**Cwmafan Community Outraged at Plans to Build Homes on Beloved Playing Field**
Early proposals to construct 22 homes on a much-loved playing field in the Neath Port Talbot village of Cwmafan have sparked fierce opposition amongst local residents, who fear the loss of a crucial community green space. The new development, under consideration by social housing association Tai Tarian, would see the transformation of land off Brynna Road – currently host to a popular playing field adjacent to a children’s playground – into a residential site.
Citing an urgent need for additional housing, Tai Tarian unveiled initial ideas that include a diverse mix of accommodation: two walk-up flats, four bungalows, ten two-bedroom houses, four three-bedroom houses and a pair of four-bedroom homes. Parking provisioned for every bedroom, as well as extra visitor spaces, has been factored into the scheme, which the association says would minimise impact on local parking resources.
Tai Tarian has stated that the scheme is still at a preliminary stage, emphasising that no formal proposals have been submitted and the development’s future would be subject to the usual planning, investigative, and approval processes. Despite these reassurances, the suggestion that the playing field could be at risk has already stirred strong emotions in Cwmafan. Outlining the potential community benefits, the housing association has pointed out the high demand for homes in the area, noting thousands of would-be tenants on waiting lists across Neath Port Talbot, with especially acute need in Cwmafan itself.
Nonetheless, this rationale appears to have done little to pacify local concerns. For many residents, the green space earmarked for possible development is much more than idle land; it represents a vital breathing space and recreational ground for generations of children and families. Many in the village have voiced passionate objections to any plans which could deprive Cwmafan of one of its few remaining open spaces.
A grassroots opposition movement has rapidly formed, comprising concerned citizens who have launched a dedicated website and a petition, which, at the time of writing, had already attracted more than 600 signatures. The field, often referred to locally as Brynbryddan, is described by campaigners as an “oasis” set amidst the spread of the urban environment. They argue that such spaces provide irreplaceable benefits for both the mental and physical wellbeing of the community – especially for younger residents.
Local resident Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, whose family has lived near the field for generations, articulated a sentiment echoed by many: “This field belongs to the village and nobody has the right to take away an open green space that so many local children use to play on. It has been here for over 70 years and means so much to the community, so we’re definitely not going to let it go without a fight.” Such comments reflect deep-rooted intergenerational attachments to the field, which is cherished not only as a playground but as a symbol of communal identity.
The campaign’s petition further underscores this sense of urgency, stating: “The field next to our park is more than just a green space. It’s an oasis for our children and for us amid the urban sprawl, a place of respite where we can breathe fresh air and play unencumbered by concrete infrastructures. We cannot stand by and watch as this vital asset of our community is stripped away to give way to yet another housing project.”
Local authorities have confirmed that any formal moves towards development will require a pre-application consultation, ensuring residents have a further opportunity to engage with and respond to the proposals before any planning submission reaches the council. This process is anticipated to be a focal point for debate, with both sides likely to present compelling arguments regarding community need and local heritage.
As the dialogue continues, the Cwmafan case highlights a recurring challenge faced by communities across Wales and the wider UK – balancing the pressing demand for housing with the preservation of much-valued public spaces. For now, the future of Brynbryddan playing field hangs in the balance, with locals determined to ensure their voices are not drowned out amid the tide of development.