Cabinet Members have approved proposals for the Council to acquire residential properties at Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl that face a severe flood risk. It follows several instances of major flooding, a previous announcement by Natural Resources Wales that possible flood risk solutions are unviable, and a subsequent period of engagement with property owners and tenants.
A report to Cabinet on Monday, February 2, recommended that Members authorise the acquisition of 1-16 Clydach Terrace (excluding 6a and 6b that are built at an elevated position and do not face a significant flood risk). It was also recommended that officers are authorised to progress preparations for the buildings’ future demolition, and to develop a public realm for the site.
The height of the main river in relation to the residential street presents a unique set of circumstances at Clydach Terrace. Considerable flooding was experienced in Storm Dennis, and to a lesser extent in Storm Bert. Much of the pavement and highway was underwater and the properties were extensively damaged, with an internal flooding level recorded at 1.96 metres. Residents have had difficulty in obtaining insurance due to its very high cost.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the flood risk management authority as the cause of flooding is the main river. In June 2025, it published an outline business case that explored all solutions, but it found no economically viable option under the UK and Welsh Government’s funding rules for flood risk management. NRW also said it cannot acquire the properties.
Following the Council’s previous decision to explore options to acquire the properties, officers have met with residents to provide assurance around support to relocate. The RCT Housing team has been in contact with residents to discuss their needs and concerns. Meanwhile, the Council has engaged an independent chartered valuer for the properties.
The valuer has agreed in principle to the Council’s proposed acquisition figures and associated costs. Cabinet Members approved all recommendations at Wednesday’s meeting.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “With Cabinet’s approval, the Council will exercise its statutory and discretionary powers to intervene in these exceptional circumstances where there is an ongoing risk to residents’ health, safety and property, due to flooding. Clydach Terrace residents faced a danger to life scenario in Storm Dennis, where flooding inside their homes reached almost two metres high. The risk of flooding is ever-increasing due to climate change, with home insurance costs unaffordable and residents facing no prospect of a resolution. This is extremely damaging to the mental health of residents, every time that wet weather is forecast. This is a unique set of circumstances at Clydach Terrace, which is why the Council has intervened.
“Natural Resources Wales is the relevant flood risk authority that has responsibility for main river flooding, and its assessment last summer found no viable option to minimising the flood risk, while there is no prospect of the organisation being able to acquire the properties. The Council has sought to act reasonably to help affected residents who continue to live with a significant flood risk. Officers have tried to strike a balance between enabling residents to acquire a similar standard of property, while not overcompensating the owners and occupiers, using Local Authority funding.
“Following Cabinet’s approval on Monday, officers will progress with the acquisition of the properties while continuing to work very closely with the local community, to fully-support the affected residents. We’d also like to thank residents at Clydach Terrace for their constructive engagement, in very difficult circumstances. Officers will also start planning future public use of the area.”
