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A bluebell field near Llanbradach was dug up to make way for a caravan site – despite no planning permission being submitted.
On Monday, August 1, Caerphilly County Borough Council put a stop to the excavation works at what is known as Bluebell Woods and announced it would investigate what had happened.
In a letter to Plaid Cymru Senedd Members Delyth Jewell and Peredur Owen Griffiths on Wednesday, August 3, Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Sean Morgan provided an update on the investigation.
Cllr Morgan, leader of the council’s ruling Labour group, said the site inspection indicated that the works hadn’t extended into the ancient woodland or any designated areas.
He said: “Following discussions with the contractor it appears that he had been employed by the landowner to level an area of land to accommodate five touring caravans as a Caravan Club Licensed Site.
“Works ceased on the site on Monday morning following officers’ intervention and the authority has been advised that the landowner will be submitting a planning application shortly for the proposed works.”
Cllr Morgan continued: “Should an application not be submitted in a timely manner the authority will consider whether to progress with formal action which may involve issuing an Enforcement Warning Notice to require the submission of a planning application or the issuing of an Enforcement Notice to require the reinstatement of the land.”
He added: “I also understand that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have been notified regarding potential damage to flora and fauna protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act as this is a matter which falls within their remit.”
Mr Owen Griffiths said: “To learn that the environmental destruction of this area carpeted with bluebells took place without permission or even any notification to the council, is surprising.
“The scale of the works shows a lack of knowledge about this local area and the views of local residents about just how important this area is. It appears there was no warning or consultation.
“This kind of behaviour will not endear the development and the business behind it to local people.”
Mr Owen Griffiths said feelings in the community are “running high” and praised the council for stopping the works.
He added: “This matter must now run its course through the system and I will monitor the situation carefully. I hope that remedial work is enforced if need be.
“I await to hear from Natural Resources Wales’ into the potential destruction of flora and fauna.”
A meeting to discuss the matter will be held at Llanbradach Community Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, August 3.
Caerphilly Senedd member Hefin David said: “I will be attending a public meeting this week to chat with local residents on the matter and will continue to liaise with the relevant parties, including the head of construction who were carrying out the works.”
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