Merthyr Tydfil is facing challenges in hitting key targets for housing, employment, and green spaces, as highlighted by the council’s recent annual report. The findings revealed that housing delivery is lagging, with completions over 30% below expectations. By April 2025, only 827 dwellings were completed against the target of 1,263.
Employment is another area of concern, with only one new development, Paisley Business Park, completed during the monitoring period. This accounts for merely 0.6 hectares of employment land, a stark contrast to the 9.64 hectares target by 2026. So far, only 243 jobs have been generated since 2016, and there’s a steep climb to meet the 1,251 jobs aim by March 2026.
Green spaces aren’t seeing much progress either. No priority open spaces were improved via planning funds, lagging behind the goal of enhancing 13 sites by 2026. However, on a positive note, a refurbishment programme is set to upgrade over 20 playgrounds by summer 2026.
Renewable energy efforts also hit a snag, with no significant heat-generating developments approved recently. The council aims for 26.53 MWth of heat generation by 2026, but progress depends on planning submissions from the community and businesses.
Despite these setbacks, there’s still optimism. Councillor David Jones, Deputy Leader, assures that the numbers are expected to improve next year. Affordable housing delivery continues on track, and environmental policies are holding strong, with no violations of protective measures.
Can Merthyr Tydfil turn things around and meet these ambitious targets? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the town’s future!