MP’s homes plan warning to residents
BRIDGEND’S Welsh Conservative MP Jamie Wallis is writing to residents alerting them about plans to build 74 houses in the historic village of Newton.
Developer Taylor Wimpey has submitted a full planning application to develop the site of the former St John’s School in the middle of the village.
At a public meeting called by Dr Wallis before the application went to Bridgend council, more than 100 villagers attended to express fears about the impact of the development.
Dr Wallis said: “People were worried about the potential increase in traffic along Danygraig Avenue and especially Birch Walk from which access to almost all the houses will be gained.
“A survey carried out on March 12, before the lockdown, showed a potential increase in 13% on the Danygraig Avenue and Manor Grove junction.”
Welsh Conservative AM Suzy Davies has also expressed concerns about the loss of some mature trees from the site and also the demolition of the old school buildings where some bat roosts have been detected.
She said: “I will be asking the council to look very carefully at the implications for wildlife from this scheme as there will be some loss of habitat for many species. At the moment, this site is a haven for birds and other creatures in the heart of the village.”
Both Ms Davies and Dr Wallis have also expressed concern regarding the timing of the submitted application.
Ms Davies said: “Surely the best thing would be to agree a pause in the timetable to allow residents to ask questions before submitting individual or joint opinions to the council on these proposals.”
They are now both urging residents to submit comments to the council while the planning stage is now open.
Dr Wallis said: “My letter to local residents alerts them that the planning application has been lodged and that the process is now under way. They will need to submit their observations to the council’s planning department as soon as possible.
“My letter explains how they can do this and I have also warned them that if they have previously commented on the plans during the pre-application stage, they will need to submit observations again, as their previous views will not be passed onto the planning authority.”