Hundreds of people have objected to plans to demolish a historic church in the Rhondda and replace it with flats.
St Anne’s Church in Ynyshir near Porth would be knocked down and replaced with 18 social housing flats if Rhondda Cynon Taf’s planning committee gives the plan the go-ahead.
But there have been 95 letters of objection to the proposal and a petition signed by 204 people opposing it.
The plan from Newydd Housing Association would include 15 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats on the site on Church Terrace and would have 18 off-street car parking spaces.
Opponents of the plan have described the existing building as "attractive" with a "historic local significance”.
They said: “It should not be demolished. There are many community uses that could occupy the building.”
They also claim “the proposed three-storey development would not be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area”, adding: “The amount of development would lead to over-development of the plot.”
There are further concerns about the building overlooking and overshadowing neighbouring properties as well as the development causing noise and disturbance for neighbours.
In the objections, it has been claimed there is already social housing and flats in the village, many of which are empty.
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One other objection says: “The surrounding streets are narrow and cannot cope with the traffic associated with the existing properties in the area.
“This can be dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. Eighteen properties at the site would increase traffic in the area and would exacerbate these issues.”
Planning officers at Rhondda Cynon Taf council have recommended the application is approved.
They say while they regret the loss of the existing historic building, and that the scheme will inevitably result in a considerable change to the current character and appearance of the site, they think the building would form an attractive feature within the area and a natural rounding off of Church Terrace with Station Road.
They add the use of appropriate, traditional, design features and finishing materials will ensure the resulting building is generally in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
They accept there will be a degree of impact for neighbours but they don’t think it would be so detrimental as to warrant refusal of the application.
They also said they don’t think the proposed development would result in a detrimental impact on pedestrian and highway safety in the area around the site.
The church is not listed but is referred to as part of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales database and so is recognised as having historical merit and local significance.
