FLAG   Wider Issues09/09/05

Friends of Llanfrechfa Action Group                                                 www.cwmbran.org

WHAT DOES THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE LLANFRECHFA GRANGE HOSPITAL SITE MEAN TO YOU?

 

The outline planning application for the redevelopment of the Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital site to build 400-600 mixed housing units will have far-reaching implications affecting the wider public and residents of many local communities neighbouring Llanfrechfa, including  Ponthir,  Caerleon,  Llanyravon, Croesyceiliog,  Cwmbran,  Llantarnam,  Sebastopol,  Griffithstown  and  New Inn.

 

ROADS & TRAFFIC

  • The proposed access roads from the development directly onto Caerleon Road will worsen traffic congestion and queuing in both directions – onto the already dangerous A4042 Turnpike Roundabout (Police HQ) and through Ponthir and Caerleon – particularly at peak times during school runs and commuting to and from work.
  • Disruptions due to construction traffic and road works during the six year construction project will push the highway infrastructure to breaking point.
  • Increased speeds and volumes of traffic through the residential areas of Llanyravon, Croesyceiliog & Llantarnam will present increased dangers to pedestrians and cyclists, young and old.

 

SCHOOLING

  • Closing local schools (eg Ponthir) in areas of new housing developments will force more children to travel greater distances to and from their nearest schools (adding to the peak time traffic chaos).

 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - NEAR YOU?

  • South Sebastopol and Llanfrechfa are currently feeling the detrimental effects of the existing Local Plan.
  • A new Local Plan is already being prepared by Torfaen Planners – identifying and earmarking all potential new sites throughout Torfaen for redevelopment into housing and factories over the next 15 to 20 years.
  • Lack of action and opposition now will leave other communities near you weakened and helpless against the future systematic destruction of parkland, playgrounds, playing fields, open spaces, fields and countryside from Newport to New Inn and Croesyceiliog to Caerleon.

 

 

LOCAL AMENITIES

  • Stripping out and not replacing the existing on-site facilities of playing fields, football & cricket pitches, tennis courts, social hall and Hydro Pool to build housing is a devastating blow to the heart of the community and to the hundreds of people robbed of using these vital community facilities.

 

HEALTHCARE

  • The closure of the hospital will mean removal and relocation of its resident patients to other areas of Gwent, plus the closure of the Hydrotherapy Pool used by hundreds of patients each week.

 

ENVIRONMENT

  • Cutting down swathes of trees and hedgerows, combined with the loss of acres of open parkland, will have a drastic impact on the resident population of protected bats, badgers and birds on site.
  • On-site drainage feeding directly into local brooks, streams and rivers pose potential flood risks downstream - as far afield as Ponthir and Cwmbran - and an additional strain will be put on parts of Cwmbran’s already overloaded ancient sewage infrastructure.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

 

You are urged you to make your objections to the proposed development in writing.

FLAG has prepared a Standard Letter of Objection to the proposal which lists the causes for concern that have been identified by FLAG. Simply fill in your name and address, then sign and date the letter and send it in. Cross out any points in the letter you disagree with and add your own comments at the end. This will give a strong message of local opposition to the proposed developments in Torfaen.

 

Please contact us with your views and concerns.

FLAG Working Groups of teams, each led by a team leader, are in place to challenge the development in the interest of the public and to consult with professional bodies for help and advice in investigating the impact of the proposed development with regard to the following specific issues:

- The ENVIRONMENT & LANDSCAPE                 - The HOSPITAL, PATIENTS & HYDROPOOL

- The HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT & TRAFFIC        - COVENANTS & OWNERSHIP OF LAND

- The OVERALL DESIGN & LAYOUT                  - The LOCAL PLAN

 

FLAG Public Meetings are held regularly to give you the latest updates and to listen to your views. 

 

Please give your support. Together we can make a difference.

 

Make sure you have your say - before it’s too late!   It will affect us all.

 

Volunteers to join the FLAG Working Groups are still welcome.                                           Contact: Rob Crowshaw (01633) 860741