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“Game-changing” plans for a “new neighbourhood” including more than 400 homes on the former Hoover site in Merthyr Tydfil has been approved.

The proposals for the Pentrebach site include up to 441 new homes, 1.5 hectares of employment land and a community hub with shops. They also feature financial and professional services, food and drink outlets, a community heat hub, a metro station and transport hub with a transport interchange and parking, and a network of open spaces including parkland, active travel routes, areas for informal recreation and sustainable drainage.

The plans involve demolition, ground reclamation and remediation and associated works including improvements to the highway network.

The report says that the Hoover factory, which operated from 1948 until 2009, is seen as a local landmark. Since its closure, the site has been used for warehousing and distribution.

Although the former factory is of local interest, the building does not afford statutory protection as a listed building, it adds.

The site is deemed to be brownfield in nature, which requires remediation and forms part of the Hoover strategic regeneration area allocated in the Local Development Plan (LDP).

Five public representations were received, raising points of support for the principle of development while also highlighting concerns. Respondents generally supported the redevelopment of brownfield land and the delivery of much-needed housing that would benefit the community.

However, concerns were raised about the Hoover building, which some said is locally listed and should be preserved, particularly its art deco-style façade, which they believe contributes to Merthyr’s industrial and architectural heritage. They said the building reflects the town’s past employment, innovation and community spirit and is a symbol of its social and economic history. Calls were made for a heritage-led regeneration of the site, with retention and integration of the façade.

Concerns were also expressed about the proposed new railway station, with objections that the distance between it and existing stations would be too short and could adversely affect current passengers and stations, one of which has already been upgraded for electrification.

Another issue raised was the lack of provision for a new primary school, with concerns that existing schools would be unable to cope with an increase in pupil numbers. Given the scale of the development, residents also raised fears about traffic levels, suggesting the scheme could result in more than 900 vehicles using the local highway network. There were concerns about increased traffic on the A470 and nearby roundabouts, and whether they have sufficient capacity.

Disruption during demolition and construction was also highlighted, including potential noise, dust, emissions, pollution and an increased risk of road accidents, particularly at peak times.

Respondents stressed the importance of space for wildlife and nature, including wildlife corridors along the riverbank and around buildings. They said ecological surveys should be carried out before demolition, particularly for protected species such as bats, with appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures in place. Disappointment was also expressed at the loss of the Hoovers cricket ground.

In recommending approval, council planning officers say in their report: “The development of a significant strategic regeneration site would clearly have a positive impact on the local area and the wider objectives for the county borough.

“As the largest housing allocation within the LDP, it would help to deliver a considerable number of much needed new homes, including affordable housing provision.

“The redevelopment of former industrial land would help to regenerate the area, with the creation of a new vibrant neighbourhood that embraces placemaking principles, along with new local services and employment opportunities.

“The development would also provide better connectivity to the surrounding area, with access to new open spaces, encouragement of active travel and enhancements to the natural environment to help create a healthy place to live.”

Addressing concerns that the development does not include the provision for a new primary school and that the existing schools would be unable to cope with the increased number of children in the area, the report says that the director of education has acknowledge that plans are already being prepared to re-align school places/catchment areas in anticipation of the proposed development, being a designated strategic regeneration site.

These plans would also take into account the Dragon Parc housing development for 200 homes within Abercanaid, which is currently under construction.

The report says appropriate measures would be put in place to ensure the existing schools continue to have sufficient capacity to accommodate the development.