A nearby proposal for a sandstone mine has been reported by newspapers locally after a number of unsuccessful planning applications since 2006.

T. D. Breverton records that during the 16th and 17th centuries the parish of Llanhilleth bore the name Llanheledd Forwyn (Church of Heledd the Virgin), and this dedication has survived today in the place-name, having reached its present form via Llan Helet, Llanheledd, Llanhiledd and Llanhylithe down the years, although Llaniddel is given by Archdeacon Coxe in 1701 as the name of the parish and there are references to the church as being dedicated to "St Ithel" until around 1800.

Today the Friends of St Illtyd[5] help Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council look after the church building.

The hamlet is a 47-minute walk or 1.8 miles (2.9 km) from Llanhilleth railway station where trains run hourly between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff Central.

It is a 28-minute 1 mile (1.6 km) walk from the centre of Brynithel village, where residents are served by the number 1 bus between Six Bells and Abertillery, and the slightly further away Rugby Club stop provides connections to Stagecoach South Wales services:[6] The Llanhilleth electoral ward serves the village.