Caerphilly County Borough Council has submitted an application for prior approval to demolish 23 properties at Hafodyrynys hill.

The Council will shortly be going out to tender for the demolition works , with actual demolition of the buildings likely to commence around mid to late July, however this is dependent on receiving all relevant permissions . The Council will be working with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to agree ecological mitigation for the area to ensure the local environment and existing habitats are protected.

Plans are being developed to begin demolition from the rear / side of the properties to reduce lane closures on the A472 as much as possible, thereby minimising disruption.

In July 2020 Welsh Government endorsed plans submitted by the Council to improve air quality at Hafodyrynys, which included the demolition of dwellings at Woodside Terrace. The compulsory purchase of these properties at 150% was agreed by the council’s Cabinet in 2019.

The scheme will reduce the high levels of pollution and have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the remaining residents on the northern side of the A472, the wider community and those travelling through the area.

Cllr Philippa Marsden, Leader of the council said, “This next stage in the process will enable us to begin implementing our plans to help improve air quality along this key strategic route.

“We are keen to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for residents and those travelling along this route and we hope our approach to demolishing from the rear /side of the properties will mitigate any impacts. However, some disruption will be inevitable at some points during the process and we thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding.”