There is renewed hope that progress on the long‑awaited Llanharan bypass will soon move from promise to reality, following a confident statement from the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) County Borough Council. Councillor Andrew Morgan, speaking at a full council meeting held on 25 June, assured fellow members and residents that the bypass remains a top priority and that tangible work could begin as soon as the necessary planning permissions fall into place.
During the meeting, Brynna and Llanharan ward councillor Janine Turner sought clarity on the scheme’s latest developments. Earlier this year, news of the redesigned ‘Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor’ receiving approval was met with widespread community optimism. Turner pressed for further details on progress, highlighting the sense of anticipation among constituents who have awaited the bypass as a means to ease traffic congestion and foster safer, more sustainable local transport.
In response, Councillor Morgan outlined steps already taken and the significant resources earmarked for the scheme. The council has committed over £5 million within their capital programme to support delivery of the project, demonstrating the seriousness with which the bypass is being pursued. He revealed that much work has occurred behind the scenes, with teams now focused on refining the proposal to ensure it emphasises modern sustainable transport goals, whilst still providing the critical relief Llanharan’s residents have called for.
A major obstacle had been the Welsh Government’s comprehensive roads review, which put many infrastructure projects across the country on hold. Fortunately, RCT Council has since been given the go-ahead to move forward with Llanharan’s bypass, a significant milestone for supporters of the scheme.
Attention now turns to public consultation, a process set to commence in earnest later this year. The pre-planning application phase is scheduled for September and October, with the council pledging openness and broad community involvement. Formal documents will be made accessible both online and at Llantrisant Leisure Centre from 19 September to 17 October. In addition, dedicated consultation events are planned in Llanharan during October, offering residents an opportunity to make their voices heard and scrutinise the proposals in detail.
The redesigned scheme, Morgan explained, aligns closely with previous plans in terms of the transport corridor’s layout but incorporates eco-friendly adaptations. Particular emphasis has been placed on sustainable landscaping and advanced drainage systems. These adjustments mean the bypass is expected to reduce embedded carbon by nearly 20,000 tonnes, reflecting a stronger environmental focus. Furthermore, the scheme will avoid disrupting ancient woodland, a point likely to reassure conservation-conscious locals.
Practical improvements have also been factored in, with a review of junction layouts and bus routes intended to ensure efficiency for public transport and avoid new bottlenecks. Morgan emphasised the importance of such refinements, stating, “There are a lot of smaller changes, but the key message is the scheme is moving ahead. Planning approval is the next hurdle, and we are actively engaging with the Welsh Government on this front.”
Funding, too, appears to be on a secure footing. In addition to council funds, the project will leverage community infrastructure levy contributions arising from local housing developments, and additional resources dedicated to promoting active travel have also been secured.
Looking ahead, Councillor Morgan struck a positive note, expressing his confidence that, once planning requirements are fulfilled and a contractor is selected, substantive work on the bypass can begin without further delay. For Llanharan residents who have endured years of waiting, these latest updates provide grounds for cautious optimism that congestion relief and improved transport connections may soon become a reality.
As the process unfolds, the council has reaffirmed its commitment to community involvement and environmental responsibility. The eyes of the community—and many across Rhondda Cynon Taf—will be fixed on the upcoming consultation and the crucial decisions that will follow.