Controversial plans for a housing development in Blackwood were deferred over concerns about road safety following a recounted vote.
Caerphilly council’s planning committee had been recommended by officers to approve the planning application to build seven homes on land off Coronation Road submitted by Pobl Group.
But the application caused controversy, with 17 letters of objection, a petition set up against the plans signed by 38 people, as well as concerns voiced by Blackwood Town Council and ward councillors.
At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, June 21, further concerns were expressed over the plans.
Speaking against the plans, Cllr Nigel Dix, who represents the Blackwood ward, said he understood the need for social housing in the town but claimed the location was “one of the worst sites you could pick.”
Cllr Dix said residents had raised several concerns, including that the proposed one way system leading to the development would have no footpath.
He said: “It seems to me this decision has been made because there is a need for the council to find social housing but you cannot do that at the cost of the safety of residents.”
Cllr Dix also said residents were concerned about the noise of cars crossing a proposed rumble strip leading to the development.
Blackwood ward councillor Kevin Etheridge echoed the concerns and also urged the committee to reject the plans.
Similarly, Plaid Cymru ward councillor Andrew Farina-Childs objected and warned the lack of a footpath was a “safety issue and possibly an accident waiting to happen.”
Members of the planning committee also raised concerns over the plans.
Cllr John Ridgewell said there was a possibility of creating “a danger that did not exist before” by approving the development.
Steffan Harries, acting as the agent for the applicant Pobl Group, attempted to allay fears.
Mr Harries said the area is already mainly used by pedestrians, setting a principle of such use.
However councillors voted to defer the application on safety grounds.
A further report for reasons for refusal will be made before the application is discussed at planning committee again this month.