Residents in Cwmbran have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour happening in their community, as people have been spotted smoking and drinking in their pyjamas across from a former social club. This club has been converted into accommodation for homeless individuals without proper planning permission. Local councillors have expressed worries about the situation and have requested that the decision about using the upper floor of the social club for this purpose be reviewed by the planning committee.
The application for an eight-bedroom accommodation was submitted by the Highmore Group based in Rogiet, following the initiation of an enforcement case by the Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department. Despite some concerns raised by councillors, permission was ultimately granted during a committee meeting on November 20. However, there remains discontent among certain councillors, such as Llantarnam member Alan Slade, who highlighted issues of anti-social behaviour and the retroactive nature of the application. He mentioned that local members reported incidents of people in pyjamas smoking and drinking on a park bench opposite the club.
In response to the concerns raised, planning officer Mia McAndrew clarified that investigations into complaints of anti-social behaviour did not attribute the issues to residents of the property. The property management has implemented measures such as 24-hour surveillance cameras, daily visits by the property manager, and regular reports to the council’s housing department. The housing department emphasised the importance of affordable local accommodation to support those in need and noted the collaboration with the property owner to provide housing above the former social club.
Independent councillors for the St Dials ward, Catherine Bonera and Elizabeth Haynes, suggested adding a bench near the property on Commercial Street to address the increase in anti-social behaviour around the existing bench. They observed residents sitting in their pyjamas on a nearby bench, engaging in smoking and drinking. Despite the approval of the accommodation application, with only Cllr Slade voting against it, ongoing discussions around managing anti-social behaviour in the area continue.
The application also included provisions to retain a social club on the ground floor of the building, while a prior proposal to convert the ground floor into commercial units has been withdrawn. Concerns about the appropriateness of the location for temporary accommodation persist, with councillors urging closer consultation with the police or community safety team to address these issues effectively. The need for affordable housing for vulnerable individuals remains a priority, but balancing this with the well-being and concerns of the local community is crucial.
Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders involved to collaborate and find sustainable solutions that address both the housing needs of homeless individuals and the concerns of the neighbourhood residents. Continued monitoring, community engagement, and effective communication between the council, property management, and law enforcement are key to ensuring a harmonious coexistence in the community.
In conclusion, the situation in Cwmbran highlights the complex challenges associated with providing housing for homeless individuals while maintaining community cohesion and addressing anti-social behaviour concerns. As discussions and efforts to address these issues continue, a collective and proactive approach is necessary to find lasting solutions that benefit all members of the community.