An application has been submitted to the Vale planning committee for permission to develop up to 17 homes, including affordable housing on the vacant land located at Heol y Pentir in Rhoose.

The plot is currently a vacant brownfield plot with the surrounding area being largely residential.

The site is located within the compounds of a former cement and asbestos cement works, which was subject to reclamation during the late 1990's.

Concerns were raised by residents about the contamination of the land being disturbed.

The report states: ''The Council's Environmental Health Officer has assessed the report and recommends a number of conditions to ensure that the sites re-development is carried out in a safe manner.

''It is considered that such matters can be dealt with

by condition to ensure that the amenity of future occupants and local residents is protected.'' 35% of the 17 plot development would be affordable housing. Twenty letters of representation against the development were received when the report was written. They included:

• Anti-social behaviour that has been occurring in this area and Lon Lindys being accessed from this site via a pedestrian access.
• No need for further housing and a retail development was promised.
• Loss of view and potential overlooking.
• Not enough services and facilities to keep in line with the additional housing being built.
• Train and bus services are not as good as indicated.
• Poor design of housing developments in the country.
• Strain on education system.

Representations made by Cllr G Kemp object to the application on the grounds of highway safety, overdevelopment, impact on neighbouring amenity and loss of an intended retail site. Despite these objections the application has been recommended for approval by the planning officer. The application discusses the sites proximity to public transport options and amenities. It states: 'The Rhoose Cardiff Airport Train Station is located within circa 130m of the site which is served by regular trains to and from Bridgend, Aberdare, and Cardiff Central. 'A bus stop is also located directly adjacent to the train station, which is served by the 905 bus. 'A further bus stop is located within circa 430m of the site to the north on Rhoose Road, which is served by the 303 and X91 buses, which provide services to and from Cardiff, Barry and the local area. 'The site is therefore highly accessible by public transport. 'In addition, the site is located within easy and convenient walking/cycling distance of a range of local services and facilities within the existing village centre of Rhoose. 'These facilities include a Community Hall (200m); Library (400m); Primary School (380m); and a range of local shops including newsagents, butchers; opticians, cafes/takeaways, hairdressers etc within circa 450m of the site.' A total of 28 car parking spaces are also provided within the design. The developer will have to provide the following: • 35% affordable housing – 6 units

• Sustainable transport - £39,100
• Primary and Secondary level Education - £249,309
• Public open space - £45,356
• Public Art – 1% build costs

The decision will be made by the planning committee tomorrow.