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A controversial development of 300 homes on greenfield land could yet be halted – if those opposed make their voices heard.
The original planning application to build in Grove Park, near Cefn Fforest, was recommended for approval by Caerphilly Council planning officers back in October 2018.
However councillors rejected the proposal following strong local opposition – which in turn prompted developer Persimmon to lodge an appeal.
Several decision deadlines were missed by the Welsh Government, but then Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James MS finally rejected the plans in October last year.
They included a range of two, three and four-bedroom houses, open spaces and a new access road built from Heol Pit-y-Cieliogod and Beaumaris Way.
Following an inquiry in October 2019, the Planning Inspectorate report had recommended for the appeal to go ahead, but the housing minister disagreed and rejected the plans.
Going against the advice of the report meant the case ended up at the High Court. It was a legal battle the Welsh Government decided wasn’t worth fighting and conceded defeat. The reasons behind this have not been disclosed – with a Freedom of Information request submitted by Caerphilly Observer rejected.
With the appeal decision quashed, it is again up to the Welsh Government to decide. While it had been expected for the Welsh Government to grant permission, its deputy climate change minister Lee Waters is now asking for views on whether the planning inquiry is reopened.
The Town and Country Planning (Referred Applications and Appeals Procedure) (Wales) Regulations 2017 state this needs to happen after a decision is quashed in the courts.
In a letter, Mr Waters writes: “I consider relevant considerations, regarding whether the inquiry should be reopened include: the significant length of time since the inquiry was held; the publication of Future Wales, which now forms the highest tier of the development plan; and the issue of a new edition of Planning Policy Wales.”
Any representations must be made in writing and submitted to the Planning Directorate, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ or by email to Planning.Directorate@gov.wales by December 22.
The Welsh Government could decide that a planning inquiry is not needed and could reconsider the application without one.
Blackwood independent councillor Nigel Dix said: “I have urged all those involved in the campaign to write to the minister with their objections.
“My comments I hope the minister has the courage to demonstrate the leadership needed, and reject the appeal.”
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