Taffs Well Moy Road Industrial Estate plan opposition

Mark Richmond, MD, Rhys Davies Logistics Ltd, Owen Smith, community councillor Jill Bonetto, Mick Antoniw Picture: Mick Antoniw

A council has been urged by local politicians to reject plans for development on an industrial estate they say could threaten up to 250 jobs.

Pontypridd AM Mick Antoniw and MP Owen Smith want Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council to oppose proposals for Moy Road Industrial Estate at Taffs Well.

They claim its biggest employer, Rhys Davies Logistics, would have to move.

The plans are by Delyn Properties LLP and Castell International Ltd, which could not be contacted for comment.

An application has been made to redevelop the site to create offices, homes, a residential care home, pub and restaurant, and an extension to Taffs Well railway station park and ride facilities.

Rhys Davies Logistics, which has a staff of about 150, is a tenant on the land and is not part of the application. Nobody at the company was available to comment.

In a letter to the council, the politicians claim local businesses and residents are concerned about the proposals.

The letter says that "it is highly likely that if [Rhys Davies Logistics] were to relocate its head office, it would be to another area of the UK, and almost certainly not within Wales, let alone RCT".

It adds: "As well as the loss of quality jobs on the Moy Road site - it is estimated that around 250 people are employed by the firms in the area the developers have earmarked for housing - it is difficult to see any benefit to the Taffs Well community elsewhere in the plans."

The politicians also say: "We appreciate there is a need for extra housing in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

"However, we feel that this particular proposal is not the answer.

"Housing developments should not put at risk the jobs of 250+ local people, or misappropriate land which is ideal for existing businesses to develop - particularly when public money has been invested into road schemes aimed at enhancing that development."