Posted on: Tuesday 16 July 2024
Plans to improve safety and reduce the risk of flooding at the site of a former ironworks have been amended, according to a report to be discussed by councillors.
The revised plans still include a new overground watercourse, which will drain into a pond, and a new walkway at The British, in Talywain. An estimated 13 mine shafts and adits will be made safe as part of the work.
However, groundwork at the site known as "the black patch" has concluded plans for a second, larger pond would be too costly and are not essential to the overall scheme.
According to the report, the geotechnical investigations and inflation have also increased the estimated cost of completing the work by £1.25m.
The report says: “Costs associated with delivering the scheme have increased during the detailed design stage, aligned to a range of factors including inflation and hugely challenging ground conditions.”
Officers have now recommended councillors approve an additional £1.25m for the project to account for other potential increases as the scheme progresses.
If approved, planning permission will be sought with work due to begin early next year if planning approval is granted.
Earlier this week, around 40 residents visited a drop-in session at Talywain Community Hall to see the revised plans, which include a pond, which will be large enough to withstand a 1 in 100-year flood event, with an additional 20 per cent storage capacity to account for climate change.
As the area is an important ecological site, vegetation will be encouraged to grow and pollinate naturally.
Take a look at the plans on Get Involved Torfaen
The report is due to go to council on Tuesday 23 July. You can read the report on the Torfaen Council website.
The British Ironworks Drainage Scheme forms part of the first phase of the British Masterplan, which was developed in partnership with the local community and approved by councillors in November 2018.
The council continues to explore options to deliver the rest of the masterplan. At the same meeting in July, councillors will be asked to consider agreeing to the terms for a series of feasibility studies by a socially-focused company Idris that will explore the potential for renewable energy and space for new businesses, as part of a separate second phase for the British.