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Final phase of Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route secures permission

Rhondda Fach Active Travel phase 5

The Planning and Development Committee has granted consent to construct Phase Five of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route. This will be the final section of the primary route, and will upgrade a 2.8km section of shared path between Ferndale and Tylorstown. 

The Council is in the process of delivering the overall route, which will create a 10km pedestrian and cycle path across the Rhondda Fach – linking several communities between Maerdy and Tylorstown. The scheme is being delivered in five phases, and a progress update is included at the bottom of this article.

Phases One, Two, Four and Five represent the primary route, with Phase Three providing a key link off the main route. Therefore, when the delivery of Phase Five begins in the future following Thursday’s planning decision, it will ensure the entire primary route is either completed or under construction.

Phase Five is proposed to continue the route from the southernmost point of Phase Four, extending between Rhondda Fach Sports Centre (Ferndale) and the Stanleytown overbridge – connecting to the Porth Relief Road community route at its southern end. This final phase of work will follow the route of the old railway line, and create links to the sports centre and Tylorstown Surgery.

The Council consulted residents on the proposals for Phase Five over several weeks between August and September 2024. This exercise gave officers local feedback on the plans, and was used to inform the final planning submission.

At their meeting on Thursday, January 16, the Planning and Development Committee agreed with officer recommendations to approve the application.

The existing Phase Five route is relatively flat, with virtually all surfaces comprised of gravel, stone and/or bare ground. The route will be upgraded with resurfacing – with minor cut, fill and levelling works necessary to maintain an acceptable width for the shared route, and to repair well-worn surfaces.

The new link to the sports centre will include a section of regrading, the replacement of a small footbridge with a culvert, and the replacement of the existing river bridge with a slightly wider upgrade. The second new link will upgrade an unmade path north of the Tylorstown Surgery Car Park to join the railway route near Lidl Supermarket – which will include some regrading work.

Phase Five also comprises necessary work to two former railway bridges – retaining the structures’ abutments and piers, while replacing the bridge decks. Details relating to the bridges’ design have not yet been finalised.

In recommending the application for approval, officers noted that the proposed development would improve the route while enabling safe and appropriate access for residents throughout the year. It would also support positive placemaking outcomes, along with community health and well-being aims.

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “I’m pleased that Phase Five of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route has now received consent from the planning committee, which means all five sections have now received permission to proceed. Phases One and Two are already delivered at Maerdy, while construction of Phase Four is progressing across Ferndale. Along with Phase Five, this represents the primary route for the overall project.

“The Council has previously made a commitment to formalise the 10km route between Maerdy and Tylorstown, to provide a better provision for walkers and cyclists, and to create additional links to increase access to local community landmarks. By upgrading our Active Travel facilities like this, we’re aiming to encourage more people to walk or cycle more of their everyday journeys. This brings everyday health and well-being benefits for residents – and also serves to protect our environment and reduce traffic congestion on our roads.

“Officers will now progress Phase Five towards the construction phase being able to start on site in the future – which will complete the route’s final section between Ferndale and Tylorstown. We’ve received important support from Welsh Government throughout the delivery of the overall scheme, which conforms to its national priority of investing in walking and cycling provision. More than £4.2m was secured in the 2024/25 Active Travel Fund, to deliver Phase Four and to design Phase Five during the current financial year.

“I’d like to thank all residents who took part in the consultation for Phase Five during the late summer, which has been important to help officers shape the scheme and complete the Council’s planning submission. We’ll communicate the next important stages of the scheme to residents in due course.”

Details about the first four phases of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route, including a latest progress update for each, are summarised below:

  • Phase One was completed in late 2023. It created the northernmost section of the overall active travel route, from a location north of the Maerdy industrial estate to a point near the Gateway Memorial.
  • Phase Two was completed during 2024, resuming the route south of Phase One. Starting from the Gateway Memorial, it stretches through Maerdy for 1.5km, following the alignment of the former railway line.
  • Phase Three will improve the existing cycle path in Maerdy and create a new 1.5km path leading to Richard Street and Ferndale Swimming Pool. This phase received planning consent in June 2024 and continues to be in development, with funding continuing to be sought for its delivery.
  • Phase Four will continue the route from Phase Two, upgrading the old railway line path across Ferndale, from a point north of Ffaldau Terrace (near Maerdy) to a point near Dolycoed Funeral Home (Tylorstown). A new link will be created to Avon Street at the northern end of Ferndale, along with work to two bridges in Blaenllechau. Work started on site in July 2024.
Posted on 23/01/2025