Concerns at plan to turn pub into student accommodation

A PLAN to turn a former Treforest pub into student accommodation looks set to be rejected due to concerns over road safety.

The application to demolish the Dragon Inn and build a five-flat student accommodation block to serve students of the nearby University of South Wales has been recommended for refusal by Rhondda Cynon Taf council planning officers.

They say the proposal is unacceptable because of a lack of off-street parking, which would be to the detriment of highway safety and the free flow of traffic.

The plan for the Dragon Inn, formerly known as the Bridge Inn, would involve the demolition of the current building as well as 1 Saron Street.

In a supporting letter, the applicant said: “The proposed building will be used exclusively for student accommodation.

“The tenancy agreements will be for a 43-week period to coincide with the university academic year, with a summer retainer in order to guarantee the room for the next academic year.

“The tenancy agreement will prohibit the occupants from registering or insuring a car at the address, and will prohibit the occupants from parking in the area.

“The letting agents will appraise applicants of this, and highlight the cycle storage and proximity of the train station.”

But 22 letters of objection were sent to the council, including one from Pontypridd Town Council.

Reasons for objections included traffic and highways safety issues, the visual impact of the building and whether there is a need for more student accommodation in the area and that more student acommodation could “erode the community” of Treforest.

Officers said although the principle of development on the site is acceptable, concerns remain about the impact it could have on road safety.

The planning committee was due to consider the application today.