THE SITE of the old Rhondda Powerhouse which was a focal point of the Tonypandy riots of 1910 could be turned into almost 70 flats if plans are approved.
The plans are to convert the Grade II-listed engine house into 44 apartments and and build two apartment blocks with 24 apartments in Llwynypia Road, Llwynypia.
The existing Powerhouse building would be kept with only minor refurbishment works which are needed to improve its current visual appearance and to ensure the building is brought up to the current relevant safety regulations, a planning report said.
But it said that significant alterations would be needed inside to provide for the 44 apartments proposed.
The building would contain 44 self-contained apartments across the five floors made up of 34 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units.
Block A would be located between the Powerhouse and the access at the northern end of the site and contain eight self-contained two-bedroom apartments.
Block B would be in the south eastern corner of the site with 16 self-contained apartments made up of four one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units.
All the flats will be ‘open market’ with no affordable housing provision proposed as the applicant claims that the inclusion of affordable housing would mean the redevelopment scheme would not be viable.
The report said landscaped areas would be located throughout the site to provide biodiversity mitigation and enhancement and the site’s sustainable drainage system.
Several of these areas would also provide communal amenity spaces for residents.
Access to the site would be gained at the northern corner of the site off Llwynypia Road via the existing site access and there would be 60 off-street parking spaces.
The report said that the building has long been abandoned and as such, along with its grounds, is derelict and in a poor state of repair.
It is said to be in need of urgent significant renovation and improvement works if it is to survive in its current form into the future and the surrounding grounds are largely overgrown.
There was one public letter of objection which said The Rhondda Powerhouse is of national significance and is arguably the most significant industrial building in south Wales.
It said it should be developed as a resource for the whole community and its heritage preserved through meaningful regeneration.
The objector added that the area is already saturated with flats and there is no need for any more.
The report said a petition asking people to sign “if you believe the Powerhouse should be purchased by RCT and developed as a resource for regeneration for the wider community” had 562 signatures.
In recommending approval planning officers said in their report: “The existing Grade II-listed Powerhouse building is of historical importance to the Rhondda, RCT, and Wales as whole, being at the centre of an important cultural event.
“There has been little or no interest in redevelopment of the site since it was abandoned over 50 years ago. In that time the building has become derelict and a serious health and safety concern.
“Without significant repair/refurbishment works the building will likely be lost to the elements in the near future. The redevelopment scheme proposed would bring the former industrial site back into beneficial use through an appropriate, conservation-sensitive conversion that will preserve the existing building for future generations.
“It would also greatly improve the public realm in this prominent gateway location.
“There is some concern with the scale, design, and positioning of the two new apartment blocks to be created within the site. But without these ‘enabling developments’ the scheme could not come forward.”
The listed building consent report said that their design and location had been revised and, while still not ideal, were now considered acceptable in visual terms and in terms of their potential impact upon the setting of the listed building.
Another concern mentioned in the listed building consent is the impact of the sub-division on the interior of the property.
But the report said it is clear that if the building is to remain then compromises need to be made in order to provide a reasonable, viable, and acceptable future for the property.
The planning officers said there is also some concern with the proposal to exclude the provision of any affordable housing.
But they said that the viability study provided by the applicant appears appropriate and that there has been little or no interest in redevelopment of this site since the past industrial use ended adding that policy does allow for deviation in exceptional circumstances, which this case is considered to be.
The report said: “Therefore, while the lack of any affordable housing provision is regrettable, it is considered that this current proposal is the best option at this time if the building is to survive long-term, given the individual circumstances of redeveloping this site.
“It is consequently, on balance, considered the redevelopment of the site and the preservation of the important, historical building outweighs the affordable housing need in this individual circumstance.
“Finally, it is not considered there would be any undue impact to the amenity levels currently enjoyed by the closest neighbouring residents and there are no highway safety concerns. It has also been demonstrated that the impact of the scheme upon ecology and land drainage can be properly mitigated.
“It is therefore considered the application generally complies with the relevant local and national planning policies and is recommended for approval.”
A planning application and application for listed building consent is due to go before Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) planning committee on Thursday, March 6.
The listed building consent would also require approval from Cadw.
