Caerphilly County Borough Council has moved to calm fears over possible redevelopment of the former Bedwas colliery site.
This week the council is drawing up its local development plan, a blueprint for planning guidance.
Residents are concerned that any possible redevelopment of the Bedwas colliery site could be dangerous because of land contamination.
Councillor Rob Gough, cabinet member for transportation and planning, said: “The council is mindful of these concerns and we will fully consider the health and wellbeing of local people as part of any decision that is made about the future use of the land.
“If there was to be any development on the Bedwas colliery site in the future, we would insist that any potentially dangerous chemicals are dealt with appropriately.
“The land is privately owned, but we would carry out strict monitoring of any works carried out on the site.
“We have recent experience of managing the remediation of contaminated land, as seen at major development sites such as Penrhos in Caerphilly, so we can assure residents that appropriate action will be taken, regardless of the eventual use of the site in the future.”
Council leader Lindsay Whittle added: “Having experienced a major contaminated land situation within my ward at Penrhos, residents of Bedwas should understand that it is much better to remove this material than to see it remain on site.
“Although there was some disruption during the remediation works, the long term benefits far outweigh any short term inconvenience.”
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