What about parking?
In line with planning policy, all of the new properties would have to have dedicated parking allocated.

This to ensure any development would not have a detrimental effect on the existing parking situation. Each proposed property is allocated one parking space per bedroom (up to a maximum of three parking spaces).

Existing parking bays would be redesigned, with new formalised parking spaces provided in their place for the use of the existing local residents.

If it passed planning, the proposed development would result in an INCREASE of parking provision available for general use by the local residents.

Is it true the space is common land?
No, the land has been in Tai Tarian’s ownership since stock transfer from the local authority in 2011. Retention and maintenance of the park was not mandatory, but the decision was taken by Tai Tarian keep the playground open.

Is the space a designated landing site for the Air Ambulance?
As part of the planning process, emergency services will be consulted and given the opportunity to comment. We will also look into this in more detail during the consultation process. 

What about the drainage?​
Any development would have to comply with the Welsh Government's Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) policy.

This ensures that the project is harmoniously integrated with existing drainage infrastructure, mitigating flood risks and promoting sustainable water management.

By adhering to SUDS guidelines, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and community safety. We would ensure the development not only provides much-needed housing but also enhances local resilience to climate change impacts.

The drains regularly get blocked. Won’t additional homes add to this problem?
From the investigations we have already completed, we can see there is an existing blockage in the drainage network which we will clear to complete the survey work.

The sustainable drainage legislation will deal with the on-site management of water and if necessary, Welsh Water may insist on upgrading elements of the current drainage network if necessary.

Nearby homes already experience low water pressure. Won’t additional homes add to this problem?
Welsh Water will need to carry out a modelling assessment. If it is determined the development would cause issues, we would be required to carry out measures such as installing a designated pumping station for the site or contributing to an upgrade of infrastructure.

What about the playground?
The existing playground at the proposed Brynna Road development would be retained and upgraded, ensuring that it continues to serve as a valuable recreational space for the community.

The surrounding green spaces will also be enhanced to provide a more enjoyable and biodiverse environment.

While the plan is to keep the playground open for as long as possible during the construction period, it may be necessary to close it for a short period to ensure the safety and welfare of children and families.

These short-term temporary closures will be carefully managed and communicated to minimise disruption and ensure that the playground remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Who could live here?
We currently have over 5000 applicants on our waiting list for homes. These include a range of single applicants, couples, and families with children. Due to the current housing crisis and shortage of housing supply in Neath Port Talbot, we have seen a big increase in the numbers of people making an application for housing with us.

With this proposed development being mainly houses, the allocation of these properties would be to families with children. The proposed adapted properties in this development would be allocated to applicants who would have a health requirement for that adaptation.  The two walk up apartments, and one bed bungalows would be allocated to a single person or a couple.

The local school already seems overcrowded, and it’s difficult to get a GP appointment. Won’t extra residents add additional strain on local services?
This is considered as part of the planning process. Permission could include a requirement for the developer to contribute financially to local services such as schools.

How will the roads cope with lorries delivering the heavy materials needed during construction?
The local planning authority requires the developer to provide a Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) to outline how any environmental impacts will be minimised. This includes the management of site traffic, vehicle access, including heavier construction vehicles.

​How will the properties be allocated?
The properties will be made available via both our Home By Choice bidding system and nominations from the local authority.

Before any applicant is offered a property their application will be thoroughly checked to ensure eligibility.

We will also meet with the potential applicants and third-party agencies to discuss the applications, before the final approval is made on an allocation for a new development property.

Could the number of houses planned be increased/decreased?
We would not increase the number of houses on the plan, but we could potentially build fewer. The current proposal is based on demand and availability.

Why Cwmavon?
Cwmavon is a sought-after area where there is a high demand for housing.

Between ourselves and Beacon Housing Association there are already 638 social homes in the village.

Last year, only nine of our properties here became available, and almost 300 people expressed an interest in them.  We currently have 1117 people on our waiting list wanting to live here.

What kind of open space assessment did we do and was this for the area, or for the whole of Cwmavon?
As part of the planning process, we have undertaken an open space assessment as defined by the local authority. This assessment concluded that there is a surplus of open space within the ward of Cwmavon. Cwmavon is also an area with a high demand for housing and we assess green- and brown-field sites with the aim of building sustainable homes.

What if I have ideas that could improve the proposed layout, and even result in saving part of the green space?
We are committed to working with the community to help improve the areas in which we operate. Please submit your ideas/feedback as part of the Pre-application consultation (PAC).