Safety concerns as scheme for 70 houses is given go-ahead

PLANS for 70 houses in Clydach have been approved, in what one councillor claimed was “the most dangerous area” in the Swansea Valley town.

Clydach ward member Paulette Smith, who is also on Swansea Council’s planning committee, said she had road safety concerns about the housing scheme at Bryn Hawddgar due to its proximity to two schools.

Councillor Smith added she was worried about the development’s potential impact on drainage.

The scheme, which already had outline consent, will deliver 38 fourbedroom houses, 26 three-bed ones and six two-bedroom ones. Eight of the properties will be affordable.

The applicant - the trustees of MLT David Settlement - has agreed to fund education and road improvements totalling more than £227,000.

Councillor Smith, who is also a member of Swansea Council’s planning committee, said at a meeting of the committee that a “safer route to school” scheme was badly needed in Clydach.

Referring to the Bryn Hawddgar site, which is adjacent to YGG Gellionnen, she said: “It is the most dangerous area in Cydach. We are concerned about safety of children.

“We need a safer route to school. We cannot wait any longer.” The committee was told that the developer’s financial contributions will be triggered at defined points during construction and occupation of the houses, but that the money could not be used to address an existing road safety issue.

Members heard a third of the 5.5 hectare site would be retained as open space, and a kids’ play area would be provided.

Access will be from Bryn Hawddgar and Tanycoed Road, and this will be extended to form a spine road through the estate.

Clydach Community Council submitted a list of concerns and recommendations about the application to the planning authority, while Welsh Water said it did not oppose the scheme sub- ject to the developer complying with a drainage condition. Speaking after the committee unanimously approved the application, Councillor Smith said she and fellow Clydach councillor Gordon Walker were contributing £12,000 each from their community budgets towards a safer routes to school scheme, adding the community council was also contributing £12,000.