A planning wrangle has seen a new application to build 175 homes on a golf course deferred by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee.
Persimmon Homes originally had its application to build on land at Oakdale Golf Club turned down by councillors back in April 2016 on the grounds the local authority was consulting on a new Local Development Plan (LDP).
However, the draft plan was withdrawn in July last year following vocal opposition from residents.
Persimmon has since appealed against the application’s refusal, arguing the original reason for turning down the application no longer exists.
The planning committee decided not to contest the appeal in November 2016, which led to the developer submitting another application for the scheme ahead of the appeal decision.
At the council’s planning committee on Wednesday June 14, members voted unanimously to defer the application until the result of the appeal from the Planning Inspectorate is known.
The appeal was heard on May 11, and a decision is expected before Thursday July 6.
Penmaen councillor, Roy Saralis, has been vocal in his opposition to the application and warned committee members of the dangers of muddying the waters while an appeal was still in process.
Cllr Saralis said: “This application has already come before this committee three times previously.
“It has been previously refused, and is the subject of an inspector’s appeal. That result is imminent.
“The only decision which can be fair and acceptable to both the objectors and the appellant will result from the decision recommended from the inspector.
“It would be unfair to prejudge that decision.”
The application received significant objection from residents, with suggestions the development would “stick out like a sore thumb and take the character away from Oakdale”, as well as concerns over traffic congestion and access to the site.
Jason Price, of Persimmon Homes told the committee: “The only reason for refusal of the original application was prematurity – a reason that cannot be sustained since the deposit plan has been withdrawn.
“Given that the application is a re-submission and the sole reason for refusal of the same proposal cannot be sustained, it must follow that there cannot be any reasons for refusal, otherwise these would and should have been proposed on the original refusal.”
Martin Smith, Managing Director for Persimmon Homes East Wales, told Caerphilly Observer in March this year: “We felt it appropriate to re-submit the application in parallel with the appeal as it would enable both the council and Persimmon Homes to negotiate a positive decision ahead of the appeal hearing. This could help avoid a costly and time-consuming process for both parties.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s lack of an up-to-date LDP has allowed a 300-home development in Bedwas to be approved on appeal and has seen developers submit an application for 618 homes in Gwern y Domen near Rudry and preparing another 300-home estate for Blackwood.
The council is currently working with other local councils across South Wales to draw up a regional development plan.
Caerphilly AM Hefin David, who voted against the LDP as a councillor, pushed for the drafting of a regional plan and recently raised the issue of planning laws in the Senedd.
Speaking during a recent debate he said: “We need a planning policy which stimulates the demand in areas of challenging viability, and to make sure that the infrastructure and jobs are there to make people want to live in the areas of the northern Valleys.
“It is therefore not just about existing demand.”