– Concerns raised due to potential impact on local valley communities
– Long-term effects on valleys community due to potential impact on environment.
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Opposition Mounts Against Proposed Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan
Concerns have been raised regarding Rhondda Cynon Taf’s (RCT) proposed new local development plan, with opposition coming from various quarters, particularly focusing on the potential impact on a valleys community.
Councillor Karl Johnson, a Conservative representative for Llantwit Fardre, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the revised Local Development Plan (LDP) currently under development. Among his primary concerns are the proposed housing site locations, potential congestion and its impact on roads, public transport provisions, the necessity to safeguard biodiversity and natural habitats, potential flooding issues, and the strain on health services.
RCT Council is in the process of formulating a revised Local Development Plan spanning the period 2022-2037. One of the key sites earmarked in the plan is Llanillt Faerdref/Efail Isaf, which could potentially accommodate up to 1,000 new homes, a new school, retail outlets, community amenities, and workspaces. Additionally, some of the land will be designated as open green space and play areas.
Cllr Johnson has raised concerns about several of the proposed candidate sites in the development area, deeming them as “flawed” and in contradiction to national planning policies. He has advocated for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, highlighting that the proposed housing sites are situated on greenfield areas with existing flooding problems. He emphasised the importance of prioritising the preservation of green spaces.
Infrastructure and Congestion Challenges
Cllr Johnson has also highlighted issues related to congestion and road network saturation in the area. He pointed out that the A473 at Talbot Green and Treforest Industrial Estate already experience significant congestion, and the addition of 1,000 new dwellings without adequate public transport options could exacerbate pollution and traffic issues in the community.
He stressed the need for infrastructure development before any new construction to mitigate the broader impacts on existing settlements, cautioning against creating gridlock situations that could hamper community mobility.
Public Transport Concerns
Addressing public transport concerns, Cllr Johnson pointed out the challenges faced by communities due to bus service reductions and the absence of a South Wales Metro connection. He highlighted the need for a new station on the Taff mainline at Powerstation Hill in Tonteg to provide fast and reliable transport services to Pontypridd and Cardiff.
He expressed doubts about the feasibility of the Llantrisant to Beddau Metro project and urged a focus on enhancing connectivity through strategic station placements to benefit the community.
Community Engagement and Consultation
Cllr Johnson criticised the lack of community engagement in the revised LDP process, citing poor outreach efforts and a lack of engagement sessions in the most impacted areas. He suggested that engagement sessions could have been conducted at the Crown Hill Community Centre to facilitate dialogue with local residents.
In response to these concerns, the local authority highlighted ongoing public consultations on the revised LDP, inviting residents to share their feedback and participate in the planning process. An extensive consultation period from February 21 to April 17, 2024, allowed residents to review and comment on a preferred strategy, with events held in proximity to key site proposals.
The council reiterated its commitment to considering all representations and issues raised by the community during the LDP revision process, ensuring that public feedback informs decision-making.
Health and Environmental Implications
Cllr Johnson also raised concerns about the impact on health services, questioning the staffing capacity for new facilities amidst an NHS staffing crisis. He highlighted potential strain on the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, particularly following developments on Llantrisant Road.
On environmental issues, he flagged flood plain designations for certain areas within the proposed site, citing previous planning refusals due to flooding risks. He pointed out specific flood-prone locations and warned about increased surface water run-off from concreting over greenfield sites.
Overall, the opposition to the proposed LDP highlights the complex challenges faced by communities in balancing development needs with environmental preservation, infrastructure enhancements, and community well-being.
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1. Long-tailed concerns raised potential impact valleys community
2. Revised LDP concerns raised potential impact on valleys community.