Bridgend Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans for 20 affordable one-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Bettws Social Club.
The development – submitted by Swansea-based Castell Group on behalf of a housing association (likely to be Valleys2Coast) – would be spread across two blocks.
There was an objection from Garw Valley Community Council, which believed that two apartment blocks would be out-of-keeping with other housing in the immediate area.
Nearby residents also objected on several grounds including over-development, the loss of a potential community facility and concerns about management of the site.
Alongside a petition, Cllr. Martyn Jones (Lab, Garw Valley) formally objected on architectural grounds, a lack of demand for one-bedroom properties in the Garw Valley, and V2C’s poor record of tenant and property management in the Bettws area.
Cllr Jones also criticised the lack of local housing suited to the elderly in the village, preferring a care home to be provided on the site instead.
“Much needed affordable housing”
In support of the application, a planning officer said the flats would provide affordable housing in an area with a marked shortfall, enabling people to move back to the village.
While it was acknowledged the development would result in the loss of a community facility, the social club was no longer viable due to the poor condition of the building.
Although members of the committee raised concerns about the bland appearance of the buildings and the possible tenant make-up (given the proximity to a nursery), the application was approved by a majority of members, with Cllr. Heather Griffiths (Lab, Garw Valley) being the sole objector.
