Residents will shortly be able to have their say on the proposed Llanharan Link Road through a public consultation – to help the Council finalise its planning application, which will be formally submitted in the New Year.
The proposed project, running between the Dragon Studios roundabout and Llanharan service station, would be split into three sections for delivery.
The western section of the road has already been constructed by the previous developer, the middle section (up to and including the proposed roundabout at the southern end of Enterprise Way) will be delivered by a housing developer in connection with its own residential development, and the eastern section (from Enterprise Way to the A473 east of Llanharan service station) will be delivered by the Council.
In addition to the road, the Council is also proposing to straighten a section of highway west of Dragon Studios roundabout, known locally as Cow Corner. This will replace the existing sharp bend with a straightened alignment, and includes an active travel route for both pedestrians and cyclists to improve the walking and cycling links between Llanharan and Pencoed. The existing route does not have this provision.
The proposed scheme also includes the realignment of Llanharry Road, so it connects into the project via the roundabout at the top of Enterprise Way. The current alignment of Llanharry Road would be used as a footway/cycleway.
The upcoming Pre Application Consultation exercise will be focused on the sections of the road and additional works being developed by the Council.
The Council’s Cabinet has previously agreed that the eastern section of the road will meet the A473 to the east of Llanharan Service Station. The route was depicted in an artist’s impression video, which was published by the Council in March, that will also feature in the upcoming consultation.
Residents will be able to take part in the upcoming engagement exercise from Thursday, September 30, to Thursday, October 28. This will be a Pre Application Consultation process, so all feedback will be considered to help shape the final planning submission in 2022, for formal consideration.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The Llanharan Link Road scheme is one of the Council’s ambitious, major priority transportation infrastructure projects, alongside the A4119 dualling from Coed Ely to Ynysmaerdy and the Cynon Gateway North. The Llanharan scheme was put forward to significantly reduce local journey times and traffic congestion currently experienced through Llanharan, Dolau and Bryncae.
“The proposed project would also have significant regional benefits. It would vastly improve eastern and western connectivity, in the heart of the Llanilid/M4 Strategic Opportunity Area – which has previously been identified by the Council as a location with the potential for significant economic growth.
“Recent progress has been made by the Council, with ecological surveys, ground investigations and preliminary designs all now complete. Cabinet Members, at their recent meeting on September 21, also agreed additional funding of £2m towards the Llanharan Link Road – as part of a wider £6.5m ‘one-off’ allocation for Council Highways Investment Priorities.
“The Council has previously held community engagement events locally, so residents can have their say on the proposed project – and I’d urge residents to take part in the Pre Application Consultation from September 30 as a further opportunity to share their views. The feedback will help Officers finalise the planning submission scheduled for 2022, as we seek full permission for the major scheme to deliver major transport improvements for residents.”
The consultation is being hosted by consultants Redstart, and will be available from September 30 – here.
