A housing association has been denied planning permission for a car park after already commencing work on the project. Bron Afon, located in Cwmbran, began work on a gravel-covered car park at its Chapel Lane site in Croesyceiliog without proper authorisation. Torfaen County Borough Council’s planning department raised concerns about potential tree damage and safety hazards posed by the car park. Residents also voiced objections, citing the area’s transformation from a green space used by children to an eyesore. Furthermore, the gravel surface created a trip hazard for pedestrians.
Two weeks into the unauthorised work, Bron Afon submitted a retrospective planning application. However, the council refused permission, deeming the car park visually unsatisfactory and harmful to the area’s aesthetics. Complaints highlighted issues with biodiversity, safety, and negative impacts on the character of the space. Planning officer Caroline Pulley expressed concerns about pedestrian safety due to the trip hazard and noted the adverse impact on the area’s trees.
Residents argued that the ongoing engineering operations and car parking could harm the trees, diminishing the area’s overall appeal. While changing the land use could be acceptable, the current construction work was deemed unacceptable by the council. Bron Afon’s actions were criticised for resulting in a “visually poor and harmful form of development” detrimental to the area’s character. The housing association’s failure to provide sufficient information regarding potential tree health impacts contributed to the council’s decision to refuse planning permission.
The council highlighted that the trees played a crucial role in enhancing the area’s amenity and losing them due to the car park development would further detract from the surroundings. The issue underscores the importance of following proper planning procedures to preserve the environment and maintain community safety. The council’s decision serves as a reminder of the significance of adhering to regulations to protect green spaces and urban environments for the well-being of residents.