PLANS to build 74 homes on the site of a former school in Cwmbran were approved by Torfaen Council ’s Planning Committee.

Committee members agreed to the proposed residential development on the former Hollybush School, Ton Road in Cwmbran, which is currently being demolished.

The full planning application from Persimmon Homes East Wales Llantrisant was subject to a site visit by members, which took place on July 4.

The purpose of the visit was to carry out an assessment of traffic generation and management particularly in the vicinity of Ton Road.

Outline planning permission for the residential use of the site was granted in July 2007 along with the construction of a new primary school for 420 pupils.

A subsequent application was submitted in order to progress with the school site independently of the residential development and Nant Celyn Primary School has subsequently been finished.

Full planning permission was sought for the construction of 74 dwellings on the site consisting of four one-bedroom properties, eight two-bedroom properties, 20 three-bedroom properties and 36 four-bedroom properties.

The types of properties will range from detached, semidetached and terraced with 22 of the dwellings being set aside for affordable housing which would be located in three sections of the site.

The temporary access road, which was approved, will become the main access point.

Newpedestrian access areas will also be put in place to link with the public footpaths and a play area will be provided in the centre of the site.

Cwmbran Community Council said they had carefully considered the application and had no objections or observations to make.

The main considerations in relation to the site took into account the design and visual appearance, impact upon residential amenities, access and parking and the impact of the development on the existing trees and hedgerows on the site.