THE flood risk at a proposed key site for development in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been cited by Welsh Government as one of the reasons it does not conform with policy.
Welsh Government was responding to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s consultation on its preferred strategy for the replacement Local Development Plan and said it is of the opinion that Key Site Four known as Llanilltud Faerdref (Ystrad Barwig)/Efail Isaf is “not in general conformity” with Future Wales: The National Development Framework.
It said the preferred strategy is silent on the flood risk issues associated with the development of the site.
The Welsh Government said the land (in part) is located within flood zone three where highly vulnerable development, which includes residential units, is not considered acceptable and where plan allocations must not be made.
It said national policy on flood risk is clear in this respect and does not support this key allocation in a national growth area.
Welsh Government said the Ystrad Barwig site has been refused planning permission previously on this matter and it is unclear as to what has changed to make it acceptable now.
It also said that whilst the preferred strategy highlights new pedestrian and cycle access links will need to be incorporated into the development, the description of measures is “too broad and generic” and lacks the detailed understanding necessary to support this key allocation in a national growth area.
And Welsh Government said there also appears to be a “misalignment” between the strategy and the council’s own settlement hierarchy.
It said the site is located in Efail Isaf, which is within the lower tier three smaller settlements, which the plan identifies to support to meet local needs, adding it is unclear how the large-scale development proposed aligns with the council’s own sustainable settlement hierarchy.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been contacted for comment.
