A proposed development in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) is facing backlash as concerns emerge that it could potentially “double the current number of houses” in a village. Feedback from consultations on the council’s preferred strategy for its updated local development plan (LDP) highlighted significant worries and numerous objections regarding a key site earmarked at Llanilltud Fardref/Efail Isaf, as well as one at Llanilid.
Critics cited various reasons for opposing the development, including concerns that the proposed site did not align with national policy, went against the draft revised LDP, and had previously been denied planning permission. Additional reservations centred around flood risks on the site, potential harm to ecology and protected species, loss of open space, impact on the special landscape area (SLA), as well as inadequacies in access and highway infrastructure. The lack of essential services like education and healthcare in the area was also highlighted. Opponents argued for prioritising the development of brownfield sites such as Cwm Coking works.
The Welsh Government echoed these concerns, specifically flagging key site four at Llanilltud Fardre/Efail Isaf as a red level of concern, noting its non-conformity with Future Wales – National Plan. With 1,029 representations made about the preferred strategy, 402 were directly related to the contested site. Of the 3,922 representations received about candidate sites, the majority, 86%, focused on sites in the Llantwit Fardre ward.
As a response to the feedback, the council is considering removing the Efail Isaf component of key site four, encompassing the land southeast of the Church Village bypass road, from the development plan. The Ystrad Barwig site will remain a candidate site for further evaluation but will no longer be proposed as a key site, instead, being considered as a major potential allocation. Candidate sites are areas submitted for assessment for inclusion in the revised LDP.
Concerns about the Llanilid site included skepticism about the scale of development proposed, questioning the necessity for housing on such a large scale. Issues such as education provision, loss of open space, inadequate infrastructure capacity, need for a Llanharan bypass, and ecological preservation were also raised. A forthcoming report to the council’s cabinet will discuss these matters and the need to strike a balance between growth, housing demands, and environmental preservation in the revised LDP covering 2022-2037.