Image Source: Bridgend County Borough Council
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Bridgend Council’s Planning Committee has approved an application by Lewis Homes for 82 houses and apartments at a former petrol station to the south of Llangynwyd.
The development, called “Parc Gwenllian”, will consist of 25 two-bed houses, 36 three-bed houses, 12 four-bed houses and 9 one-bed apartments. 12 of the 82 units would be classed as affordable.
It would be accessed off a new junction on the A4063, with a single loop road running around the centre of the development.
Road safety concerns dominate objections
There were no objections from statutory consultees, and one letter of support from the public. However, 9 objection letters were submitted.
The concerns raised include the 3-storey apartment block, which would be out of keeping with the surrounding area.
There were also multiple objections on road safety grounds, particularly the development’s close proximity to a school. This is compounded by issues caused by congestion along the A4063 during drop-off and pick-up hours.
New walking/cycling route to be built to the south of the village (eventually)
The land – located almost directly opposite Ysgol Gyfyn Llangynwyd – is one of three areas to the south of the village included for housing in the approved Local Development Plan (LDP). It’s considered a brownfield site due to its previous use.
Addressing concerns about highways, planning officers said the site is well served by buses. It’s also within reasonable walking distance of local services in the village and is covered by a 20 mph speed limit during school hours.
The report says a full walking/cycling route will need to be delivered once a combined 100 homes are built across the three development sites. This will include a controlled crossing.
Bridgend Council has sought significant Section 106 contributions from the developer. This includes just under £170,000 towards local schools, £177,000 towards play areas and sports pitches and a little over £18,000 towards upgrading bus stops and traffic orders. Funding for the walking/cycling route will be negotiated at a later date.
A lot of the concerns raised during the meeting related to roads and traffic. Cllr. Martin Hughes (Lab, Maesteg East) said the road was busy throughout the day.
Cllr. Mark John (Ind, St. Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre) added that in 2016, the A4063 was deemed to be at capacity. However, an officer said that improvements would be made to the route, such as those mentioned as being tied to the housing development, such as a signalised crossing.
The application was approved unanimously.
