-sore in an already elevated position.

It also said that the diversion of the right of way would be strongly opposed.

But planning officers at the council have recommended it for approval.

In the planning report they said:

“The proposed development is situated in a sustainable location within the settlement boundary and would make a positive contribution towards the provision of affordable new homes within the County Borough.

“The general design of the development appropriately responds to the context of the site and surroundings.

“The issues raised by the objector have been addressed in the planning considerations section of the report.

“Highway improvements works would provide a benefit to local residents and
provide better access to the open countryside.

“Appropriate ecological mitigations and enhancements measures would be implemented.”

Councillor Ernie Galsworthy said: “The area is simply a complete mess. There is rubble, rubbish and car tyre everywhere.”

He said the existing access road was partly constructed some years ago but was never completed.

“I believe the residents will be happy to have a completed job. The highway implications alone would certainly help to approve the application.

“I can’t say that I am totally happy to approve the application but I would certainly acquiesce to the application because a lot of people will be better off by having a good job in the area.”

He said in Treharris they already have two blocks of flats fairly close to the estate so he doesn’t see an issue with that.

Councillor Clive Jones said: “It’s 23 needed affordable homes whether they’re flats or properties in the county borough and I hope that this scheme is a success.”

Councillor Malcolm Colbran said he fully supports the application and added that it was “much needed affordable housing within the borough particularly in the south.”