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!