A plan to construct affordable flats on the location where a hotel once stood in Ebbw Vale is expected to receive the green light.
However, this approval hinges on the developers signing legal contracts with Blaenau Gwent council regarding the proposals.
The application from Rhondda Developments SPV1 Limited to create residential accommodation at the former County Hotel on Western Terrace in Ebbw Vale will be considered by councillors at the county borough council’s planning committee on Thursday, March 26.
The developer intends to construct 20 single-bedroom homes designed for two occupants and six two-bedroom residences suitable for three people.
An underground area beneath the proposed building would accommodate 14 vehicle spaces, 33 cycle storage areas for residents and an additional eight cycle spots for visitors.
Although this falls short of the ideal parking allocation for the development, planning consultants Asbri Planning Ltd have stated there is adequate capacity in the nearby vicinity through on-street parking and public car parks to manage any additional vehicle demand.
The document noted the scheme would deliver 26 affordable homes consisting of one and two-bedroom apartments, making a modest but essential addition to affordable housing supply within the borough as required by the Local Development Plan.
Regarding parking arrangements, the Team Manager Built Development confirmed that due to the sustainable location near local amenities and public transport options, the reduced car parking provision is deemed acceptable and meets the adopted access, parking and design Special Planning Guidance standards.
The document added that while the proposed parking is considered adequate for the development, the Team Manager Built Development also recognised that any occasional excess demand could be accommodated on nearby streets or in public car parks, as demonstrated in the submitted transport assessment.
As a result, county planning officers will advise councillors to approve the scheme as it will make a valuable contribution to the council’s affordable housing stock.
County planning officers will require the developers to enter a section 106 agreement covering two matters.
Firstly, to verify the development consists of affordable homes.
Secondly, to contribute £18,720 towards enhancing the Newtown play area within the ward.
This means councillors will also consider a third element of the recommendation.
This involves granting development services manager Steve Smith delegated authority to reject the application if the section 106 agreement remains incomplete after six months.
The County Hotel was torn down following a fire that destroyed the building in 2008.