A five-storey block of flats in Neath is set to be demolished with three separate blocks of flats being built in its place – under new plans lodged by the housing association Tai Tarian.
The plans involve replacing the existing building in Melyn Close, which contains 30 two-bed flats, with 20 flats.
The new flats comprise a block of six two-bed flats for three people, a block of 12 one-bed flats for two people and two flats for three people, containing two bedrooms.
The half-acre site is located along the northern side of Melyn Close, between Neath and Briton Ferry.
The proposals involve a traditional rectangular three-storey building, a three-storey L-shaped building and a two-storey square-shaped unit.
There will be 10 car parking spaces and an area for cycle storage.
Tai Tarian says the proposed development will result in the provision of better quality affordable housing for local people.
The planning documents state: “The proposed development represents a tremendous evolution from the dated, visually incongruous design that is found at the site currently.”
They add that the overall site is poorly maintained, as evidenced by the overgrown scrub and weeds.
The housing association says it plans to remove a footbridge from Helen’s Road into the site due to issues with anti-social behaviour.
The agent Asbri Planning states in the planning documents: “It is hoped that these improvements will alleviate the concerns currently experienced by the residents of Helen’s Road and the existing residents at Melyn Close.”
Tai Tarian was founded in 2011 and is now one of the largest social landlords in Wales.
It operates in the Neath Port Talbot area, with about 9,000 properties.
