News Update - January 2006

The mission statement published by the Torfaen Council states the following:

"To improve the quality of life of the people of Torfaen significantly and continuously."

 

There are some 300 houses in Llanfrechfa village, the proposed development is for an extra 600 without any services or open spaces. In the event of this proposal going ahead we are looking at an urban sprawl, thereby destroying a pleasant attractive park land and village environment.

It is obvious that the principles of the Mission Statement are being ignored.

The representatives of the Residents of Llanfrechfa (FLAG) have now met representatives of Torfaen Council and Gwent NHS Trust in the Liaison Committee setting on three occasions.

The first on 15th September 2005, at which a general discussion on the Planning Application occurred. FLAG representatives objected to the Constitution of the committee, the interval of time between meetings, being one month.

It was agreed that the Deputy Chairman would be the Chairman of FLAG. During the meeting the Deputy Director of Planning Duncan Smith stated that the Council did not have to attend a Liaison Committee, neither did the Applicants.

In response to FLAG, Mr Smith refused to allow discussions outside the Liaison committee on any aspect of the application. The Council for future meetings presented three dates, this programme was objected to on the grounds of inadequate time for FLAG to deal sensibly with the subject matter. The Council refused to agree to any changes stating that three meetings will be sufficient to deal with all issues.

By this time it was very clear to FLAG that the Council Representatives were attempting to steamroll the Planning Application through to approval stage.

The three dates for the future meetings determined by the Council are:

1. 13/10/05 - Ecology, Landscape, Trees and Drainage.

2. 10/11/05 - Highways and Transportation.

3. 08/12/05 - Design and Layout, Education, Recreation Facilities.

The meeting of the 8th has been deferred until the 19th January.

The first two meetings have been held. In both cases, outstanding issues remain due to the Council/Trust being unable to answer questions in relation to sewage (sufficient spare capacity exists for 200 dwellings only).

Correspondence

A letter dated 20th December from Neil Lewis, chairman of the Liaison Committee, states:

The Liaison Group provides a forum for participants to express their views and discuss issues.

Whilst FLAG agree with this statement our disappointment at being refused the opportunity to participate as equals con not be over emphasised.

Also in the same letter there seems to be a change of attitude on the part of Council Officers in that they are now able to agree to meetings outside the Liaison Group.

One Meeting has been held with Paul Wheeldon to clarify the Councils thoughts on Highways.

A meeting has been arranged to obtain Duncan Smith's understanding and attitude towards the proposed development.

An informal meeting has been arranged (at the request of Neil Lewis) between FLAG and Mr Duncan Smith.

Public Meetings

Three public meetings open to the residents of Llanfrechfa and the surrounding area have been held, the latest being on Thursday 12th January. All three meetings were well attended. FLAG received outstanding support from the residents of Llanfrechfa and adjacent districts. FLAG have received a mandate to represent them to safeguard their environment and well being.