Planning permission has been granted, subject to approval by Welsh Ministers, for a flagship housing development in Pontllanfraith; bringing much needed affordable homes to the area in the future.
Approval for the Chartist Garden Village development was given during a remote meeting of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Planning Committee, held today (Wednesday 8thJuly). Councillors were assured that the development would not encroach onto the Harold Finch Memorial Park, which is located adjacent to the site, or the protected nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Chartist Garden Village is an exciting collaboration between the council and the Pobl Group which will result in an attractive development on the former Pontllanfraith House council offices site comprising up to 125 homes – of these approx..83 (two thirds of the development) will be affordable.
The development will follow the ‘garden village’ concept, with timeless arts and crafts style homes, designed to enhanced space standards, built around a landscape of street trees, grass verges and open green spaces.
Planning Committee initially considered the Chartist Garden Village proposals on 17thJune where a decision was taken to defer the application, and for officers to provide additional information in response to concerns around the potential loss of green space. A report was subsequently provided and approved, reconfirming that the development would not encroach on either the Local Nature Reserve or Sir Harold Finch Memorial Park.
The report also demonstrated the significant levels of housing need in the area, combined with the commitment from Pobl to deliver affordable housing on the development at a level exceeding the council’s policy requirements.
Cllr Lisa Phipps, the council’s Cabinet Member for Homes, Places and Tourism, said “Delivering high quality affordable housing is a key priority for the council; Chartist Garden Village will offer a range of housing options for local people on a flagship development and in a prime location.
As well as affordable housing, the council’s partnership with Pobl also presents the potential for wider investment in the local economy, including the creation of jobs and training opportunities.”
Neil Taylor, Head of Development (East) at Pobl, added “We are proud to collaborate with Caerphilly Council on this flagship scheme. Our vision is to create a modern garden village with a real sense of place and community, using good design principles and by enhancing the existing green infrastructure.
Chartist Garden Village will offer a blend of housing options including approximately two thirds affordable homes, including social rent and shared ownership homes, as well as outright sale homes. We have also incorporated sustainable urban drainage features into the design increasing the amount of green spaces and naturalistic play areas.”
