52.3
hectare site
Mamhilad Urban Village
RPS has provided advice on this mainly brownfield site, which contains the largest listed building (Grade II*) in Wales, for 12 years.
We produced a masterplan and Strategic Environmental Assessment and secured its allocation as a Strategic Action Area in the Torfaen Local Development Plan. Subsequently, we have been part of a Project Delivery Group with the Council focused on delivery of a sustainable urban village at the site.
Key details
Project name
Mamhilad Urban Village
Client
Johnsey Estates (UK) Ltd
Location
Pontypool, Torfaen
Services provided
- Planning
- Masterplanning
- Ecology
- Noise
Challenge
The site contains the largest listed building in Wales, with the former Nylon Spinners factory comprising approximately 1.15 million ft2 of floorspace. Its sits adjacent to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
The original masterplan and the development plan allocation envisaged the inclusion of 26 hectares of adjacent greenfield land under separate ownership. However, because this land has not been brought forward by the owner, we had to ensure that the full benefits of the proposed sustainable urban village and associated facilities can be adequately brought forward on our client’s land alone.
Solution
RPS project-managed a multi-discipline team and submitted planning and Listed Building Consent applications which included production of an Environmental Impact Assessment. The development comprises up to 900 dwellings, retention of employment and other uses, a primary school, neighbourhood centre, access, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure.
Our team has also obtained consent for minor works to the listed building, changes of use within existing buildings, prior approval for the demolition of the former Parke-Davies offices and for roadside signage on the site.
We have taken great care to ensure the proposed development will deliver the aspirations of the development plan allocation by providing a new community that responds to sustainable objectives, supports the delivery of the necessary facilities and integrates into the rich industrial setting and surrounding landscape. It was also very important to manage and, where possible, seek to enhance the heritage, ecological and waterscape features of the site.
This has been achieved by regular liaison with the council both prior to and following submission of the applications as well as maintaining dialogue with statutory consultees and stakeholders such as Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Cadw, the Welsh Government Transport Division and the Canals and Rivers Trust. In addition, two presentations were made to the Design Commission for Wales prior to the applications being submitted.
The outline planning application and application for Listed Building Consent were approved unanimously by Torfaen County Council’s ‘Virtual’ Planning Committee on 23rd July 2020.
Project statistics
1.652 milionft
built development
900
dwellings
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Key contacts
Andrew Lucas
Director - Planning