A housing association has submitted official proposals to transform a children’s nursery and an unused gaming venue in Ystrad Mynach into two dozen apartments.

Wales and West Housing contends the town lacks affordable dwellings, and clearing the structures on Bedwlwyn Road would create a prompt chance to deliver residences that are desperately required.

Local householders have expressed disapproval of the scheme, citing insufficient private parking provision and warning that the construction would exacerbate parking difficulties in neighbouring streets.

Approximately five dozen residents gathered at a community gathering in January to raise objections, suggesting it would be foolish to assume local roads could handle motor vehicles for 24 additional households.

Caerphilly Senedd representative Lindsay Whittle supported demands for reconsideration of plans he suggested would generate parking difficulties throughout Ystrad Mynach.

Predictably, concerns about parking and vehicle movement dominated discussions during preliminary community engagement held earlier this year.

The applicant has defended its position, claiming sufficient parking exists nearby the development site.

In documentation examining consultation responses, prepared by LRM Planning Ltd on behalf of the developer, it is explained that each proposed one-bedroom flat would need a single parking space, which represents reduced demand compared to the site’s existing authorised use.

The applicant noted that the nursery and shuttered bingo hall would need up to 76 parking spaces to satisfy planning requirements when operational.

The submission also highlighted that flat dwellers and social housing tenants typically own far fewer vehicles than the general population, and the Bedwlwyn Road scheme would probably generate particularly minimal car ownership, creating negligible parking demand.

The developer stressed the development boasts excellent environmentally friendly transport options, with several public transport routes accessible within a short walk.

Residents will now have another opportunity to share their opinions on the scheme.

The proposal remains open for public feedback and can be examined on Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning portal using reference 26/0199/FULL.