Cabinet has received an update on several major projects within the Llanilid Strategic Opportunity Area (SOA), being delivered across the public and private sectors as part of a framework for major investment in the region.
On Monday, December 13, Cabinet Members considered a report on the progress made since Llanilid was designated as one of five SOAs in Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2017, due its potential for economic growth. Progress has been made in the area despite challenges brought by Brexit and the pandemic. The projects included are outlined below:
Persimmon Homes are currently implementing planning permission for the delivery of 1,850 new homes and a number of other new amenities for the village – including a primary school, medical centre, food store, retail units and offices. So far, 108 homes have been completed, while plans for the new primary school are being consulted upon with a view to formally seeking approval soon.
Discussions are ongoing about the form and content of new health facilities within the village. Several positive meetings have been held between the project team and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, to discuss issues such as land requirements and timescales. The local GP practice has committed to moving into the new facility, while a report identifying potential procurement routes and Welsh Government funding processes is being prepared.
The Llanharan Link Road is essential to the delivery of the projects in the Llanilid area, and has received support from Welsh Government’s Local Transport Grant Fund. The Council has committed more than £4.1m to the project. The Council recently undertook two public consultation events which were well-received and a planning application will be submitted in due course.
The western section of the road has already been constructed, the middle section (up to and including the proposed roundabout at the southern end of Enterprise Way) will be delivered by Persimmon Homes in connection with its residential development, and the eastern section (from Enterprise Way to the A473 east of Llanharan service station) will be delivered by the Council.
The studios complex was acquired by Dragon Studios in 2018 – and has gone from strength to strength. There has been significant investment in its facilities, and it is the only purpose-built film and TV studio in Wales with a significant and unique ‘back lot’ space. The facility was recently used to produce Sky TV drama ‘A Brave New World’ and is currently occupied for the production of a sequel to the film ‘Willow’ for Disney/Lucasfilms.
Council Officers are currently involved in pre-application discussions around a major expansion of Dragon Studios – including new sound stages, offices and workshops – with a view to planning permission being sought in the near future. Discussions are ongoing with the University of South Wales and further education colleges to establish clear links to deliver skills and training for the full range of roles related to these high value productions. The Council is also working with the studio to ensure that public rights of way in the area are enhanced for the benefit of the community.
Monday’s Cabinet report also outlined that a masterplan is being developed for the southern half of the SOA (250 hectares of reclaimed former opencast site). It has the capacity to accommodate 18 hectares of employment land, 3,500 new homes, and a range of education, retail and recreation facilities. It will promote climate resilience as well as active and healthy lifestyles, with a strong emphasis on robust public transport, walking and cycling routes. These plans will be subject to the necessary planning process including full public consultation.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “The progress update shared with Cabinet on Monday presented the latest position on a number of key projects within the Llanilid Strategic Opportunity Area, which represents the only investment site of its scale in the Cardiff Capital Region area. It is important to add that the area concerns Brownfield land for development.
“The framework for delivering the major projects has a number of key aims –job creation, attracting new businesses, providing much-needed homes for the area and improving connectivity. Sustainability is also a major consideration, as the Council works with the public, private and third sector to deliver a strategically-important area where people want to work, live and visit.
“The report updates that Persimmon Homes have already delivered more than 100 new houses, and discussions are taking place with the health board in relation to the health/medical provision earmarked for the site. The Llanharan Link Road has recently had a public consultation including two local events, while Dragon Studios is a prestigious asset to the area with future investment plans.
“Council Officers are also working with the consortium of landowners to ensure plans for the former opencast site – located to the south of the Llanilid area – deliver on what is important to Rhondda Cynon Taf. The masterplan will include major tree and landscape planting, a sustainable system for water management, and enhanced biodiversity – all priorities in our Climate Change commitments. Exemplar public transport and active travel opportunities will be placed at the heart of the masterplan, to promote a healthy way of living.”
Posted on 16/12/2021