The property developer for the Coed Darcy housing estate near Neath has submitted an application to Neath Port Talbot Council for outline planning permission to build 1,800 new homes.
St. Modwen Developments registered the new planning application earlier this week, covering around 316 acres of the former 1000-acre BP oil refinery near Llandarcy.
Aside from 1,800 sustainable and low-carbon homes, the application also includes land for a new school, commercial activities and employed uses, as well as large areas of public open space and landscaping.
The application is the result of two years of research by the developer to create a revised master plan for the Coed Darcy housing estate.
This plan has been brought forward by the property developer in consultation with current residents who want to see new facilities in the area as soon as possible.
Working with planning consultants, Savills, a formal pre-application consultation was undertaken during October last year to provide a formal opportunity for residents to share their views on the plan.
A website was created to enable the public and statutory consultees to view and comment on the draft planning application documents.
A paper copy was also available at Skewen Library on Evelyn Road, Skewen.
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Planning permission was granted in 2008 when St. Modwen first acquired the site to build the 4000-home village with completion expected to take 25 years.
In June 2020, Neath Port Talbot Council gave St Modwen permission to expand Coed Darcy with dates set for the opening of new schools, affordable housing and a GP surgery.
So far, around 300 houses have been built and some residents have been living at Coed Darcy, located off Junction 43 of the M4 near Swansea, for almost a decade with no local facilities.
The most common requests from residents have included pedestrian and cycle routes, a café, a shop, a community hub, green spaces and more on-site activities.
The developer has said it is committed to delivering all of these aspects as part of the masterplan over the next few years.
Rob Williams, managing director of major projects, said: “The pandemic has changed the way people think about their living space, community areas and the importance of work-life balance.
“Our new master plan focuses on the principles of creating a ‘15-minute neighbourhood’, with the community able to access many daily needs within a short distance of their homes.”
He added: “While the scheme has evolved from the original planning consent, our vision for Coed Darcy remains just as ambitious and just as innovative. It will be more relevant and deliverable for the needs of the area, more sustainable, and aspires to be an exemplar for Wales.”
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