**Fifty New Homes Approved for Central Rhondda Development**
Plans to bring 50 new homes to the heart of Tonypandy have moved forward, following approval from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee. The proposal, championed by social housing provider Trivallis, will see a mix of apartments and houses constructed on a significant parcel of land that includes the site of the former Conservative Club as well as the principal offices of the council.
The proposed Mitchell Court development will deliver 27 one-bedroom flats and 15 two-bedroom flats, alongside four two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses. The primary access for the apartment dwellings will remain via Court Street, leading residents into a new car park featuring 16 spaces. Additional off-street parking is planned, with each of the houses benefitting from two spaces each.
At ground level, the plans call for specialist facilities to cater for modern living. There will be dedicated rooms for storing mobility scooters, bicycles, and space for waste and recycling, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and sustainability within the new community.
Green space is also a priority for the scheme. Landscaped open areas and a ‘pocket park’ will thread between homes, leading to a communal play area and social space. The landscaping will feature new tree planting and sustainable drainage systems, which are increasingly considered essential in light of climate adaptation needs.
Councillor Wendy Lewis has voiced strong support for the scheme, describing it as a “lovely development”. Her comments underline the positive reception the project has received among local representatives, especially given the current demand for affordable housing in the region.
Public consultation was an integral part of the planning process. Revised layouts and modifications to access arrangements were incorporated as a result of feedback, although notably, there were no formal objections submitted by members of the public, suggesting widespread local support or, at minimum, acceptance of the plans.
Council planning officers, in their recommendation for approval, underlined the site’s sustainable credentials. The development’s location within the established settlement boundary, paired with its beneficial re-use of previously developed land, was seen as aligning closely with both local and national development policies. Officers further noted that the entire scheme consists of affordable housing, a move that should go some way to meeting the pressing housing needs identified in Rhondda Cynon Taf’s local housing market assessment.
The design and layout of the new homes, officers asserted, would be in keeping with the appearance and scale of the surrounding area, providing a sympathetic yet attractive reuse of a formerly commercial and residential site. Importantly, the impact on neighbouring residents was assessed as acceptable, and the development was deemed unlikely to adversely affect highway safety in Tonypandy’s town centre.
With approval now granted, the project is being hailed as an important step forward for Tonypandy. In an area where affordable housing remains a high priority, the delivery of these new homes will be watched closely by local stakeholders and residents alike.
As the process moves towards construction, Trivallis and the Council are expected to continue engaging with the local community and stakeholders, ensuring the project delivers on its promise of rejuvenating a central town site while addressing critical housing needs. The development is anticipated to contribute not just to the local housing market, but also to the ongoing efforts to create sustainable, inclusive communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf.