Include candidate site SR/049/007 within the Plan as a housing allocation.

This representation objects to the exclusion of this site from the development limits for Drefach and seeks to secure the inclusion of an area of land off Heol Blaenhirwaun within the residential development limits for Drefach. Its development is supported by national planning policy.
Drefach is categorised as part of a Tier 1 Principal Centre but is only scheduled to receive a minor level of development. Given its strategic location, Drefach justifies appropriate level of suitable residential development. It offers a range of facilities and services that have a community focus, including primary and secondary education, healthcare provision, together with localised shopping facilities and other services. Drefach offers locational advantages similar to those of many other areas currently recommended to receive significant residential land allocations.
The objection site adjoins an existing bus route and is situated within walking and cycling distance of key facilities. A planning permission for residential development has been granted in respect of the field adjacent to the objection site and which is allocated within the current LDP.
The residential element of the scheme would comprise a high quality phased development and would draw on local Welsh vernacular architectural design elements, making every effort to be sustainable, both through the employment of local contractors, the use of local suppliers, and in the long term, through the provision of residential units within convenient walking distance of services and facilities.
The proposer’s land is in a more sustainable location than other residential allocations in Drefach and has the advantage of being readily deliverable to provide quality housing in the short term in this Tier 1 Principal Centre.
The inclusion of the proposer’s land would not lead to additional environmental pressure, but instead will foster sustainable growth and allow for a wider choice of housing type within Drefach. Its development would be in keeping and in character with the settlement and will ensure a deliverable source of future housing for this sustainable community.
In addition, residential development at this location:-
· would not be detrimental to the amenity of adjacent properties;
· would satisfy recognised housing and sustainability objectives;
· would not have a detrimental impact on the landscape or nature conservation interests.
Furthermore, the site is not impeded by any access, ground condition, flood risk, hydrological, ecological, archaeological or land ownership related constraints and its short term delivery is assured.
It is considered that this site is both sustainable and readily deliverable and its inclusion within revised development limits would be fully supported.