17 bungalows proposed for site of former primary school
A FORMER Cynon Valley primary school site could be turned into bungalows if plans are approved by councillors.
The land where Cwmbach Primary School used to be on Bridge Road could be converted into 17 bungalows under plans from Newydd Housing Association.
The development would see 15 bungalows go on the market and two would be available for low-cost home-ownership.
The former school was demolished in 2018 and each bungalow would have off-street parking to the front or side.
There were two objections sent to the council pointing out that Bridge Road is a narrow, terraced, residential street which is busy with onstreet parking and that more vehicles using the street to access the development site would make these issues worse.
They say the proposed site access is at a bend in Bridge Road so there is limited visibility and this is not suitable for the proposed development.
The objectors claim that construction and associated traffic will result in noise and disturbance to existing residents and that the contractors involved with the demotion of the former school buildings caused varying degrees of nuisance to surrounding residents and have left the site in a poor condition.
They say there is no need for new houses in the area and they would put further pressure on the already limited healthcare services in the area.
But Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning department is recommending that the planning committee approves the application at its meeting today.
They say in the planning report: “The redevelopment of the site for residential purposes is acceptable in principle.
“Furthermore, it is considered the site is capable of accommodating 17 bungalows as proposed without resulting in a significant impact upon the character and appearance of the surrounding area or the amenity and privacy of the surrounding residential properties.
“It is also considered the proposed development would have no undue impact upon highway safety in the vicinity of the site.”
The applicant’s design and access statement says the design of the bungalows is an improvement on the school building and that the scheme represents a suitable and well-integrated form of sustainable development that will provide a mix of very much needed market and affordable housing.”
It also points out that there is permission for 17 houses on the site still in existence so the principle of development has been accepted.