4th July 2008
Statement by Nelson Action
Group
A few weeks ago NAG received the following information from independent
planning sources:
“Where a Local Planning Authority are minded, due to the
impact on the amenity of an area, they can either revoke the permission
if the development has NOT taken place, and if it has, they can order
the discontinuance of the development”
At a recent meeting it was decided to publicise this information as
follows :-
1) Display posters around the village letting residents know of our
determination to carry on the ‘battle’ against the
development in any way possible.
2) Write letters to each of the Plaid Cymru and Independent
councillors of Caerphilly County Borough, all of whom were opposed to
the Ty-Du development, passing on the above information and asking for
their comments.
3) Contact Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment,
Sustainability & Housing, who refused to call-in the
application in spite of numerous requests which included those from our
AM Jeff Cuthbert and MP Wayne David. Her reason was that “
the issues are not of more than local importance” and
“ In reaching my decision I did not consider the planning
merits of the proposed development and my decision not to call in the
application should not in any way be taken as a reflection on the
planning merits of the proposal” Our letter pointed out that
we feel we have a number of the necessary issues for a call-in, our
disappointment that though she waited for CCBC’s planning
report before making her decision, she completely ignored the
overwhelming weight of genuine planning objections. Add the
numerous environmental issues and the 29 costly and time consuming
planning conditions attached, one would have thought that like so many
others the report was tantamount to a rejection.
The block voting of the ruling party was to say the least highly
suspect. We are now in a position to carry on with our objection to ANY
development at Ty-Du, and must wonder why, when our government lays
such store in public consultation, the wishes of Nelson residents have
been completely ignored, not just now, but over a period of more than
25 years.
We shall report on any further development by posters, press releases
and here on our website, So Watch this Space!