29-home residential development at Land Adjacent To Blake Street, Maerdy

“In respect of the reserved matters, the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development would make efficient use of the site and in addition to providing a welcome mix of affordable house types to meet local needs, would result in a small development of an attractive appearance in accordance with LDP Policies AW5 and AW6.”

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0097/RES REPORT The application site comprises a roughly rectangular shaped, undeveloped parcel of land, with an area of approximately 1.5ha. The site was previously the subject of a land reclamation scheme. The boundaries are defined by post and wire and post and rail fencing with a semi mature shelter belt of trees planted on three sides of the site.”

“The site is positioned to the south-east of Blake Street; the north-east of a rear lane that serves the residential properties in Richard Street and the rear of The Royal British Legion and Maerdy Conservative Club. To the north east of the site, the landscape slopes steeply down to the Afon Rhondda Fach river. Ferndale Community School playing field lies adjacent to the south-eastern boundary. A well-worn path provides access through the site from Blake Street to the school.”

“23/1432/15: Section 73 Variation of Condition application: Condition 2 to be reworded to allow an additional year for the submission of the application for approval of the reserved matters, i.e., the application to be made before 30th January 2025. Condition 3 to be reworded to allow an additional year for the commencement of development, i.e., development to commence by 30th January 2026 or after expiration of two years after the final approval of reserved matters.”

“18/0018/13: Proposed residential development (amended plans received 29/01/18 and 14/02/18 and amended description received 13/02/18). Decision: 03/08/2018, Refused. (Allowed on appeal 30/01/2019)”

“In light of the above and the extant outline permissions, it is considered that the development is acceptable, subject to the consideration of the material issues regarding the reserved matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale which follows below.”

“The reserved matters details are considered acceptable in terms of appearance. The proposed dwellings are of a modern style which is appropriate for the site context, with appropriate external finishes and detailing to ensure a high-quality finish. The overall design approach will significantly approve the appearance of the previously cleared land.”

“No objection, subject to a condition for surface water management. The culvert survey has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of condition 11 of the outline permission.”

“The Fire Authority has no objection to the proposed development and refers the Developer to any current standing advice and to consider the need for the provision of adequate water supplies on the site for firefighting purposes and access for emergency firefighting appliances.”

“The proposed double yellow lines required for any traffic order would result in the loss of ten on-street spaces in Blake Street, where there is already insufficient capacity. People with electric cars would need to charge them outside their home. The steep part of Blake Street would also have yellow lines where some residents of the flats on the A4233 currently park. • There seems to be no demand for further housing in Maerdy and there are a lot of empty properties.”

“Further to the above, a petition of objection, containing 47 names was received, on the basis that the Traffic Regulation Order – the subject of a condition of the extant outline consent – has not been addressed by the current application submission.”

“Nevertheless, the need for a Traffic Regulation Order, to ensure appropriate sight lines around the junctions of Blake Street and Maerdy Road, including the 90 degree bend adjacent to number 14 & 15, remains. Consequently, the condition in this regard should remain until the Developer enters into consultation with the Traffic Section of the Council and pays all associated fees.”

“It is noted that the junction of Blake Street with Maerdy Road (A4233) is sub-standard in terms of junction radii and vision splays and further exacerbated by on-street car parking. In the absence of a speed survey the required visibility splays in accordance with TAN 18 shall be 2.4m x 25m for a 20Mph speed limit.”

“Reserved Matters approval of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping, to include the discharge of conditions 5 (species and habitat protection), 6 (tree protection), 7 (Blake Street tie-in), 8 (Maerdy Road junction build out) and 11 (culvert condition survey) of outline planning permission 23/1432/15. Land Adjacent to Blake Street, Maerdy, CF43 4AH.”

“The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”