Decision on plans for new homes deferred
PLANS to build 20 homes in Pen y Fai on land owned by Bridgend County Borough Council have been deferred until next month.
The majority of the houses proposed are four and five-bedroom homes with a short terrace of three affordable homes having two bedrooms.
The plans, submitted by Morganstone & Pennant Homes, went before the council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 7.
The 2.8 acre site which is south of All Saints Way is referred to by officers as an area of vegetated sloping scrub and woodland. It includes a former quarry.
It is surrounded by existing residential development on three sides comprising small cul-de-sacs of detached houses.
The plans have prompted 25 letters of objection with concerns over increased traffic, privacy, loss of light, noise pollution and the impact on wildlife.
Residents also claimed the consultation was “inadequate”.
The application includes access, car parking, landscaping and associated engineering works.
It is proposed that a public Right of Way that runs through the site from north to south known as Footpath 29 – Newcastle Higher will be diverted to align with the new development.
A further re-consultation on amended plans relating to a new site layout plan prompted objections about the steepness of the footpath preventing families with small children and prams from using the route and elderly residents who regularly use the path.
Further concerns were raised when residents were unable to view plans on Bridgend council’s website being inaccessible during the introduction of a new website.
Officers said that correspondence with residents provided a direct link to the application in order to avoid the problems.
Officers recommended the plans for approval saying they did not have a significantly adverse effect on the character and appearance of the residential area or on the amenities of existing residential properties.
In a report which went before councillors, officers state: “While the site currently provides an area of openness and foliage, it is considered that the introduction of 20 new residential dwellings would be in keeping with the residential area.”
The report adds: “While it is inevitable that new development will have some impact on existing residents, it is considered that the impact will not be unacceptable in planning terms, particularly having regard to the mitigation measures proposed.”
The application was deferred until the July 19 development control committee for further information surrounding drainage and the stability of the land.