Transforming Mountain Ash
Planning consent for the former pavilion site was granted in August 2024 for a development that will include 25 Extra Care apartments, 15 dementia residential care beds, and eight ‘Later Living’ bungalows. A new three-storey building will be constructed on the western part of the site (below Bryn Ifor), while the bungalows will be located on the eastern side (above Foundry Terrace).
The development has been designed to enhance biodiversity and incorporate sustainable urban drainage features. Access, parking, and landscaping improvements are also included in the site plans.
Linc, the Council’s Extra Care housing partner, purchased the land in 2022 and has since conducted site investigations and design work. The tender process to appoint a contractor for the site preparation stage began in July 2024, with applications submitted by October.
Linc and the Council are pleased to confirm that JG Hale Group has been appointed as the contractor for the site clearance and enabling work. This phase of work is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.
Disruption to the community during this phase is expected to be minimal, as all clearance activity will take place within the site’s boundary.
Once the site clearance is completed, there will be a short pause in activity to allow for further detailed design work in preparation for the main construction phase. Linc and the Council will keep residents updated as the project progresses.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:
“The community in Mountain Ash will soon notice important site activity at the former pavilion site off Darran Road, as we prepare for an investment that will provide much-needed local care accommodation. Planning permission was granted to Linc last summer for this joint project, which will deliver a mix of Extra Care and dementia care beds, as well as ‘Later Living’ bungalows. This is part of our ongoing commitment to modernising residential care options for older people.
“Our track record in delivering high-quality care accommodation includes state-of-the-art Extra Care housing in Aberaman and Graig, both of which have proven to be highly valued by residents and the wider community. A third Extra Care scheme is currently under construction in Porth, alongside a new specialist care facility in Gelli. Future developments are also planned in Ferndale, focusing on dementia care, and in Church Village, providing accommodation for people with learning disabilities in adulthood and old age.
“We’re delighted to once again be working with Linc on the Mountain Ash development. The upcoming clearance work marks an important step forward, ensuring the site is ready for construction. Work over the next six weeks is not expected to cause significant local disruption, and I’d like to thank residents in advance for their cooperation.”
Linc is now part of the Pobl Group, and this project in Mountain Ash is the first involving Pobl Development Limited as the construction contract client.
Richard Hallett, Development Manager at Linc, added:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council on their Extra Care programme. Having successfully completed two large Extra Care schemes in Aberdare and Pontypridd, and making strong progress on a third in Porth, it’s fantastic to see a fourth project moving forward. The completed facility will be purpose-built to meet the needs of older people in and around Mountain Ash, aligning with the ‘Large and Local’ vision that Linc and Pobl have championed since their merger in April 2024.”
