Ynyshir residents get community opportunity at St Anne’s
Newydd Housing Association has decided to take a step back from their proposed St Anne’s Church housing development to give residents a chance to put forward proposals for a community facility at the property.
The proposed scheme of 18 one and two bedroom apartments, including two that are adapted for people with specific housing needs, would mean that St Anne’s Church, owned by the Church in Wales, would be demolished.
The application for 18 affordable homes at St Anne’s Church, Ynyshir was reported back to the Rhondda Cynon Taff Council Planning and Development Committee meeting on 4th July 2019 after a site visit at the beginning of June. Committee Members expressed their intent to refuse it contrary to the officer recommendation to approve the proposals.
Following on from this decision by the Committee and considering the evidence put forward by residents against the proposed housing development, Newydd has made the decision not to appeal the verdict at this stage.
Paul Roberts, Chief Executive at Newydd Housing Association said, “We could take forward an appeal against this decision, however, after careful consideration we have decided as an organisation to step back and give the local community the opportunity to put forward proposals to the Church in Wales for a community facility at St Anne’s Church. We recognise the importance of listening to residents before making decisions and feel this is the right way forward.”
“We would like to reiterate that our opinion on the need for affordable homes in the area has not changed. If there is no viable option for community use at St Anne’s Church, we would be interested in revisiting the opportunity of providing affordable homes at this Church in Wales site.”
