Residents in Maesteg Raise Concerns Over Lack of Access Roads for 200-Home Development

Strategic Insights -

Residents in the Welsh town of Maesteg have expressed serious concerns about plans to build 200 homes on a former industrial estate due to concerns over access roads. The area is already plagued with traffic jams and car accidents on the narrow streets, which residents fear could be exacerbated by the new development. Groundworks have recently begun at the site, which will also feature new shops and public facilities, but residents are worried about the impact on the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed 200-home development on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate in Maesteg, Wales, has raised concerns among residents due to inadequate access roads.
  • Residents of Ewenny Road have suffered from years of traffic congestion, car accidents, and speeding issues, which they fear will worsen with the new development.
  • Residents are calling for a new access road to be built or the existing road to be closed off to prevent further congestion.
  • Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas of Maesteg West has acknowledged the concerns and hopes to negotiate funding for a road safety scheme to mitigate the impact.
  • Bridgend County Borough Council has granted outline planning permission for the development, which considers the potential impact on the surrounding highways network.

Statistics:

  • Up to 200 new homes will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate.
  • The development will also include new shops, public facilities, and a transport interchange.
  • Ewenny Road is used as a "rat-run" between either side of the valley by around 200-300 vehicles per day.
  • Residents have reported around 6 car accidents and 6 vehicle damage incidents on Ewenny Road since 2006.
  • The development is expected to increase traffic by "hundreds" more cars on the small street of Ewenny Road.

Sources:

  • By, Lewis Smith (Residents in Maesteg have expressed concerns over plans to build 200 homes on a former industrial estate due to inadequate access roads)
  • Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas of Maesteg West
  • A Bridgend County Borough Council spokesman
  • Councillor Neelo Farr, cabinet member for regeneration, economic development and housing
  • Bridgend County Borough Council's Replacement Local Development Plan (approved at Full Council last year)