Housing decision put off for visit

A DECISION on controversial plans for housing near a cancer centre in Merthyr has been put off for a site visit.

The application for housing from Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association in Dowlais near the Cancer Aid Centre on Upper Union Street has caused concern locally about the potential impact on patients at the centre.

A public meeting was held last year by councillors in Dowlais Library to discuss people’s concerns.

The council received 60 letters and a petition signed by more than 800 people opposing the application. The main concern raised by residents and the centre itself was around the impact on patients’ well-being.

They said that the development would “convey the feeling of a repressive environment and would impact on the level of serenity patients can expect.”

They add that the additional traffic and noise generated by the development in close proximity to the Cancer Aid Centre would impact on the patients’ wellbeing with a “loss of basic rights to privacy and dignity” for patients visiting the centre.

But at the council’s planning, regulatory and licensing committee on Wednesday, February 6, Councillor Julian Amos, who represents Dowlais, recommended they defer the application for a site visit.

He said he had received many representations about the development and the committee voted unanimously in favour of the site visit.

Officers revealed that the application had reduced in size from 12 to 10 dwellings with two bungalows having been taken out of the plan.

They have recommended the application for approval because the removal of the two bungalows addresses access and parking concerns.