Plans to build affordable homes on a disused railway track in Barry were approved despite concerns over the quality of life of future inhabitants. An outline planning application for the 56 flats, proposed for land to the north of the eastern end of Ffordd y Mileniwm, was approved at a Vale of Glamorgan planning committee meeting on Wednesday, March 29.
Hafod Housing Association, who are one of the applicants behind the plans, and a number of councillors pointed to the high demand for affordable housing in the area and how this development could help ease that. However some councillors raised concerns about the amount of amenity space that would be available to future residents and the potential disruption they might face with the main line between Cardiff and Barry being next to the site.
A member of the planning committee, Cllr Nic Hodges, said he had "worries about the quality of life" of the people who will live in the flats. Cllr Hodges, who is Vale of Glamorgan Council ward member for Baruc in Barry, added: "This is a major trunk road and to build this scheme in this area by a railway line and by a major road I think goes to show that we are starting as a council to scratch around for sites in Barry."
