Plans for the development of 150 homes on the site of a former aluminium factory in Pontarddulais have progressed significantly, as reported by Wales Online. The Swansea Council planning committee has granted outline approval for the construction of residential properties on the former Tata Steel-owned land, which ceased operations in 2010. The site, now owned by Walters Land Limited, has seen some buildings demolished, with plans in place for the construction of new homes pending detailed planning permission and land cleanup. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on local traffic, with council highways officers warning of possible congestion and delays in the area.
The proposed housing development site, which is accessed via Station Road and bordered by Woodville Street, High Street, and a rail line, forms part of a larger area in Pontarddulais that could accommodate a total of 720 new homes alongside employment facilities. To address traffic flow concerns, a spine street is proposed to divert traffic away from Water Street in the town centre. Initially planned to run parallel to the railway line along the west of the site, the spine street route has been altered due to flood risk, now set to run along High Street and Woodville Street before turning west into the factory site and north towards another land parcel.
Residents have expressed objections to the development, with 28 letters of objection submitted highlighting issues such as traffic congestion and the proposed spine street alignment. Concerns regarding potential road blockages and increased traffic pressure have been raised, urging a reevaluation of the project’s impact. Despite objections, Walters Land Limited maintains that the proposed development would have minimal impact on local traffic operations and stresses the brownfield nature of the site, supporting the need for residential development.
During the planning committee meeting, discussions also revolved around the affordability of the new homes, with plans indicating that 10% of the proposed properties would be classified as affordable housing. This figure falls short of the 20% target for the area due to additional costs associated with remediating the industrial land. Walters Land Limited intends to prepare the site for development before marketing it to a housebuilder, who will then submit a detailed planning application to the council for final approval. Developer contributions amounting to £401,100 have been earmarked for various community enhancements, including education, junction upgrades, and recreational facilities.
In a close vote, the committee approved the outline plans for the housing development, despite concerns raised by local residents and councillors. The decision paves the way for further progress on the project, contingent on meeting specified conditions and addressing community feedback. The ongoing development in Pontarddulais signifies a shift towards repurposing industrial sites for residential use, albeit with careful consideration for traffic management and community welfare.
Overall, the approval of the housing development marks a significant step in the transformation of the former aluminium factory site into a thriving residential area, highlighting the potential for positive growth and rejuvenation within the Pontarddulais community.