Future built on the past (From Free Press Series)

Future built on the past

Blaenavon's population and economy have been on the wane since the mines closed down in the 1980s.

But property developer David O'Brien is hoping the town's fortunes will be turned round by 111 private homes which he wants to build on disused farmland half a mile from the town centre.

Mr O'Brien manages Brickyard Homes and wants to build Victorian-style terrace houses, reflecting the area's industrial heritage, on New Road Farm, Varteg Road, Blaenavon.

If approved by planners it will be the biggest housing development the town has seen for 34 years.

Mr O'Brien, 49, who has lived in Blaenavon all his life, said: "It's an ageing population and we aim to bring people in with money to spend and hopefully attract new businesses to the area.

"It's going to breathe new life into the town."

The response from residents so far has been positive. Sianne Morgan, 35, secretary of Capel Newydd Residents Group, agreed it might help to save the faltering economy.

"It could be good, because it could attract more businesses and ideas to exploit the potential for tourism in the area," she said.

"The more people in the town, the better. It could help local traders to stay in their businesses."

Gwyn Parry, 70, of Rhydnos Street, Blaenavon, added: "I can't see anything against progress.

"Any expansion is a good thing, because this town used to have a population of 18,000 and now it's down to 6,000. The only way to stop it is to build more houses."

The area has already been designated for residential housing in Blaenavon's local development plan of 2000.

A Torfaen council spokesman said the proposals were due to go before planners in the next few months.