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Councillors have unanimously approved plans to build homes on Rhymney’s former Aldi site.

Outline planning permission for 23 homes was granted at Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday May 17.

Further details such as the design and amount of bedrooms will be determined in a future reserved matters application.

Caerphilly Homes, a branch of the council, is behind the plans. Approximately 57% of the homes are to be classed as affordable.

At the meeting, senior planner Carwyn Powell said the homes will be built “tenure blind” –  meaning you will not be able to see a difference between the social housing and the private homes, as they will be the same.

Cllr Andrew Whitcombe, who represents Abercarn, said: “This is exactly what we need, it’s social housing in the north of the borough.”

Chair of the committee, Cllr Roy Saralis, said: “It’s been welcomed by everybody, not just on the committee, but the whole council.”

The Aldi store was demolished by the council in 2014 and was vacant until its temporary use as a Covid testing centre.

The design and access statement prepared by planning consultancy The Urbanist states: “It’s in an ideal location being in close proximity to Rhymney train station, educational facilities, green spaces and health care.”

The council initially purchased the site as part of plans for the redevelopment of Upper Rhymney Primary School.

According to the sustainable communities for learning department – formerly known as 21st Century Schools Programme – there is room in the surrounding schools for additional pupils.

Councillor Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing, has previously said: “There has been a lack of development to the north of the county borough in recent years, so this will be a fantastic opportunity to bring new high quality housing to Rhymney.”