152-home outline development at Land north of Elba Crescent, Swansea

What was proposed

An outline application sought up to 152 dwellings, affordable housing, infrastructure, public open space, landscaping and a small shop.

“Outline planning permission is sought for the proposed development of up to 152 dwellings (including affordable housing) and associated infrastructure, public open space and landscaping. Outline planning applications allow for a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed and for what land use(s).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 4.6-hectare brownfield site is a disused car park and former industrial land near homes, businesses, public transport and cycle routes.

“To the north, east and west of the site there are a number of existing commercial/industrial premises that are accessed via Ffordd Amazon and existing industrial estate roads to the north. Industrial land to the east includes the former Visteon Plant site which is currently under-occupied but home to a number of new and emerging businesses, and accessed off the A483 Fabian Way.”

“The site itself is largely flat and comprises a disused car park and associated access roads for the previous industrial uses as well as areas of scrub vegetation including a number of mature trees along some site boundaries. The southern part of the site has been cleared of buildings, is level and currently vacant. A single guard house is found near the southern boundary and represents the only structure within the site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The site is allocated for housing, while earlier mixed-use permissions were granted and the last residential permission lapsed in May 2019.

“The site is currently allocated for housing under Policy H1/LB/3* of the Adopted Neath Port Talbot Local Development Plan (*estimated no. of units: 50). At the time of its LDP allocation, there was an extant outline planning permission in place for a residential development of the site as part of a larger mixed use development with new B1/B2/B8 units (planning permission ref. P2008/0514).”

“Subsequent planning permissions were granted for different iterations of this mixed use development and some of the industrial/commercial development has been delivered, however the last residential permission for the site finally lapsed in May 2019 (planning permission ref. P2017/0800).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was suitable for housing, accessible by several transport modes and capable of improving a derelict site.

“The site is considered to be suitable for residential use being a brownfield, underused site which is well related to the existing settlement pattern and would improve the stock and range of local housing.”

“The site is accessible by public transport, cycling and walking and is well located in terms of access to the primary road network.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most technical consultees raised no objection, while water infrastructure required protection, schools required funding and tree replacement, play and archaeology measures were identified.

“Tree Officer: The development will result in the loss of 41 category A/B/C trees, 7 groups of category B/C trees and 5 partial removals of category C existing hedgerows. The number of replacement trees in line with PPW and species will need to be provided. Contaminated Land: No objection with standard conditions attached.”

“Parks/Play: More play opportunities are required including improving the existing play area opposite.”

Officer report

What residents raised

Fifteen objections raised concerns about traffic, parking, flooding, infrastructure, student accommodation, character, biodiversity, noise, contamination and other impacts.

“Character and Amenity- related Objections • The area is over-run with student accommodation and HMOs which is ruining the village which is suffering from terrible parking by students and a general lack of community feel which would be made worse by the development • As we are in close proximity to Swansea Bay University Campus, we cannot rule out that this development won't attract further HMO conversions further saturating an already struggling community.”

“Existing infrastructure in the area is unable to cope with the extra demand – water pressure, sewerage, drainage issues and demands on health care provision • Building a housing estate where the drainage infrastructure nearby has completely collapsed is totally ludicrous. What soak away areas remain on the development land should not be touched whilst we rely on every available space of soak away.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Local ward members attended to give representations about the application.

The committee decision

The committee approved the outline application in accordance with the officers’ recommendation and the report’s conditions.

“RESOLVED: That in accordance with Officers’ recommendations, Application No. P2022/0563 - Outline planning application for the development of up to 152 dwellings, at land North of Elba Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Neath Port Talbot, be Approved, subject to the recommendations contained within the circulated report.”

Minutes