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Residents have voiced “overwhelming anger” over plans to build 24 flats in a town centre without providing any car parking spaces.

Housing association Wales and West Housing has set out initial plans to demolish two existing buildings on Bedwlwyn Road, Ystrad Mynach, to make way for the redevelopment.

It would include two three-storey buildings, with all 24 flats classed as affordable housing.

A nursery currently occupies part of the site, which also includes the former Palace Cinema that later served as a bingo hall.

The planning agents behind the scheme, LRM Planning, called the project “a suitable and positive addition” to the neighbourhood, with “excellent” transport links and the promise of providing “much-needed” affordable homes.

Members of the public were invited to an exhibition event at Moriah Christian Fellowship Church, on Bedwlwyn Road, on Thursday January 8. A second meeting was organised by residents at the same venue on Tuesday January 13.

Around 50 residents attended the second meeting, raising their concerns over the lack of parking and potential antisocial behaviour, resident Mike Gwyther told Caerphilly Observer.

“Fifty residents crammed into the church to voice their anger,” Mr Gwyther said. “It’s naïve of the planners to say there’s no need for parking.”

Mr Gwyther said further residents’ meetings are being planned to oppose the development – and vowed “this is only the start” of a budding opposition campaign.

The issue has also been raised by Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle, who has called on those behind the project to rethink the lack of car parking spaces.

The agents argued the site is “highly sustainable in that it lies in close proximity to a range of facilities and amenities within Ystrad Mynach, which reduce the need to travel”.

There is “ample” on-street parking for visitors, the agents claimed.

The pre-planning consultation stage runs until Friday January 16.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service