Proposals for a 550-home estate in Pontarddulais have sparked concern about its potential impact on the town. Persimmon Homes wants to build them in the north of the town on land bordered by Glanffrwd Road to the north, Glynhir Road to the east and Ty'n-Y-Bonau Road to the west.
The split estate would comprise houses and flats, a new primary school on the southern side, play areas, greenery, walking and cycling links, and a retained farmhouse with community or retail facilities. There would be road access from Ty'n-Y-Bonau Road to homes in the southern portion of the estate, and from Glanffrwd Road to those in the northern portion.
The house builder presented the proposals at a public event at The Institute, St Teilo Street, which was attended by Pontarddulais resident Carol Jones among others. Mrs Jones said traffic in the town, which is one-way in the centre, had already increased due to other large-scale housing projects. She said she was also concerned by the presence of a very large water main running through the proposed site.
"I know there is a desperate need for housing, but not at the detriment of our village and all the people who live in it," said Mrs Jones, of Pentre Road. "It has changed remarkably in the last 10 years."
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Town councillor Roddy John said Pontarddulais had poor public transport, that residents had to commute because the town lacked jobs, and and that nobody seemed to invest in it except house builders. "Bring some jobs to Pontarddulais first," he said.
Mr John said the town council would object to Persimmon Homes' scheme, and that a working group was being set up to "safeguard" Pontarddulais - often referred to as the Bont - for future generations. He felt the town was "full", with its population having risen 20% since 2001, he said, putting pressure on schools and the doctor's surgery.
Mr John reckoned that occupiers of the proposed estate, which is allocated for housing in Swansea's local development plan (LDP), would have more cars per household than he said Persimmon was predicting. He added that he was concerned about proposed changes to a "spine road" envisaged in the LDP as part of the scheme. "Everybody was happy with that (original spine road)," said Mr John.
Pontarddulais councillor Kevin Griffiths said he didn't think the proposed new school would be adequate, and that the road network could not cope as things were. He added: "It (the estate) is not going to work without the spine road."
Persimmon Homes said there had been a number of changes, notably Welsh Government policy which no longer supported the construction of major roads, which would affect the spine road proposal. Persimmon proposes traffic control measures, with only buses able to enter and exit the estate in both directions. It added that building will take place within 25m of the large water main.
A Persimmon spokesman said the planned homes were much-needed and would give local people the opportunity to remain in the community where they grew up. He said 20% of them would be classed as affordable, and that there would be more than 1,500 construction jobs. The project is at an early stage, with a company called Asbri Planning running a public engagement exercise on the Persimmons's behalf.
The Persimmon spokesman added: "As part of our transport proposals for the area, 'demand responsive transport' is being explored with bus operators which would benefit the site and the existing community of Pontarddulais, alongside bike hire, e-bike hire and club car schemes. The area will also provide an excellent open space and opportunity for active travel for local people, as we seek to leave a legacy that delivers economic, social and environmental value for the local community.”
Pontarddulais estate agent Ken Richards said a lot of new houses had been built in the town and in Penllergaer, a few miles to the south-east, in the last 15 years. He said this had put quite a lot of pressure on local services, and that if people were confident that this pressure would be relieved as new homes came on stream it might alter their view.
Mr Richards, the owner of Richards Estate Agents, St Teilo Street, said: "Everybody wants to have a house, and people want houses for their kids."
He said there was a dearth of all types of homes at present, including starter homes. "I'm down to two houses - everything else is under offer," he said.
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