Councillors have rejected an “awful” application to build nearly 80 houses near Tonyrefail.
Plans for 76 homes at The Meadows in Coedely were unanimously refused by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee.
The application from Lewis Homes Ltd came back before the committee on Thursday, November 7 after a site visit. Officers had recommended the application be approved.
The plan was for 32 four-bed houses, 28 three-bed houses, 10 two-bed houses and six one-bed walk-up flats.
But 30 objections were received including one from Tonyrefail Community Council and the local Assembly Member Mick Antoniw.
Former RCT councillor Paul Wasley spoke to committee about why they should refuse the plan.
He said that the proposed development is outside the settlement boundary and is in an unsustainable location.
He said infrastructure in the area is “close to bursting point” and that there are long waits at the doctor’s surgery.
He added: “I’ve never seen such a skewed application. It doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”
A second objector raised road safety and parking issues and urged councillors to carefully consider the impact of the development.
Tonyrefail councillors Dan Owen-Jones and Danny Grehan both voiced their opposition to the plan.
Cllr Owen-Jones said: “We can’t put profit before people” adding that it is a “green space that we must preserve.”
Cllr Grehan pointed out that it is not in the Local Development Plan (LDP) and said it was an example of “sprawl” or “creep” and raised concerns over the emergency access, the distance to the local school and bus stop and that it is close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The council has a 1.3 year land supply which is well below the five year supply it needs but it is now up to each planning authority how much importance they give it.
He said: “The fact that we haven’t met our (housing) targets doesn’t mean we should approve every application. We have to look at the reality of the situation.”
Councillor Gareth Caple said the main issues were around sustainability and that it is outside the settlement boundary.
Councillor Pauline Jarman raised concerns about housing density.
She added: “I think it’s an awful application.”
