**Concerns Grow Over Prospect of 200 New Homes in Maesteg as Residents Cite Road Safety Fears**
A major proposal to construct 200 new homes in Maesteg, Bridgend county, has stirred apprehension among local residents, who are worried about the impact of increased traffic on already congested streets. The development, planned for the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate, includes not only new homes but also retail spaces and improved community facilities, aiming to revitalise the area. As groundworks begin, however, long-standing locals say the lack of adequate access roads could prove disastrous.
Neighbours living on Ewenny Road, a key thoroughfare in the area, have reported years of difficulty with traffic jams, parking pressures and frequent road accidents. The arrival of hundreds more vehicles, residents fear, could intensify these issues and place families at further risk. Several have voiced their concerns, calling for traffic solutions to be prioritised before construction progresses further.
Mayor Parker, who has resided on Ewenny Road since 2006, described the area as having suffered a disproportionate number of vehicle collisions. “Since moving here, I’ve had six cars either badly damaged or written off,” he explained, painting a picture of perilous conditions for second homeowners, families and pedestrians alike. “A neighbour’s house was even hit by a runaway car, and the problems just seem to be getting worse.”
He went on to highlight the dangers posed by speeding vehicles late at night as well as daily bottlenecks caused by larger lorries navigating narrow turns. “The idea of adding 200 homes, shops, and a transport interchange sounds good on paper, but in reality, we’re facing the prospect of hundreds more vehicles using a road that already struggles to cope.”
Residents are not objecting to redevelopment in principle—many agree that new housing and facilities could bring much-needed investment and vitality to the area. Their concern, however, centres around the pressing need for new or improved access roads, and road safety improvements such as traffic calming measures, before the scheme goes ahead.
Clive Lee, who has lived on the street for four decades, echoed these sentiments, remembering quieter times with less traffic. “When I first arrived, there were hardly any vehicles about,” he said. “But things have changed a lot. Without upgrades to the road network, this could soon become an accident blackspot.”
Local representatives say they are aware of the challenges, with Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas for Maesteg West acknowledging the street’s reputation as a ‘rat-run’ for drivers seeking shortcuts through the valley. “Residents have already endured years of antisocial driving and congestion,” he commented. “The current draft plan, which includes the possibility of a new park and ride facility as well as homes, will substantially increase the number of cars using these roads. Something must be done to mitigate the impact.”
As the planning process continues, Councillor Penhale-Thomas expressed hopes that developer contributions could help fund substantial road safety improvements along Ewenny Road and Oakwood Drive. “With formal planning permission likely to be sought later this year, we intend to press for conditions that safeguard both traffic flow and public safety.”
The local authority, Bridgend County Borough Council, states that the effects on local traffic have been considered throughout the planning process so far. A spokesperson confirmed that a comprehensive review of highway impacts was undertaken prior to the granting of outline planning permission, and the site is already earmarked for such development within the council’s broader strategy.
Councillor Neelo Farr, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, previously characterised the scheme as a key part of a wider plan to address local needs for housing, jobs, and improved public transport. She emphasised that the project has been “carefully designed” to try to balance economic development with community well-being.
As community consultation continues and formal applications are prepared, residents in Maesteg remain hopeful that their concerns will be heard and resolved. While supportive of necessary regeneration, they are united in their call for robust safety and infrastructure measures to ensure their neighbourhood’s future is as bright as the developers hope.