Controversial plans for a rehab centre close to people's homes have been refused by councillors. Proposals had been lodged to create an eight bedroom facility at Oasis, Heol Bryn Gwyn, in Penywaun, for people with drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Those behind the scheme said it would give those returning from a rehabilitation programme somewhere to live temporarily as well as support to help them back into society, - including finding jobs. The applicant had applied for a change of use as well as the extension of an existing hall and the construction of a new building at the rear of the site. It would house some people at the start of their rehab journey, while others who had been through a special programme.
However, the idea prompted a backlash among local residents - with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee hearing more than 370 people signing a petition in opposition. Councillors were told that there was only one letter in support of the centre. Locals said the scheme would have a detrimental impact on the community - and also expressed concern about there being two schools close by. The petition said the majority of the community were not opposed to people needing rehab, but the location was the wrong site for such a facility.
Local councillor Louisa Addiscott said the application had caused angst in the community - expressing particular concern about the lack of a management plan and the fact it would be non regulated.
Councillor Sharon Rees, chair of the committee, stressed it was not a "rehab centre" strictly speaking- despite being described as such on the application. She pointed out that the proposal was to offer accommodation for those dependent on drugs or alcohol before rehabilitation and supported housing for those who have already gone through rehabilitation. However, she noted particular concern about those who are yet to go into rehab.
Fellow committee member Councillor Wendy Lewis said it was commendable what Oasis wanted to help such vulnerable people but there were far too many concerns around the unregulated bits of it.
Planning officers recommended it for refusal in a report, which said: "A number of concerns have been raised by residents in terms of the compatibility of the use with the predominantly residential character of the surrounding area, the application site is situated within a sustainable location where such uses would usually be found."
“The principle of the proposed use could therefore be considered acceptable, subject to a number of carefully worded planning conditions which would ensure that it would not have a detrimental impact upon the amenity of surrounding residential properties. It is also considered that the physical aspects of the development would not have a significant impact upon the character and appearance of the site or surrounding area, the amenity and privacy of surrounding residential properties or upon highway safety in the vicinity of the site.
“It would appear however, that the proposed use which, holistically, would involve intervention and help to persons with a drug or alcohol related addiction, would not be subject (at this site) to any regulatory control by an appointed body. While it is not the role of the Planning system to act as a regulator (where one does not appear to exist), the Local Planning Authority must have a thorough understanding of what is being proposed and how any situations that arise at the facility will be dealt with (in order to understand any implications or consequences of the use proposed).
“In planning terms, the description of the proposed development would (if approved) form the authorised use. The applicant has described how it is envisaged that the facility would work, which would appear not to conform with a general understanding of what a rehabilitation centre would involve and was asked to refine the description of development but declined to do so. The applicant has also been asked to provide a management plan in order to understand how the site would operate and to help with the consideration of the application, but has declined.
“In light of this lack of information, it is considered that the acceptability of the application cannot be adequately assessed.”
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