MORE than 250 new bin stores could be provided at a housing estate in Blaenau Gwent which is currently blighted by a lack of rubbish and recycling facilities.
In some places, residents in St George's Court, Tredegar, have no useable bin store areas.
Overall, there is a "significant shortfall" of general waste and recycling storage on the estate, a planning statement says.
Plans have now been lodged to provide 260 stores for general waste and recycling for use by individual households.
The scheme is said to have "widespread support" from residents.
Problems around space for recycling and rubbish were made worse with the introduction of the controversial trolliboc’ recycling system, which made space even tighter.
It is common to see wheelie bins and trollibocs - stackable recycling boxes - kept permanently outside on the estate, creating potential hazards.
Trollibocs are often seen left on the estate causing potential hazards
A scheme for 11 bin stores was approved in 2017, but it has become clear that more stores are needed to tackle the issue.
A recent fire risk assessment has also raised concerns.
"The current arrangement for the storage of household refuse and trollibocs’ recycling is inconsistent and unsightly whilst adding to the poor environment," a planning statement says.
"The existing communal bin storage areas are positioned at ground level beneath stairs and landings and form part of the fabric of the building.
"These areas are inadequate in size, difficult to access and keep clean by the residents, thereby making them unhygienic as well as a significant fire risk hazard."
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Blaenau Gwent council's waste management team have stressed the need to remove under landing refuse stores as they are being filled with bagged rubbish which attracts rats.
Storage of household waste has also been identified as the issue of greatest concern to residents on the estate.
The proposed new bin stores will be in safe and accessible areas for residents and council waste collectors.
They have also been redesigned to improve their appearance in the area.
"The design of the new waste and recycling will make a considerable difference visually, and in safety and amenity terms, to the quality of the environment for the residents adjoining the site," a planning statement adds.
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