Plans to convert a chapel in Treforest into flats have been given the green light by councillors, despite concerns over parking. The proposal, approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf’s planning committee, involves transforming Saron Chapel in Saron Street into six two-bedroom apartments spanning three floors. The development will include two flats in the basement, two on the ground floor, and two on the first floor, each featuring bedrooms, kitchen/living spaces, and bathrooms.
While the majority of councillors supported the plan, there were objections from Pontypridd Town Council, local councillor Steve Powderhill, and two members of the public. Concerns were raised about potential parking issues, lack of space for refuse storage, inadequate support for cycling, and fears of street blockages due to construction activities. Additional objections highlighted worries about the impact on the graveyard, amenities for residents, and the saturation of student accommodation in the area, leading to concerns about community sustainability and overdevelopment.
Despite these objections, planning officers recommended approval, stating that the conversion would bring a vacant, architecturally significant property back into use without compromising the character of the area. Committee chair Councillor Sharon Rees acknowledged the challenges posed by narrow streets and parking issues in the area. However, councillors like Jill Bonetto and Loretta Tomkinson expressed support for revitalising the derelict chapel, emphasizing the need for adaptive reuse to prevent further deterioration.
Councillor Danny Grehan noted the importance of bringing the building back into use while acknowledging the parking constraints. The committee ultimately approved the conversion, aiming to preserve the historic property’s character while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Despite the opposition, the decision reflects a balance between heritage conservation and practical urban development considerations in Treforest.