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Councillors have backed detailed plans for the first phase of a housing development on a former Caerphilly golf course.

The proposal for 174 new homes at Virginia Park will “unlock a site that has been stalled for far too long”, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee heard on Wednesday September 10.

Persimmon will deliver “new homes, new jobs through construction, and regeneration” of the site, which was a rubbish tip until the 1960s.

It was that prior use which prolonged preparation works at the site, where outline planning permission has been agreed since 2019.

Luke Davies, Persimmon Homes’ land and planning director for east Wales, said the firm purchased the site in May ahead of the first phase of redevelopment.

At the meeting, Cllr Greg Ead raised concerns about a new access route to the site from Pontygwindy Road, which he said would be “fairly catastrophic” for motorists who already have to deal with traffic issues there.

Senior council planning officer Carwyn Powell acknowledged the councillor’s concerns but said those matters would have been addressed when outline planning permission was agreed previously.

Highways officer Lisa Cooper added that “certainly improvements [had been] made” on Pontygwindy Road.

A majority of committee members went on to approve the detailed plans for the site.

Following the committee’s decision, Persimmon Homes said “nearly 45%” of the new homes will be affordable housing provided through a registered social landlord and “deliver major benefits for local people”.

Building work is due to begin “early next year” and the first homes are expected to be ready by the end of 2026.

Persimmon will also make financial contributions to local infrastructure, education and leisure.

“We are delighted to have received the backing of Caerphilly Borough Council’s Planning Committee for our proposals at Virginia Park,” said the firm’s east Wales managing director, Lee Hawker.

“This is a major step forward in delivering much-needed, high-quality and affordable homes for local people, and we look forward to getting started on site early next year.

“My thanks go to the team, the local authority, councillors and the community for their engagement throughout this process.

As a local housebuilder, we are committed to delivering a scheme that brings real benefits to Caerphilly, both in terms of new homes for local people and investment in local infrastructure.”