Builder withdraws controversial greenfield plans for 200 homes
A COMPANY has withdrawn plans to build 200 homes in Neath following fears the development could cause flooding.
Neath-based construction firm Hale Construction submitted a planning application to build the properties in Bryncoch, Neath, last November. The plans featured a mix of family homes, with two to six bedrooms, on greenfield land.
Residents said they were strongly opposed to the plans, believing their homes could be flooded due to the presence of two mine shafts within the proposed development site.
They were also concerned about levels of arsenic found in the soil and some felt they could not make their objections known during the pandemic when public meetings could not take place.
As part of the plans, Hale Construction proposed to create six areas of public open space, including a five-a-side football pitch, two children’s play areas, and allotments.
The site is an 11-hectare plot at Leiros Park, Bryncoch, which is already allocated for housing in the council’s local development plan.
A report published by Terra Firma in 2017 revealed there are two mine shafts within the development site and an “unknown structure” was found within the southern region.
“The site does not lie in an area prone to flooding or extreme flooding from rivers or sea without defence,” the report reads.
It also revealed there could be “elevated levels of arsenic and lead” in the soil. All substances tested were “at concentrations below their respective human health threshold levels apart from 10 samples of arsenic in the natural, near-surface soil,” according to the document.
Terra Firma recommended that “remedial measures” be taken in light of the soils, which cover the entire site.
A spokesman for Neath Port Talbot Council said the application was “recently withdrawn” and Hale Construction would review the comments made during the consultation stage.
The council said the company’s agent told the council it would “engage with a further development partner to assist in the economic delivery of this longanticipated allocation homes”.
The spokesman added: “The applicant has further advised they will look to engage with officers further and will undertake further consultation with residents, councillors and other interested parties as part of the statutory processes. Any subsequent planning application would also involve further public consultation.”
Hale Construction was asked to comment but had not responded at time of going to press. housing for 200