300-space park and ride planned

A NEW park and ride with more than 300 parking spaces is proposed for Abercynon railway station.

The proposal includes 311 off-street spaces on land on Navigation Park made up of 289 standard car spaces, seven disabled spaces and 15 motorcycle spaces.

The plan would also see the two central and southern entrances to the site closed with alterations to the northern entrance to provide a single two way access to the site.

It is yet to be decided whether it would be free to all users or if there would be a charge.

The car park is intended to serve all rail passengers so, while the hours of operation have not yet been decided, the car park will be made available to meet demand where appropriate but would likely be closed during the night.

The planning report says this would “alleviate the current on-street parking problems experienced in the area and would significantly improve the current public transport provision at Abercynon”.

It also says it would “improve wider transport connections in the area having significant economic benefits for the county borough as a whole”.

Planning officers at Rhondda Cynon Taf council have recommended the application for approval as they do not think the proposed car park facility would have any undue impact upon the existing character and appearance of site or the surrounding business park, or upon the amenities or operation of the nearest properties.

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s planning and development committee will decide on the plan tomorrow.