Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is considering removing a village from its development plan after objections raised concerns that the proposed development could potentially double the village’s size.
Residents and local stakeholders expressed significant concerns about the proposed key site at Llanilltud Fardref/Efail Isaf, as well as another site at Llanilid. The objections highlighted that the proposed site did not align with national policy, clashed with the draft revised LDP, and had been denied planning permission in the past. Issues such as flood risk, impact on ecology and protected species, loss of open space, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of essential services like education and healthcare were all reasons for the objections.
Concerns were also raised about the potential doubling of housing in Efail Isaf village, inadequate public transport, and the need to prioritize brownfield sites for development, such as the Cwm Coking works. The Welsh Government flagged major concerns over the Llanilltud Fardre/Efail Isaf site, stating it did not conform with Future Wales – National Plan.
After considering feedback and objections, it is now proposed to remove the Efail Isaf portion from the key site, including all land southeast of the Church Village bypass road. The Ystrad Barwig site will continue to be reviewed as a candidate site, but not as a key site. Concerns over the Llanilid site included the unrealistic scale of proposed development, lack of need for such housing, insufficient infrastructure, traffic capacity, need for a bypass of Llanharan, and ecology preservation.
A report to the council’s cabinet will include the initial consultation report on the preferred strategy for the revised LDP spanning 2022-2037. The decision to exclude Efail Isaf from the plan reflects the delicate balance required to address housing needs while preserving green spaces and promoting sustainable transport options.
As the council navigates these challenges, the future development of these areas will need to carefully consider the concerns and objections raised by the local community and stakeholders.
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This article was originally published on Wales Online and has been adapted for this report.