New village plans for factory site

Around 1,200 homes could be built if the plans go ahead

Plans to create a new village near Pontypool complete with 1,200 houses, a new school and church, are being drawn up by a property developer.

Newport company Johnsey Estates want to develop 165 acres of land around the former Du Pont factory site.

Dubbed "Mamhilad Village," the company want to regenerate brownfield land which they own into a new town.

Environmental groups have given their support to the plans, but a planning application has yet to be submitted.

Lee Johnsey, who runs the company, said that the cost of the project could run into millions.

He said they want to built the new village on land close to the former Du Pont factory on Mamhilad Park Estate.

The developers want to create a new community complete with school

The site, was originally constructed for Parke-Davis / Warner Lambert, an international pharmaceutical company, but has been empty for the past six years.

Mr Johnsey said that despite extensive marketing, they had failed to attract new business to the site and now want to develop the land.

"It is the perfect location to regenerate and build new homes on," he said.

As well as 1,200 new homes, the blueprint includes the build of new office space, a primary school, sports pitches, a church and other facilities including shops.

"Everyone who has seen what we have drawn up so far has said that this is the perfect site for it," he said.

"I think it would be the making of the area. At the moment it is really sad to drive past the site and see it empty.

"We have been trying for years to try and attract business there but the manufacturing economy has dropped in the area.

"We've been working on these plans for some months now and I really think that it is the perfect location," he said.

Consultation

Mr Johnsey said that he has been in consultation with local environmental groups including Gwent Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth Cymru and has had their backing for the project.

Consultation work is now expected to be undertaken by the developers.

Mr Johnsey said he hoped to submit plans for the development to Torfaen Council soon.

Planning officers from Torfaen Council confirmed that they had met with Mr Johnsey for a pre-application discussion.