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Proposals for 17 new flats in Risca have taken a major step forward, despite some concerns the properties wouldn’t have sufficient parking.
The trustees of the Risca UPVC Retirement Benefits Scheme have proposed demolishing some buildings in Rifleman Street to make way for the new homes, which would be split between two patches of land.
Case officer Anthony Pyne told Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee the plans included five unallocated parking spaces, with no dedicated parking for the new homes.
However, he said national guidance stated councils “should promote car-free and low-car developments in accessible locations”.
The proposed development site is located “close to a range of facilities along with enjoying easy access to bus services”, Mr Pyne added.
Cllr Shane Williams questioned whether the proposals “squared with modern reality”.
“Parking around there is not very easy, to say the least,” he told committee colleagues.
“I take your point that we’ve got to promote car-free buildings, but the reality is that doesn’t accord with modern life,” said Cllr Williams.
Mr Pyne said one proposed block would include a mixture of one- and two-bedroom flats, while the other would only contain one-bedroom flats.
The committee agreed to defer a final decision on the application, so that the developer and council could negotiate a so-called Section 106 agreement to provide two of the one-bedroom flats for social rented accommodation.
If that deal is struck within three months, planning permission will be granted subject to conditions.