Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan up to 2021 - Adopted March 2011

Back to Contents | Back to Introduction

Chapter Four - Core Strategy & Policies

Core Strategy

4.1

The Rhondda Cynon Taf LDP strategy is a hybrid strategy which provides development in locations that meet local needs whilst promoting sustainable growth. The strategy has been derived having regard to the national, regional and local policy context, social, economic and environmental factors, the availability of land suitable for development and the unique characteristics of the County Borough. The LDP strategy will provide a land use framework, which seeks to marry the delivery of new homes and services at local level with an ambitious strategy for growth intended to promote sustainable regeneration.

4.2

An examination of the social, economic and environmental trends within the County Borough clearly indicate that for the successful implementation of the strategy, a different policy approach needs to be taken in those areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf that are in decline and those which are experiencing growth.

4.3

The core strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf will therefore advocate a different approach for development in the north and in the south of the County Borough.

4.4

For the purpose of the LDP the Northern Strategy Area includes Tonypandy, Porth, Treorchy, Treherbert, Ferndale, Tylorstown, Mountain Ash, Aberdare and Hirwaun. The emphasis in this area is on building sustainable communities and halting the process of depopulation and decline. Development proposals in the Northern Strategy Area will provide appropriate growth to address the problems of deprivation and high levels of social and economic need.

4.5

Strategic road and rail links mean that the Northern Strategy Area benefits from good communication links with Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons, Neath Port Talbot and communities in the Heads of the Valleys region such as Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly. The location of the Strategy Area in respect of the A465 means that excellent communication links also exist with Swansea and the West Midlands.

4.6

The position of the Northern Strategy Area in the Capital Region means that it benefits from being part of the Heads of the Valleys Programme and within the Heads of the Valleys Road (A465) Strategic Opportunity Area (SOA).

4.7

The Southern Strategy Area includes Pontypridd, Llantrisant (including Talbot Green), Tonyrefail and Llanharan. In the south of the County Borough the emphasis is on sustainable growth that benefits Rhondda Cynon Taf as a whole. Development proposals in the Southern Strategy Area will promote sustainable development by providing a managed form of growth which will consolidate existing settlement patterns; have regard to the social and economic function and identity of settlements and the surrounding countryside; address existing or potential capacity needs to provide necessary infrastructure and reduce the need to travel.

4.8

Strategic road and rail links within the Southern Strategy Area provide good communication links with Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend. The position of the Strategy Area in relation to the M4 means that there are also excellent communication links with West Wales, South West England and London.

4.9

As in the north, the Southern Strategy Area is part of the Capital Region and benefits from being within the Llantrisant and North West Cardiff SOA. The area also has close links with RAF St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.

4.10

Within these two strategy areas the LDP strategy will recognise the important role settlements in Rhondda Cynon Taf play in providing homes and services of both local and county importance. In order to focus growth in areas where the maximum social and economic benefits can be achieved a distinction will be made between Principal Towns, Key Settlements and Smaller Settlements. New development opportunities will be focused in the Principal Towns and Key Settlements of the County Borough in order to support and reinforce the important role these centres play as places for social and economic activity.

4.11

For the purposes of the LDP strategy, Principal Towns are defined as Pontypridd, Aberdare and Llantrisant (including Talbot Green). These towns are important hubs for social and economic activity by acting as gateways for new investment, innovation and sustainable development.

4.12

The position of each of the towns in respect of the strategic transportation network means that these settlements are important to the promotion of regeneration in Rhondda Cynon Taf and economic growth in the wider region. Each of the Principal Towns has been identified as a ‘Hub Settlement’ in the Wales Spatial Plan.

4.13

The Principal Towns of Aberdare and Llantrisant (including Talbot Green) are areas in which significant new housing, employment and retail development will be accommodated. Topographical constraints mean that significant growth will be difficult to accommodate within the Principal Town of Pontypridd. The emphasis in this area will be on consolidation and redevelopment. Land for residential development to accommodate the needs of the growing population of Pontypridd will be provided in the nearby settlements of Church Village, Llantwit Fardre, Treforest and Beddau.

4.14

Key Settlements are geographically smaller and less strategically significant than the Principal Towns. Nevertheless these settlements provide important services and act as centres for commercial and community activity. For the purpose of the LDP Key Settlements are defined as Tonypandy, Tonyrefail, Treorchy, Mountain Ash, Porth, Ferndale, Llanharan and Hirwaun. These key settlements will act as focal points for growth in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the plan period.

4.15

Whilst Llanharan and Hirwaun currently play a different role in their local areas from that of other Key Settlements, both settlements are in excellent strategic locations and are capable of assimilating significant additional residential and commercial development. Both settlements will have a major role to play in the successful delivery of the LDP Strategy.

4.16

In addition to the identification of Principal Towns and Key Settlements, the strategy recognises the importance of Smaller Settlements in providing a limited range of services to meet local needs. For the purposes of the LDP the smaller settlements are identified as Rhigos, Penywaun, Cwmbach, Aberaman South, Penrhiwceiber, Abercynon, Ynysybwl, Treherbert, Pentre, Maerdy, Ystrad, Tylorstown, Ynyshir and Cymmer in the Northern Strategy Area, and Glyncoch, Church Village, Efail Isaf, Beddau, Llanharry, Gilfach Goch, Cilfynydd, Hawthorn, Ton-Teg, Llantwit Fardre, Rhydyfelin, Treforest, Taffs Well and Pontyclun in the South. The exact geographical definition of the smaller settlements is shown on the proposals map.

4.17

A range of sites are allocated for the development of new housing, employment and retail facilities throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. Sites have been allocated specifically to meet local needs and to promote socio-economic growth. Smaller non-strategic sites intended to meet local needs have been allocated in sustainable locations that reinforce the role of Principal Towns and Key Settlements. Non-strategic sites are allocated for development by policies in the Northern and Southern strategy areas. Large-scale Strategic Sites, which are capable of accommodating significant development, have been identified in locations that maximise the opportunities for sustainable regeneration and ensure a step change in the economy of the County Borough. Strategic Sites are allocated for development by Policy CS 3. All sites have been assessed in accordance with the Council’s Candidate Site Assessment Methodology.

4.18

The infrastructure needs of each allocated site have been considered in discussion with service providers. The requirements for each site are detailed in Appendix 7 and the LDP Infrastructure Topic Paper. Key areas for investment have been identified in Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Planning Obligations.

4.19

In allocating land for development the strategy also recognises the importance of balancing the need for development with the need to protect the global and local environment. The strategy seeks to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change by ensuring the efficient use of resources supporting renewable energy resources, protecting biodiversity, managing waste effectively, promoting development in accessible locations, focusing new housing away from areas of flood risk and improving energy efficiency in the design of new buildings. Equally important is the need to protect the countryside and unique landscape of Rhondda Cynon Taf from urbanisation and incremental loss.

4.20

A core component of the core strategy is a set of Core Policies. These policies will provide a framework for determining where existing and future residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf live, work, shop, recreate and how they travel in between. The Core Policies include only those elements essential for the delivery of the strategy.

4.21

The Key Diagram shown in figure 1 illustrates the core strategy and shows the extent of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough and the LDP area.

Figure 1: Local Development Plan Key Diagram

Click here to view enlarged image

 

Risk Assessment

4.22

The LDP strategy will provide a land use framework, which seeks to marry the delivery of new homes and services at local level with an ambitious strategy for growth intended to promote sustainable regeneration. The delivery of the strategy depends on a number of factors including the availability of genuinely developable land, national and European policy, the operations of the global and national economy and the availability of private and public sector funding.

4.23

Clearly, many of these factors cannot be controlled or influenced by the LDP. Where it has been possible to do so, the Plan has sought to mitigate risk by developing a balanced strategy that will allow the development of a range of sites in a number of different locations. This approach is married to a policy framework that is flexible and able to recognise and respond to change.

4.24

In addition the Council will seek to maximise the opportunities to deliver the LDP by securing public sector funding through mechanisms such as single regeneration fund, transport grant and the convergence programme.

4.25

In order to further manage the risks associated with the plan the Council will keep under continual review those elements of the plan essential to the delivery of the core strategy. This will include the development of the Strategic Sites, the provision of land for new housing and employment, the delivery of affordable housing and improvements in the strategic transportation network. A detailed monitoring framework for the LDP is contained in Chapter Seven of the Plan. Where it is clear that the delivery of a key element of the strategy is not being achieved, the Council will review the policy context and make appropriate amendments to the LDP.

Core Policies

The Core Policies are as follows:

4.26The Northern Strategy Area has suffered significant decline since the widespread closure of the collieries in the South Wales Coalfield in the mid 1980’s. The Strategy Area has suffered from high indices of deprivation, unemployment, dereliction, loss of services and inevitably depopulation. A poor internal road network, low house building rates and a lack of meaningful inward investment have exacerbated the situation.

4.27

The Strategy Area does however, have a strong sense of community pride, many towns and villages with fine architectural history and a spectacular landscape that rivals that of the adjoining Brecon Beacons National Park.

4.28

The LDP will provide a policy framework that seeks to secure regeneration and create sustainable communities in the Northern Strategy Area. Through the provision of new housing, employment opportunities, improvements in accessibility and the implementation of large-scale regeneration proposals the Council will seek to halt depopulation and the process of decline.

4.29

The Council recognises that achieving the requirements of this policy at all times may be difficult. Decisions over priorities will be made on the basis of evidence of need and an assessment of all material considerations.

4.30

The Southern Strategy Area has experienced considerable growth in recent years. The Strategy Area has seen significant new house building and inward investment that has transformed the economy of the area. The ability of the Southern Strategy Area to absorb further growth at existing rates, without social and environmental degradation, is being tested.

4.31

The key location of the Southern Strategy area means that it has a vital role to play in ensuring the future economic prosperity of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Economic growth however, must be carefully managed in order to ensure that the social and environmental needs of the Strategy Area are fully addressed.

4.32

The LDP will seek to manage residential and commercial growth in the Southern Strategy Area in a manner that seeks to balance the economic potential of the area with environmental capacity.

4.33

As with Policy CS 1, the Council recognises that it may not be possible to achieve the requirements of this policy at all times. Decisions over priorities will be made on the basis of evidence of need and an assessment of all material considerations.

4.34

Strategic Sites are defined as being sites of 20 hectares or more, located in close proximity to the regional transportation network and which have the potential to deliver significant benefits to the County Borough.

4.35

Each of the Strategic Sites identified are located in a strategic position within Rhondda Cynon Taf. Three of the sites, the former Cwm Colliery and Coking Works, Mwyndy / Talbot Green and former OCC site, Llanilid, are located within the Southern Strategy Area close to the M4 and within easy access of Cardiff and the wider region. The remaining five sites are in the Northern Strategy Area, the former Phurnacite Plant, land at Robertstown / Abernant and land South of Hirwaun are located along the A470 / A4059 corridor in the Cynon Valley with the former Fernhill Colliery and Maerdy Colliery sites, occupying strategic positions at the heads of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach.

4.36

The development proposed for each of these sites by the LDP is as follows:

Site	Proposed Use
1 Former Maerdy Colliery Site, Rhondda Fach	Employment (1 hectare) Informal Recreation Space
2 Former Fernhill Colliery Site, Blaenrhondda	350 – 400 Dwellings
3 Phurnacite Plant Site, Abercwmboi	500 Dwellings Employment (5.9 hectares) Informal Recreation Space
4 Land at Robertstown / Abernant, Aberdare	500 - 600 Dwellings Employment / Leisure (3.7 hectares)
5 Land South of Hirwaun	400 Dwellings Employment (36 hectares)
6 Former Cwm Colliery and Coking Works. Tyn-y-Nant	800-950 Dwellings Employment (1.9 hectares)
7 Mwyndy / Talbot Green Area	500 Dwellings Employment (15 hectares) Retail (23,400 m2) net Leisure (10,000 m2)
8 Former OCC Site Llanilid, Llanharan	1950-2100 Dwellings

4.37

The location and scale of these sites presents an opportunity for significant new development to take place across the County Borough. Over the plan period the combination of development on these sites will result in the development of between 5,000 – 5,450 new dwellings, 63 hectares of employment land, 23,400m2 net of new retail floor space and the provision of a significant amount of new open / green space.

4.38

Details of the proposed development at each of the Strategic Sites are contained in the Northern and Southern Strategy Areas of the LDP.

4.39

The LDP provides a framework for the development of 14,385 new dwellings in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the plan period. The figure of 14,385 is based on the application of the Welsh Government’s National and Sub National Household Projections for Wales (2006) at local level and will provide for population and household growth in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The allocation will allow for the construction of 959 dwellings per annum, this is an increase of 50% over previous build rates.

4.40

Uplift necessary to increase house-building rates in the County Borough will be achieved through the allocation of 5,000 – 5,450 new dwellings on the Strategic Sites allocated in Policy CS 3.

4.41

The construction and distribution of this number of dwellings will assist in halting the process of depopulation and ensure a stable growth in the future population. Statistical analysis and background to the dwelling requirement figure is contained in the Population and Household Projections Study (2006) and the Assessment of Housing Requirement and Delivery (2009).

4.42

In accordance with the guidance contained in Planning Policy Wales, the Council in partnership with the other 10 authorities in South East Wales has been involved in the process of apportioning housing land requirement for the region. The allocation identified in Policy CS 4 accords with the agreed housing apportionment for South East Wales.

4.43

In delivering the housing requirement identified, the strategy focuses opportunities for additional housing in sustainable locations as defined by Policy AW 2. The scale of proposals has been based on an appraisal of locations to determine their suitability to accommodate growth having regard to existing social and physical capacity, the presence of environmental constraints, and the extent to which development can provide, or compensate for necessary additional social or physical infrastructure. The strategy recognises the important role that the use of previously developed land can play in regenerating communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Where possible the development of brownfield land will take preference over the use of greenfield land. There are however, a number of factors that guide against the use of previously developed land in all instances; these include locational considerations, biodiversity, and flooding. The availability of ‘developable’ brownfield land in Rhondda Cynon Taf is a finite resource and it is clear that it cannot accommodate the growth requirements of the County Borough. The development of brownfield and greenfield land will therefore be necessary to the strategy of the Plan.

4.44

An important element of the strategy is the use of settlement boundaries to establish a settlement hierarchy. Settlement boundaries provide certainty for members of the public and developers about the development limits of urban areas, they maintain the integrity and character of towns and villages and protect the countryside from incremental urbanisation. The LDP however, takes a different approach to the operation of settlement boundaries in the Northern and Southern Strategy Areas. In the Northern Strategy Area, except the Principal Town of Aberdare, Policy NSA 12 provides for development both within and subject to site-specific considerations, adjacent to the defined settlement boundaries. In the Southern Strategy Area Policy SSA 13 states that development will only be permitted within defined boundaries. This approach recognises the important role that the development of small sites has played in ensuring the provision of new housing in the Northern Strategy Area. Development will not be permitted in either the Northern or Southern Strategy Areas in small settlements that do not have defined settlement boundaries.

4.45

Proposals for the development of the Strategic Sites are contained in Policy CS 3. Details of the non-Strategic Sites are contained in Appendix 1.

4.46

Of major importance to the strategy is the delivery of affordable housing. The Local Housing Market Assessment (2006) shows that a significant proportion of the County Borough’s population are unable to meet their housing needs through the private housing market. The Assessment indicates that 870 affordable units per annum need to be provided in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the period 2007-12 to meet this requirement. The LHMA comments that ‘the figure of 870 represents the scale of the affordable housing problem in Rhondda Cynon Taf and not the scale of the solution. It is clear that at least in the short-term need is unlikely to be met and therefore the Council should consider a range of options to increase the supply of affordable housing.

4.47

Whilst the planning system will not make up this shortfall in total it will play an important role in meeting this need. Through the LDP the Council will expand opportunities to maximise the provision of affordable housing in respect of both social rented and low cost housing for sale. This will be achieved by establishing appropriate arrangements for sites, promoting the re-use / rehabilitation of existing older housing stock and allowing the development of sites solely for affordable housing in the countryside.

4.48

Whilst the Council recognises the importance of securing affordable housing, this must be achieved in a manner which balances the social, economic and environmental needs of the communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The findings of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Affordable Housing Viability Study (2009) make clear that such an approach would impact significantly upon the operations of the housing market and therefore the process of regeneration in the County Borough. The planning system will seek to deliver approximately 1770 affordable units over a 15 year plan period. This approach will deliver approximately 415 new affordable dwellings in the Northern Strategy Area and 1355 in the Southern Strategy Area. The delivery of affordable housing is dependent upon a number of on site and off site factors and for this reason the figure of 1700 is an indicative target.

4.49

The provision of affordable housing, by means outside the planning process, through the application of social housing grant is expected to continue over the plan period. Over the period 2004–2009 the Council has provided an average of 40 affordable dwellings per annum. Projected forward over the plan period this could generate an additional 600 affordable dwellings.

4.50

Further information in respect of this issue is contained in the Affordable Housing Target Background Paper (2010). Guidance in relation to the provision of affordable housing is contained in the Supplementary Planning Guidance on Affordable Housing.

4.51

The Council in partnership with Registered Social Landlords will seek to provide the remainder of the deficit by bringing existing under used stock back into beneficial use and through operation of social housing grant.

4.52

The Council recognises that securing affordable housing must be carefully balanced against other policy requirements contained in the Plan.

4.53

The strategy recognises that in order to address some of the serious socio-economic problems in Rhondda Cynon Taf a progressive approach must be taken in the development of land for economic purposes. The LDP therefore allocates 51 hectares of land on two Strategic Sites to meet regional need and 47 hectares of land on a range of small / medium sites to meet local employment need. The approach is intended to maximise the opportunity for large-scale inward investment whilst ensuring growth in the local employment sector.

4.54

Through the LDP the Council will seek the development of a business environment that delivers a strong and diverse economy; quality, well paid jobs, and addresses problems of economic inactivity. The key sectors for employment growth in Rhondda Cynon Taf are:-
• Built Environment;
• Social Enterprise;
• High Tech Manufacturing;
• Knowledge Based Industries.

4.55

There have been recent changes in the economy of Rhondda Cynon Taf that are likely to have an impact upon employment land sites. These include decreasing employment in manufacturing sectors; increasing levels of employment in construction; distribution, hotels & restaurants; transport & communications; banking, finance & insurance; and public administration, education & health. Forecasts predict a continued fall in manufacturing employment and continued increase in employment in the service sector. A key issue is to ensure that the changing needs of businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf are reflected in the supply of employment sites throughout the County Borough.

4.56

Recent studies have established that the overall supply of employment land is healthy. The current supply does not however, meet future needs, in terms of:
• Type of employment sites and units available;
• Meeting the demand from micro-businesses;
• The quality of office space, including town centre provision.

4.57

Concerns also exist regarding the redundant nature of industrial space –the ‘large box syndrome’ of provision built during the 1980s; the perceived poor environment of some employment sites including difficult accessibility in many areas and a mismatch of supply around the M4 area. Where appropriate, proposals to modernise redundant sites, including the subdivision of large premises to create smaller units, will be supported. The LDP recognises the role of existing employment sites in meeting employment needs. The redevelopment and modernisation of existing employment sites to help them meet the changing employment needs of the market is fully supported.

4.58

In identifying different types of employment sites, the Council will ensure that a range of enterprises and employment uses can be accommodated within the County Borough over the life of the plan. It will ensure that sites are well related in relation to existing settlements and infrastructure, in order to utilise existing physical and social infrastructure, reduce the need to travel and provide job opportunities for all.

4.59

The LDP recognises the role of Rhondda Cynon Taf in the Capital Region and that the provision of appropriate land for employment, housing and transport development is integral to the success of the wider region. Developments such as the Dragon Film Studios in Llanharan, the proposed International Business Park near Junction 33 of the M4 and the Training Centre for the Combined Armed Forces at RAF St Athan, will have regional economic benefits. The LDP will look to support these developments and ensure that the County Borough benefits from the opportunities they will deliver. The Strategic Sites at Mwyndy and Hirwaun have the potential to make a significant contribution to the economic development of the wider region and employment allocations on these sites have been identified to support regional economic initiatives. In considering major planning applications at strategic sites which raise cross-boundary issues, the Council will consult with affected adjoining Local Planning Authorities to ensure that potential cross boundary issues are identified and addressed.

4.60

A range of sites have been identified throughout the County Borough to provide employment opportunities for those who do not require major employment sites. These sites will accommodate smaller-scale uses and users that require traditional industrial estate locations. Local sites will encourage new and start up-business growth and could accommodate new waste facilities.

4.61

There are no Simplified Planning Zones (SPZs) identified or proposed within the LDP. The Council will keep under review the desirability of introducing such a scheme for part or parts of the County Borough.

4.62

Details of the Strategic Sites are contained in policies NSA 4 to NSA 8 and policies SSA 7 to SSA 9. Details of each of the non-strategic sites are contained in Appendix 1.

4.63

The objective of the LDP core strategy are three fold:-

• To reduce the leakage of retail expenditure from Rhondda Cynon Taf to the wider region;
• To strengthen the role of retail centres in the Principal Towns and Key Settlements, and
• To provide retail development intended to meet local need in sustainable locations.

4.64

The Retail Capacity Assessment (2007) indicates that there is a quantitative need for 2,507m2 net convenience and 21,770m2 net comparison goods retail floor space in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the plan period in addition to those that are committed.

4.65

The proposed total additional net convenience (food) floorspace is between 7,550 and 10,050 m2 net. The different figures reflect the options available under policy SSA 15.1. This is greater than the (tentative) quantitative need assessment of 2,507 m2 net by 2021, but the absolute difference is not considered to be excessive and is considered to be justified in qualitative terms. Approximately half of the additional net floor space is proposed to be in the Strategic Site 7: Mwyndy / Talbot Green, where a specific need to decongest existing convenience (food) provision in the Principal Town centre has been identified. The remainder comprises modest proposals considered essential to strengthen the retail status of three of the Key Settlements, thereby minimising the need for local residents to travel for convenience (food) shopping.

4.66

The proposed total additional comparison (non-food) floorspace is between 24,350 and 28,850m2 net. The different figures reflect the options available under policy SSA 15.1. The largest proportion of the proposed additional floor space is in Strategic Site 7: Mwyndy / Talbot Green, in a development to be designed with the characteristics of a town centre, and limited in size to prevent unacceptable impacts on other Principal Town centres. A significant proportion of the additional comparison (non-food) floor space is in Pontypridd, either in the in-centre Riverside scheme or at the edge of centre Brown Lenox site. Either site would enhance the retail status of the principal town centre. Another significant proportion comprises modest proposals that are considered essential to strengthen the retail status of three Key Settlements. These would meet a qualitative need to minimise travel for convenience (food) shopping.

4.67

The quantitative needs identified are in addition to the those retail developments which already have planning permission but have yet to be fully implemented. These schemes include:

• Land at Riverside Retail Park, Aberdare - The site has planning permission for approximately 13,000m2 net comparison (non-food) retail floorspace, and
• Land at Taff Street (Precinct Site), Pontypridd - Planning permission has been granted for 2,893m2 of net sales floorspace (Riverside scheme).

4.68

Proposals for edge of centre / out of town retail developments will be assessed in accordance with guidance contained in Planning Policy Wales.

4.69

It must be noted that should planning permission for a site lapse before the consent is implemented, applications to renew that planning approval will be assessed against the policies in the LDP.

4.70

Proposals for the development of the Strategic Sites are contained in policies NSA 4 to NSA 8 and policies SSA 7 to SSA 8. Details of the non-Strategic Sites are contained in Appendix 1.

4.71

The distinctive geography of Rhondda Cynon Taf has created a linear communications network. Transportation links tend to follow the valleys, with access across the plateau being more difficult. The major roads, particularly the M4, A470 and A4119 provide access to Cardiff and South East Wales. Access to Swansea and West Wales is provided by the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road. Internal linkages in Rhondda Cynon Taf however, can be more problematic with congested residential streets and town centres, which are unsuitable for heavy traffic.

4.72

During the plan period the following committed Transportation scheme will be completed: -
• A465 Abergavenny / Hirwaun Dualling

4.73

In many parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf major routes continue to run through residential areas resulting in environmental and safety problems as well as leading to traffic congestion. As long as there are economic, environmental and safety problems resulting from the existing road network, a road construction programme will continue to be an essential element of the overall transportation strategy. The Council will seek to ensure that the construction of new roads is undertaken in a manner which balances the socio economic benefits with the environmental impact of construction.

4.74

The South East Wales Transport Alliance Regional Transport Plan identifies four major road schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf as priority schemes for implementation during the period 2008 – 23. These schemes are as follows:
• Church Village Bypass (Completed);
• Gelli / Treorchy Relief Road;
• A4119 Ynysmaerdy to Talbot Green Relief Road, and
• A4059 Aberdare Bypass Extension.

4.75

Development throughout the County Borough will be directed to locations that offer a choice of modes of transportation. Particular importance will be placed on ensuring that development both supports and, where necessary, contributes towards the development of a modern integrated transport system. As a result, development proposals on sites capable of accommodating five dwellings or more / 1,000 m2 net commercial floor space within the A4119 / A473, A470 / A4059 and A4059 / A465 Corridors will be required to contribute to the development of a strategic corridor management system, improvements to the highway network and key junctions, public transport enhancements and park and ride / park and share provision as well as walking and cycling infrastructure. The objective of the strategic transport management system is to ensure the provision of highway improvements necessary to deliver allocated sites and to ensure that the growth proposed by the LDP has no adverse impact on the highway network. This approach will allow the Council to manage and minimise traffic growth within the County Borough and respond to change in the wider region.

4.76

The Council recognises that securing new highway infrastructure must be carefully balanced against other policy requirements contained in the plan.

4.77

Details of each of the proposed schemes are contained in Appendix 1.

4.78

Further guidance in respect of the identified strategic transportation corridors is contained in Supplementary Planning Guidance on Access, Parking and Circulation and on Planning Obligations.

4.79

In accordance with National Planning Guidance and the Regional Waste Plan (RWP), the Council will seek to promote the reduction, re-use and recycling of materials in order to reduce land take-up for waste facilities. The RWP estimates that the total land area required in Rhondda Cynon Taf for both regional and sub-regional new waste facilities by 2013 ranges between 12.5 and 21.7 hectares depending on the type of waste management / resource recovery facility involved.

4.80

Existing and allocated B2 employment sites are also considered appropriate locations for new waste facilities to accommodate the range and size of facility types identified within the RWP. The identification of allocated and existing B2 employment sites as suitable in principle for waste management facilities, represents a substantial choice of sites compared with the maximum estimated need of 21.7 hectares of land which the RWP calculates will be required for such facilities.

4.81

With regard to accommodating a range of facility types of different sizes, the Employment Land Review has identified 80 existing employment sites with a B2 use. Taken together with the allocations within the LDP, it is considered that there is a sufficient range of sites available to contribute to an overall network of facilities. (Details of employment site allocations are provided in Appendix 1, part b) The location of such employment sites throughout the plan area is therefore considered sufficient to meet identified needs at a sub-regional level and will permit the provision of both open-air and in-building facilities.

4.82

Advances in technology and the introduction of new legislation, policies and practices mean that many in-building modern waste management / resource recovery facilities on the outside look no different to any other industrial building. On the inside, they contain industrial de-manufacturing processes or energy generation activities that are no different to many other modern industrial processes in terms of their operation and impact.

4.83

In line with the Regional Waste Plan (RWP) that provision should be made for regional waste management facilities to serve more than one local authority area, 2 sites have been identified for such provision: Hirwaun Industrial Estate and land at the existing Bryn Pica Landfill Site. Both sites are well located in relation to the strategic highway network and are accessible within the plan area and to the wider region.

4.84

It is important that new development delivered through this LDP, recognises the issues raised by former mining uses and how they can be positively addressed through new development. Land instability and mining legacy is not a complete constraint on the new development, rather because mining legacy matters have been addressed, the new development is safe, stable and sustainable. The aim of the LDP is on tackling such issues for the benefit of local communities.

4.85

In relation to CS 9.2 it is essential that the all proposals for development at the site are fully informed by the constraints imposed by the nearby SAC and areas of high biodiversity significance (SINC). The detailed environmental implications of any specific proposals will need to be individually assessed and, where appropriate, proposals will need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement and Habitats Regulations Assessment. Proposals for development will be carefully assessed for their effect on the SAC and SINC.

4.86

The proximity of the National Park and the relationship of any new development with it will be important considerations in assessing proposals for waste related uses under policy CS 9.2.

4.87

Proposals for development will be carefully assessed for their effect on the interests the National Park is designated to protect.

4.88

Waste management development in Hirwaun Industrial Estate will be limited to in-building facilities to minimise visual and ecological impact. Open-air waste management facilities can be accommodated at the Bryn Pica site in view of its existing use as an operating waste facility.

4.89

It should be noted that in identifying Hirwaun Industrial Estate as a suitable site for waste management facilities, it is not the intention that the employment uses at the site should cease. The Council will continue to support the employment use of the site and any proposals for alternative uses will be considered in accordance with AW 11.

4.90

The extraction of mineral resources raises issues of wide ranging importance. Minerals impact upon all aspects of our lives, providing resources for construction, roads, energy and our household and commercial needs.

4.91

Quarrying and mining extraction can have major impacts upon the environment and landscape and yet are crucial to the nation’s economy.

4.92

The LDP minerals policies will balance the need for the safeguarding of nationally, regionally and locally important mineral resources whilst considering their appropriate extraction against the potential impact of such development on residential and sensitive occupiers, the landscape and on sites of nature conservation interest.

4.93

It is important that new development delivered through the LDP, recognizes the issues raised by former mining uses and how these issues can be positively addressed. Land stability and mining legacy are not necessarily constraints to redevelopment. Once mining legacy matters have been addressed, the new development will therefore be safe, stable and sustainable.

4.94

National Planning Policy and advice relating to the supply, safeguarding and extraction of minerals are specifically outlined in Minerals Planning Policy Wales, Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates and Technical Advice Note 2: Coal.

4.95

National guidance identifies the need to consider the effect of extraction proposals in areas of high nature conservation value, as well as within landscapes of recognised importance.

4.96

Further consideration is given as to where extraction is deemed inappropriate with regards to its effect on residential areas and other sensitive development uses. National policy in respect of aggregates, describes distances from mineral operations where residential and other sensitive use developments may not take place. These principles also apply to the restriction of aggregate extraction within these prescribed distances from settlements i.e. no Sandstone or Limestone extraction within 200 metres of settlements and no Sand and Gravel extraction within 100 metres of settlements. With regards to Coal, national policy prevents its extraction within 500 metres of settlements.

4.97

There is, however, some scope identified within national guidance where exceptional circumstances of a particular proposal may allow for the reduction in the above standard distances.

4.98

Any minerals planning applications would also be subject to a range of area wide policies and their objectives throughout the LDP. These policies include AW 4, AW 5, AW 8 and AW 10. Applications would also be considered against any site specific land allocations in the LDP.

4.99

‘Settlements’ are recognised by the LDP as those areas with identified Settlement Boundaries and other established settlements of 10 units or more (A list of these settlements without Settlement Boundaries is contained in Appendix 1.F). Smaller settlements, other sensitive land uses and individual buildings will also be subject to national and local policy considerations.

4.100

A Minerals Background Paper has been prepared for the LDP to outline current and future minerals circumstances in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Further detail on the landbank process, safeguarding intentions and buffer zones, amongst other minerals issues, are set out in this Paper.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan up to 2021 - Adopted March 2011