**Tonypandy Town Centre Set for Major Housing Boost as 50 New Homes Await Approval**
Plans are advancing for a significant transformation in the heart of Tonypandy, where a proposal to construct 50 new homes and flats is anticipated to receive the green light from local authorities. The Trivallis housing association has submitted a planning application which will soon come before Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s planning committee, with a decision scheduled for Thursday, July 24.
The project is centred on the Mitchell Court area, a site that previously housed both the former Conservative Club and an RCT council office. If approved, the development will see these existing buildings demolished in favour of new housing, designed to meet the community’s evolving needs and help address local demand for affordable accommodation.
According to the current plans, the scheme would comprise 17 one-bedroom apartments and 25 two-bedroom apartments, in addition to four two-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom houses. Such a mix aims to offer options suitable for individuals, couples, and families seeking housing in Tonypandy’s town centre.
Access to the main block of apartments would remain from Court Street, utilising the established entrance and leading to a car park with 16 spaces designated for residents. Planners have also ensured that modern living requirements are met, with storage areas provided at ground level for mobility scooters, bicycles, and recycling facilities.
For those opting for the terraced houses, there will be off-street parking available, offering two spaces per home. This is expected to ease concerns about parking congestion and to support the needs of households with multiple vehicles.
A key feature of the proposed development is the incorporation of landscaped public spaces, including a ‘pocket park’ nestled between the houses. The design further integrates a play and social area and introduces new trees and sustainable drainage measures – efforts intended both to enhance the local environment and to ensure that open spaces remain accessible for all residents.
During the public consultation phase, planners made adjustments to the original submission, refining the site layout and access arrangements. Notably, the revised proposals did not attract any formal objections from the community, reflecting either broad support or a lack of opposition to the plans.
Rhondda Cynon Taf planning officers have recommended the scheme’s approval, noting that it aligns with local development strategies and national planning guidelines. In their report, they highlight the project’s contribution to making use of previously developed land in a highly sustainable location, within the defined boundaries of Tonypandy’s urban area.
Council officials believe that the design and scale of the new homes will complement the surrounding neighbourhood and improve the appearance of a site that has stood vacant for some time. One significant aspect of the scheme is its commitment to provide 100% affordable housing, targeting those in greatest need as identified by the local housing market assessment.
Further reassurance has been given that the impact of the development on neighbouring properties and the general amenity of the area would remain acceptable. The proposals have also been scrutinised for highway safety, with planning professionals satisfied that the scheme can be delivered without adversely affecting local traffic or road safety standards.
If the planning committee grants its approval, the Mitchell Court project could mark a major chapter in Tonypandy’s regeneration, providing much-needed homes at affordable prices and breathing new life into a key part of the town centre. As the council prepares for its decision, many will be watching with interest to see how the area transforms in the coming months and years.