A scheme to build up to 200 homes and 67,800 sq ft of commercial space in Nelson has been approved by councillors.
The development on Welsh Government-owned land at Ty Du, near the large Co-op store, was granted outline planning permission by Caerphilly County Borough Council at a meeting on Wednesday, October 12.
Out of the 200 new homes, around 50 will be affordable.
Concerns were raised at the meeting over access to the site – a former quarry – and road safety.
Independent councillor Anne Blackman, who represents the ward, expressed fears over the viability of the scheme by Ove Arup Partners and the Welsh Government, after previous attempts to build a business park failed.
Cllr Blackman told members of the planning committee: “The truth is the Welsh Government has failed to develop this land.
“What was previously proposed was 47 acres of factories and offices which were supposed to employ 2,635 people.
“Now the Welsh Government and its ministers want to develop the site for 200 houses and 3.8 hectares for employment.
“This business plan is not going to be any more successful than the previous offices and factories business plan.”
She also said the development would lead to extra road congestion on the A472 Mafon Road and the nearby B4265.
However, Damian Barry, from Ove Arup, told councillors the application was “well-researched and well-funded” and that several extensive consultation exercises had been carried out.
He said: “There are no objections from statutory consultees and only four letters of objection.”
Previous attempts to develop on the land had not materialised, Mr Barry said, due to a lack of demand.
It is hoped the residential aspect of the mixed use development would “pump prime” and drive demand for the commercial space.
” Out of the 200 new homes, around 50 will be affordable”
By definition, does this mean that ” 150 of the proposed new homes to be built in Nelson, will be UNAFFORDABLE”?
No. It simply means that 150 will not be affordable homes.