Homes plan inquiry at Hirwaun

Nov 1 2007 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

A PUBLIC inquiry has been held in Hirwaun to decide whether more homes should be built in the village.

A two-and-half-day hearing at the village hall considered Piper Homes’ appeal against Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s refusal of outline planning consent for residential development on part of a site known locally as The Gloucesters.

The company wants to build up to 130 homes on a two-and-a-half hectare site, but its initial planning application was rejected by the council earlier this year because of highway concerns.

The issue has been a contentious one in the village for some time, and the inquiry heard that the key issue to be considered remains that of highway safety for motorists and pedestrians, particularly relating to transport links between the site and Hirwaun High Street.

Geoffrey Stephenson, representing the council, told the inquiry there were visibility and other “deficiencies” in local streets and at particular junctions, and that because of that the proposed development should not be allowed.

The council’s case was backed by a residents’ action group represented by Karen Morgan.

She said local roads are already congested and that additional traffic would add to the risk of accidents.

Mrs Morgan said the proposed development would impact on residents’ quality of life and that Hirwaun would face becoming a “soulless commuter town.”

She also feared that other housing developers were “waiting in the wings” to move in should this appeal be allowed.

Residents also argue that a number of homes have been built in the village in recent years and that Hirwaun does not have the policing, schooling, medical and other facilities to cope with a further influx of people.

They also want The Gloucesters retained as a recreational and environmental

resource for activities such as walking, cycling and riding.

Piper Homes, however, argue that there is scope in Hirwaun for more homes and that the planned site has been earmarked for residential use.

They say their development would not impact on the village in the harmful way the action group suggests.

Jeremy Cahill QC, representing Piper Homes, said village roads had a good accident record and were capable of accommodating the extra vehicular and pedestrian traffic the proposed development would generate.

He said roads in the vicinity of The Gloucesters were already used by 300 households and that they could safely cope with an additional 130, particularly with the benefit of minor improvements the company would be

prepared to finance.

“The accident records show these streets are safe,” he said.

The inquiry was conducted on behalf of the National Assembly by Emyr Jones, whose decision is expected some time after November 19.