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Welsh Government decisions to overturn planning applications should be robust and ready for legal challenges, according to South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths.

Speaking in the Senedd, Plaid Cymru member Mr Griffiths raised the issue of Persimmon’s plans to construct 300 homes on fields around Heol y Cefn, near Cefn Fforest.

The original planning application to build in Grove Park 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.

Although the planning inspector sided with the developer, the Welsh Government rejected the appeal – leading Persimmon to the High Court to overturn the decision. The case never went to hearing because the Welsh Government conceded the case before it began.

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. Lee Waters, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, recently issued a letter giving notice to Persimmon that he is inviting representations on whether the inquiry should be reopened or not following the decision of the High Court.

During Business Questions on December 7, Mr Griffiths said: “Not only would I like this inquiry reopened, but I’d like the government to review the current planning process with a view to tightening up procedures so that, when decisions are made to overturn planning applications, they are robust and have a stout defence behind them, ready for any legal challenge.

“My concern is that, if this development goes ahead without much of a fight, developers will be rubbing their hands with glee in the knowledge that Welsh Government refusal on matters of planning is merely a bump in the road to getting what they want eventually.”

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