Council bid to maximise economic potential
RHONDDA Cynon Taf Council is set to introduce the first Local Development Order (LDO) in a bid to maximise the economic potential of the business areas of Treforest Industrial Estate and Parc Nantgarw.
The LDO could enable new or relocating businesses to construct buildings up to six storeys (20m) high without planning permission and businesses already in the area to expand by up to half their original size.
The two sites are at the edge of Cardiff, in the heart of the City Deal Region area, and already host to a business community covering a range of industries.
They are on the doorstep of the M4, with efficient bus and rail links, parking, a college onsite and a university next door, and offer options for business and industries looking to open, relocate or expand.
The LDO being considered by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet next week will allow development and expansion on agreed areas to be carried out without planning permission.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for enterprise, development and housing, said: “If approved, this will be the first Local Development Order of its kind in Wales. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is leading the way with this kind of initiative because we can see the benefit it will bring to our local economy.
“Treforest Industrial Estate and Parc Nantgarw are in a prime location, with the facilities, services and access businesses need and want. We are on the doorstep of Cardiff and in the heart of what will be a £1.2bn City Deal Region.
“We know they have the potential to attract new businesses and industries, which is key to regeneration and the local employment market, so we are not afraid to think innovatively and consider the measures we need to introduce in order to inspire that investment and growth.
“We are already developing a close and effective business forum in the area, which sees industries already based there coming together for shared learning and networking, supporting each other and developing together.”
The LDO is being proposed as a tool to encourage further investment in Treforest Industrial Estate and Parc Nantgarw, removing the need for formal planning permission for specified developments and making the planning process easier for developers.
In anticipation of the order, extensive consultation and investigative work, including environmental reports, traffic impact assessments and more, has already been undertaken.
If approved, the full terms and conditions of the LDO will be publicised.