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It was formerly a prestigious manufacturing plant employing thousands and producing domestic appliances that became fixtures in households nationwide. Established in 1948, Hoover in Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales reached its zenith during the 1970s with a workforce exceeding 5,000, manufacturing washing machines and various home appliances.

In numerous respects, it represented far more than just a workplace. It served as a community focal point. Beyond providing jobs, it delivered recreational amenities and social gatherings to the area. Yet since Hoover vacated the premises in 2009, the inevitable question has remained: what lies ahead?

That question now has an answer, , reports Wales Online, as proposals have lately received approval for what's being termed a "new neighbourhood" comprising up to 441 properties.

However, it won't solely consist of residential units. The scheme will additionally incorporate a fresh community centre featuring retail outlets, alongside a metro station and transit interchange.

Planning consent was granted during the same council session when ambitious proposals for what will become Britain's longest indoor ski slope received authorisation nearby, meaning two huge developments for the deprived town.

This substantial new destination, which encompasses a water park and accommodation, together with the Hoover regeneration, represents two instances of significant capital being committed to Merthyr Tydfil that could deliver enduring benefits.

The Hoover site will feature financial and professional services alongside food and beverage establishments, a community hub, plus a network of green spaces incorporating parkland, active travel pathways, areas for casual recreation and sustainable drainage systems.

The proposals also include demolition, ground reclamation and remediation works, as well as enhancements to the highway infrastructure. One councillor has branded it a "game changer" development, but what are the views of residents living in the neighbouring area regarding these plans?

Resident Allan Breese remarked: "It's just been dead for years. It's an eyesore. It's been like that ever since they stopped manufacturing."

Regarding the proposed development, he commented: "Let them get on with it. It's got to be better than what is there at the moment. It is not like it is green rolling fields with daffodils. It is an eyesore. It is derelict."

Denise and Andrew Phillips also reside close to the location, with Andrew stating: "I can't see what else you could use it for." He continued: "You couldn't leave it derelict. Something's got to go on there. You couldn't turn it into an industrial estate."

He noted that combined with other developments coming to Merthyr Tydfil, it was "making it a more up and coming area."

However, Denise expressed concern that traffic "will be a bit of a nightmare" with vehicles exiting the A470 and school run congestion, particularly during peak periods. She also expressed hope they wouldn't relocate the station further along as its current position was more convenient for Pentrebach and Abercanaid residents.

However, she remarked: "It's a lovely place to live. It is a nice little community."

Fellow Pentrebach resident Rob Williams commented: "I've got no issue with it." He acknowledged there might be disruption during demolition and construction, with worries about school places and health centres, but noted: "It's been an eyesore for years."

He described it as a "positive with some minor reservations" and highlighted that Merthyr was experiencing a "massive boost to the economy" through developments such as this and the new ski slope.

Another local, Richard Wade, voiced environmental concerns, stating: "I'm worried about the traffic. A lot of cars are going to come around here."

He warned the main route was "going to be monopolised by diggers. We will have to use the backroads". He concluded: "I don't see it as a huge positive."

He acknowledged something required development but emphasised the need for sports facilities, proposing a new 4G pitch there and questioning: "Why don't they give something back to the community?"

He concluded: "I see some positives but I also see a lot of negatives."

At the planning meeting earlier this month, Councillor Andrew Barry said the reality of the world today was agile working and "what better place than a house at the Hoover site?"

He mentioned the nearby road and rail links, the Brecon Beacons, Bike Park Wales and Brecon Mountain Railway and said: "What's not to like?"

He said they had an opportunity for a "game-changer of a development" and that they needed it at pace, adding that it brought an opportunity to lift Merthyr out of the deprived state it had been in.

Councillor Anna Williams-Price said the Hoover application was a significant change with opportunities and challenges. She said that with the history of the Hoover site it inevitably raised questions about the loss of sports pitches and heritage assets as well as infrastructure. She said they had to strike the right balance between respecting heritage and embracing progress.

And Councillor Clive Jones said this was another "really significant" application and that all councillors fully supported new accommodation being built. He said it was on flat land and was close to the A470 and the town centre and that it was "like a new village being built there".