Deposit Draft Local Development Plan - Rhondda Cynon Taf

Policy NSA 4 -Former Maerdy Colliery Site, Rhondda FachIn accordance with Policy CS 3 land is allocated at the FormerMaerdy Colliery Site for the construction of 1 hectare of employmentland (B1 and / or B2), Visitor Centre and an area of informalrecreation contained in a historic landscape. Development on theStrategic Site will be subject to a large-scale land reclamationscheme.6.18. The Strategic Site lies at the head of the Rhondda Fach in the NorthernStrategy area, where otherwise, opportunities for large-scale developmentare limited. In conjunction with further land reclamation, access andenvironmental enhancement works, the potential exists for employment,and tourism and leisure uses.6.19. The Council’s vision for the Strategic Site is the provision of employmentopportunities and tourism facilities in a restored dramatic landscape.6.21. The Council has assessed the development potential of the Former MaerdyColliery site in detail and would wish to see proposals for developmentthat addresses the following elements:a) Employment – a linear plateau of 1 hectare for small business andindustrial units;b) Tourism – visitor centre and car park near Castell Nos and LowerReservoir;c) Access – spine road on route of existing; riverside path andcycle way;d) Environment – retention and management of sites of importance fornature conservation; establishment of community woodland;restoration of valley side to natural appearance through landreclamation.6.22. The phasing of the development will be dependent upon the timing ofthe land reclamation scheme. Logically the environmental and accessworks must precede employment and tourism development.6.20. The site is subject to a number of constraints most notably:• Steep slopes;• Sites of importance for nature conservation;• The need for large-scale land reclamation; and• Low land values.67