Developers' pledge for coalfield scheme

7:43am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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DEVELOPERS behind one of the largest regeneration projects ever planned in Torfaen promised to minimise disruption for residents.

Around 800 homes could be built on 150 acres of brownfield land on the derelict British site in Talywain, Pontypool in a £100 million project.

Developers Spring Ltd. have applied to Torfaen council for the carry out the reclamation phase of the project, a huge undertaking which will see more than 350 thousand tonnes of coal removed from the site, which once house coal mines, iron works and a landfill tip.

Residents and local councillors, including Abersychan councillor Wayne Tomlinson, have expressed concerns over noise, pollution and traffic during the four-year reclamation phase, which could start in October if it is given the go-ahead from planners this summer.

But project manager David Morris promised to keep disruption at a minimum.

Work will start at the north end of the site, closest to houses, and move south, causing less disruption for residents.

The traffic impact will be "quite small", with only 260 extra traffic movements a day during reclamation, including 40 lorry movements.

No filler materials will be brought onto the site during reclamation, the lorries will only take the coal away.

Spring is also discussing with Torfaen council the possibility of improving surrounding roads.

As well as 800 homes, Spring plans community facilities including a pub, shop and heritage centre.

But there is still doubt that Spring will follow through with its plans, and some residents fear it is only interested in reclaiming the valuable coal.

But Mr Morris said: "One of the fears is we will just do it and leave. We can't afford to just do the reclamation. The coal provides the income to facilitate the development."

Spring is also in discussions with the Assembly and Torfaen council over the future of the other 900 acres of the site, including a potential park for leisure and tourism.

A liaison group meeting at 6pm on June 4 at Talywain pensioners hall will update residents.