RESIDENTS of Penpedairheol are concerned Caerphilly County Borough Council’s new planning strategy could lead to hundreds of new homes in their village.
More than 100 villagers attended a meeting at Cascade Community Centre to discuss the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) draft proposals.
LDPs are overarching strategies in which councils decide how and where they want to allocate land for development.
Caerphilly is currently consulting on its replacement plan, which will earmark areas for potential building work over the next decade.
The proposals include a site off Gwaun Fro, in Penpedairheol, which two Plaid Cymru councillors for the St Cattwg ward argue is unsuitable.
“The possible development of Rhos Farm next to Duffryn Park could see 200 houses with 300 to 400 cars using one access road along Gwaun Fro,” said Cllr Judith Pritchard following the public meeting.
“It would lead to traffic spilling onto the B4254 which is already gridlocked at certain times of the day, because of the one-way traffic by the railway bridge at Pengam and delays at Pengam traffic lights.”
Cllr Haydn Pritchard added: “Concern was also raised about the potential of flooding at Rhos Farm along with sinkholes and mining subsidence.
“Residents were concerned about the proximity of the site to a Roman fort and the possibility of archaeological remains on the site along with the land’s valuable ecological features.”
The two councillors organised the meeting, which was also attended by Senedd Member Delyth Jewell and community councillor Roger Bevan.
Those present at the meeting also heard there could be a further application for development along Pengam Road, between Bryn Siriol and Pengam Station.
Plaid said residents fear new housing there could mean more traffic congestion, as local roads struggle to cope with extra vehicles.
The party group has urged Caerphilly residents to take part in the consultation on the draft LDP proposals – and there are a few days left to have your say.
To find out more about the candidate sites for the replacement LDP and respond to the consultation, visit the council website at https://conversation.caerphilly.gov.uk/2rldp
Caerphilly Council was contacted for comment on the Penpedairheol concerns.
