Plans for 15 affordable homes in Ebbw Vale will be discussed by councillors this week.
Tai Calon Community Housing has applied for planning permission to build a mixture of flats, bungalows, and semi-detached houses at the former Glan yr Afon (Riverside) Court, Ebbw Vale.
The application will be discussed by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s planning committee at their meeting on Thursday.
A report on the application explaining the proposal said: “Full planning permission is sought for residential development.
“The application site comprises of a broadly rectangular parcel of land measuring approximately 0.8 hectares in area.
“The north-western part of the site comprises of brownfield land which previously accommodated the former sheltered housing complex at Glan yr Afon Court.
“Whilst that has now been demolished, the tarmac surfaced car parking area on the northern part of the site remains in place along with some other minor infrastructure.
“The proposed bungalows and ground floor flats would be designed to accommodate wheelchair access in order to meet the needs of potential residents with limited mobility.”
According to the report the number of house types are split into:
- Three, two-bedroom bungalows
- Four, one-bedroom flats
- Four, two-bedroom houses
- Four, three-bedroom houses
As part of the scheme 22 off-street car parking spaces are proposed.
But, following a public consultation exercise, the report explains that 28 objections have been received about the proposal, as well as a petition signed by 36 people,
The objections are on a number of issues, including that more time was needed for “proper public consultation” such as a public meeting.
Objectors have also claimed that loss of parkland to the development is “unacceptable.”
Some have also pointed out that, according to the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) flood risk map, the site lies in a ‘Zone B Flood Zone’, which means that it is known to have flooded in the past.
They also state that a footpath will also need to be diverted if the development goes ahead.
Blaenau Gwent planning officers recommend approving the plans.
