TWO planning applications to convert residential properties in Pontnewydd and Sebastopol into supported living accommodation for ex-convicts and former drug addicts will go ahead.

The houses, located at Edlogan Villa in Avondale Road and Pant-Yr-Eos, went through as applications for certificate of lawful development, meaning Torfaen council’s planning committee were only able to note the two reports.

The proposed units will support ex-substance users using a Christian 12-step programme managed by Hope Ministries, Cwmbran, with the Pontnewydd scheme mirroring the contentious Sebastopol plans.

At the meeting held yesterday afternoon, Cllr Norma Parrish, the chairwoman of the planning committee and member for the Panteg ward outlined the options available to councillors.

“Members can only note the report,” she said.

She added that some members are “very uneasy” with the applications, and that the concerns of the committee would be noted.

A total of 97 comments were received in relation to the two applications – which encompass both the original and re-submitted plans.

Although not present at the planning committee meeting, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Torfaen MP, confirmed that he had received concerns from residents in the area regarding the proposals, notably the Sebastopol plan.

“I have worked alongside the local ward councillors to ensure that the planning committee is aware of residents’ concerns in respect of this; indeed, I have written in to the planning authority myself,” he said.

“I very much hope those concerns will be taken into account.

“I am, however, disappointed that the process for this particular type of application does not allow a more formal way of registering wider public concern.”

Cllr Anthony Hunt, the leader of Torfaen council and ward member for Panteg, added: “Along with our MP, we’ve expressed our concerns about this application repeatedly in the past year.

“I remain concerned and am dismayed that there seems to be nothing that can be done about such a contentious application.”

Helen Smith, the principal planner at Torfaen council, wrote the reports into the two developments, describing the two locations in each of the supported living sites.

“This site relates to a dwelling known as Edlogan Villa which is a substantial dwelling located off Avondale Road,” she stated.

“The property is situated in a large garden and is located adjacent to existing dwellings on Avondale Road and opposite the entrance to Parc Panteg.”

In relation to the Pontnewydd development, she stated: “This application relates to a terraced dwelling located in Pant-Yr-Eos Close.

“No off street parking for the property is available. The site is surrounded by the other residential dwellings of Pant-Yr-Eos and Laybourne Crescent.”

A total of 97 comments were received in relation to the two applications – encompassing the original and re-submitted plans.

The Sebastopol development attracted 71 comments for the initial plans, and 17 for the second scheme – 16 objections and one in favour.

Meanwhile the Pontnewydd plans received nine comments in total – seven for the original and two for the re-submitted proposals.

Hope Ministries were contacted for a comment.