Plans for tree-lined council house development in Swansea move forward

PLANS for a tree-lined council house development in Bonymaen where people can enjoy a Sunday stroll are moving forward, with the number of properties now known.

Earlier this year Swansea Council revealed proposals for 100-plus properties on four plots of land on Brokesby Road, and asked the public for feedback.

It has now set a target of 160 properties – 128 houses, 20 flats and 12 bungalows – on the four plots. This would, subject to planning permission, be the largest council house scheme in Swansea for decades.

The Labour-run authority wants to build 1,000 council houses and flats for rent between 2021 and 2031 and, like all councils, has a large number of people on its housing waiting list.

A design and access statement about the Bonymaen scheme said the aim was a safe, energy-efficient community with play areas and new and retained green spaces, where residents would feel proud and “choose to have a Sunday afternoon stroll”.

The plots of land in question, it said, were used as open space but subject to fly-tipping in places.

Bonymaen residents who responded to the initial consultation said more quality housing with green space was needed, and that houses were preferable to flats. Some people, though, felt more council housing would increase crime while others were worried about surface water flooding.

Amendments have been made to the scheme, including the reintroduction of terraced housing, which designers felt would create better defined streets as well as allowing a higher density of homes.

A shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists would link the four plots, and there would be 272 resident and visitor car parking spaces and 435 bike spaces. The nearest bus stops are on Bonymaen Road just to the north.

Cllr Andrea Lewis, deputy council leader and cabinet member for service transformation, said of the scheme: “We’ve identified a number of sites that were formerly used for housing and the masterplan illustrates how we aim to transform this land into much-needed housing along with community facilities, green space and play areas that support well-being and healthy lifestyles.

“All the homes will be energy efficient and make use of innovative new technologies to keep energy costs low.”

A planning application will be submitted later in the summer addressing road and school access matters, among others.

Nick Ellis, architect and senior partner at BDP, which is working with the council on the Brokesby Road project, said: “The vision for this new proposed neighbourhood of 160 homes is to create a highly sustainable, low carbon model of family living that prioritises the well-being of the people who live there and supports social cohesion.

“A range of types of homes that are highly energy-efficient and cost-effective to run will cater for people at all stages of life and support Swansea Council’s drive to eradicate fuel poverty.”

– You can comment on the latest Brokesby Road proposals by August 4 by visiting the consultations page on www.asbriplanning.co.uk