Residents and councillors have expressed anger and confusion over a decision to approve a controversial housing development in Blackwood.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee had been recommended by officers to approve a planning application submitted by Pobl Group to build seven homes on land off Coronation Road. The application was deferred on Wednesday, June 21, for reasons for refusal.
However, the committee approved the plans, to build five houses and two flats, at a meeting on Wednesday, July 18.
The application had caused controversy, with 17 letters of objection, a petition set up against the plans signed by 38 people, as well as concerns voiced by Blackwood Town Council and ward councillors.
Councillors Nigel Dix, Kevin Etheridge and Andrew Farina-Childs (all Independent, Blackwood ward) have vowed to challenge the decision.
Following the decision, Cllr Nigel Dix accused the council of ignoring local residents’ concerns and acting underhandedly.
“The council has contempt for due process and the community of Blackwood.
“We have seen this before from the council with the senior officer pay scandal, where they act in the shadows. They are continuing to show the public utter contempt.
“I am absolutely livid and I will be working with residents and other members to overturn this underhand, deceitful and duplicitous decision.”
Cllr Etheridge also expressed his disappointment and said he will be writing to the council’s director and chief executive “in the strongest possible terms” to express his disapproval.
Resident Jeff Morgan said he has concerns over parking issues and safety at the site.
And Cllr Farina-Childs added: “I should imagine residents will be up in arms over this.
“We heard at the previous meeting about the safety issues around the application and we do not know what has changed.”
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The application was deferred at a previous Planning Committee, but was listed again for consideration at this week’s meeting.
“Members of the Planning Committee are required to consider every application and are guided by relevant planning legislation and recommendations from the council’s professional officers.
“This matter was fully debated and, after detailed consideration, members determined that the application was suitable for approval.”
This should come as no surprise – I have said in these forums time and time again that Caerphilly Council have a total disregard for its constituents opinions and acts and does as it pleases.
This is yet another example of that.
These Independent Councillors quite rightly are acting in the interests of the local residents by challenging this decision – unfortunately the Independent Councillors are very much a minority and are vastly outnumbered by the Labour Councillors.
Very true, the Independent Councillors are frozen out as it’s a totally closed shop so they have very little power to voice the concerns of their constituents. Until the residents of Caerphilly ( and Wales ) wake up to the fact that Welsh Labour no longer represent them or their interests nothing is going to change.
The resident’s of Blackwood should stop Moaning about Caerphilly Council not listening to them, when they voted in 3 Independent Councillor’s they must have known they would be treated with contempt by the party in power.
Independent Councillors take to much notice of their Constituents views on matter’s of concern, why can’t they just accept that the Council’s Professionals are Right on every decision they make.
The Councils Policy of ” Don’t listen just do it” Is the right one, Ask Putin or Kim Jong-un
Also Independent Councillors Lack the ambition of Main Party Councillors , The latter Aspire to land jobs on the Gravy Train’s, of Cardiff Bay,/ West Minster , and the Biggest prize of all , The Gravy Pot of Brussels.
So come on Blackwood, Wise up to reality. & do has you’r told.
No wonder Caerphilly gets the Lion share.
Totally agree, I was ignored as were my neighbours after voicing concerns about the proposed park on blackwood road. I have sent and recieved various emails to Chris Boardman which I could forward to you if it would be of any use.