Caerphilly Council officials have instructed the owner of Virginia Park Golf Club just outside Caerphilly town, to stop dumping material on the site, after residents and local councillors raised the alarm.
County borough councillors James Pritchard and Shayne Cook contacted Caerphilly Observer after reports of alleged dumping on the land and issued a joint statement.
“We’ve asked for tests to be taken out on the material to check if its contaminated. Residents are opposed to the large-scale planning application on greenfield land.”
Resident Sarah Elliot said: “My concern is not just contaminated soil but that they are using it to mask other things in preparation of the site visit and planning meeting. For example, filling in excess water so that further testing would be on fresh soil from outside the site.”
Plans for a new 350-home development on the site were unveiled last year by planning consultants Barton Willmore when they lodged pre-application plans with Caerphilly County Borough Council.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Officers from planning and environmental health have visited the site and advised the land owners to cease any further activity. We have also referred that matter to National Resources Wales.”
Caerphilly Observer has asked planning consultants Barton Willmore to explain what the material was that was dumped but has not received a response to our questions.
A spokesperson for the consultants said: “No further material is being imported to Virginia Park and what was deposited will be sensitively landscaped. Natural Resources Wales observed the deliveries and had no concerns.”
NRW industry and regulations team leader Caroline Drayton said: “Making sure companies and organisations work in a way that helps protect the environment, wildlife and people is a huge part of the work we do.
“We recently visited a site at Virginia Park, Caerphilly, following a complaint of illegal dumping of waste materials but found no evidence of such activity.
“We urge people to report any signs of pollution or environmentally damaging work to our 24 hour Incidents Line on 03000 65 3000.”
NRW also told Caerphilly Observer that importing soil for use in the residential development falls under the planning department of the local authority.
“We have been in contact with Caerphilly Council’s planning officers who have confirmed this issue does not require NRW involvement,” Ms Drayton said.
Plaid Cymru Councillor Phil Bevan, who represents Morgan Jones ward, contacted council officials after complaints to him and former Plaid Cymru county councillor Mike Prew by local residents.
Cllr Bevan said: “I understand that dumping had taken place over a number of days and I believe this is an attempt by the owners to start infrastructure works before a decision has been made over the planning application. This is totally unacceptable.”
Mike Prew, a Caerphilly town councillor, said: “This is an attempt to run roughshod over the planning process. People who put in planning applications are expected to follow the rules and so should developers.”
