The next phase of the Tylorstown Landslip project proposes to remediate the remaining tip on the hillside – and residents can now access more details and have their say on this upcoming work in a public consultation.
The landslip occurred on the Llanwonno hillside during the unprecedented weather of Storm Dennis in February 2020. Around 60,000 cubic metres of spoil material slipped – blocking the river valley, damaging a foul sewer, covering a strategic water main and covering a shared footpath/cycle path.
Current progress towards Remediation Plan
Significant progress has since been made towards a four-phase Remediation Plan, including initial emergency drainage and clearance work (Phase One), embankment scour repairs (Phase Two, by June 2021), moving material to the receptor sites and reinstatement of paths (Phase Three, by June 2021).
Additional work to stabilise the slope, which focused on the north-east valley mountain side above the remaining closed path, followed Phase Three. It started on site in summer 2021 and was completed by the end of the year.
Phase Four consultation – making the hillside safe
Phase Four proposes to move the majority of tip material to a flat area of land on the top of the mountain where the material will be spread out and landscaped. Remaining material on the hillside will then be regraded, with a drainage system put in place to manage water flows. The work will safely restore the hillside and re-establish vegetation on the receptor site, which will be carefully managed in the future.
An engagement exercise is now open for residents to have their say on the proposals, and it will run until Wednesday, February 2. Residents can now view the latest plans and supporting material for Phase Four and access a survey, with all feedback helping to shape the Council’s planning submission.
Virtual consultation meetings hosted by project officers are also proposed to take place on Monday, January 17. Details on the timings for these events, and how to register your interest, is included on the consultation homepage.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “It has now been almost two years since Storm Dennis brought severe and unprecedented weather to Rhondda Cynon Taf, causing the major landslip in Tylorstown. Rectifying the damage, as well as working towards making the area safe for the future, remains a priority for the Council.
“Over the past two years significant progress has been made at the site – from initial drainage and clearance work in the weeks following the landslip to removing all slipped material from the valley floor, realigning the river at this location, and reinstating two of the paths that run through the area. The most recent activity, which was completed before Christmas, saw an additional phase of work to stabilise the slope above the one remaining closed footpath.
“Residents can now have their say on the next phase of work, concerning the removal of the remaining spoil material from the hillside. The Council is now hosting a Pre Application Consultation to inform its planning application, which will be formally submitted for consideration. Residents are welcome to view the plans in detail, have their say via a survey, or register interest for public events which are proposed to be held virtually due to the latest position in the pandemic.
“I’d urge interested residents to find out more about Phase Four, and have their say before the consultation deadline on Wednesday, February 2.”
