New homes agreed for old colliery site

PLANS to build more than 150 homes on the site of the former Merthyr Vale Colliery have been approved by Merthyr Tydfil council.

The nine members of the planning committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

Cardiff-based housing developer and regeneration specialist Lovell, working in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil council and Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, will work with the council to ensure the mining heritage of the site is reflected in the street names.

Property consultancy JLL in Cardiff advised on the planning application and on the pre-application public consultation.

Kathryn Williams, associate director of planning at JLL’s Cardiff office, said: “It is excellent news that these plans have been given the go ahead. The development of the site is long overdue and it will help deliver high quality housing that is in high demand in Merthyr.”

She added: “The plans seek to regenerate a site that has lain vacant for a number of years, by creating five cul-de-sacs forming new communities, whilst also retaining and enhancing the existing public open space.”

In total 153 homes will be created, 43 of which will be affordable, together with a significant area of landscaped open space.

Merthyr Vale Colliery closed in August 1989.

Work on the housing scheme will start this summer. It is envisaged that it will take three and a half years to complete.