ACTION
WRITE TO DEFEAT THE FOURTH APPLICATION
Western Power's fourth planning application to build 324 houses and flats
on the site of Llanishen reservoir is due to go to another planning inquiry
in May 2008. Western Power who have appealed to the planning inspectorate
for non-determination of their application by the Cardiff Council Planning
Committee are being opposed by Cardiff Council and RAG. The Council
Planning Committee met to consider the application in October 2007, and to
agree what decision they would have reached on the application if they had
considered it within the statutory time limit. As described below (see
18th October 2007), they decided they would have rejected the application
on eight separate grounds. Western Power are now trying to get the
Planning Inspectorate to overturn the decision made by the Council, and the
wishes of the local community.
It is therefore important for local people who oppose the despoilation of
this local beauty-spot to write to the Planning Inspector and express their
views. He has indicated that he is prepared to accept letters up until
15th April 2008.
Write Now:-
BY POST to or
by E-MAILto
The Planning Inspectorate, wales@planning-inspectorate.gsi.gov.uk
Welsh Assembly,
Crown Buildings,
Cathays Park,
Cardiff.
CF10 3NQ
Make sure you include your name, address and postcode and include the following
reference details at the head of the letter
APPEAL REF. APP/Z6815/A/07/2042394/WF
Please write the letter in your own words expressing the aspects
of the reservoir that you value most and the concerns that you have about
the proposed housing development at the site. To help you in this task,
here are the reasons why RAG thinks the development should be rejected by
the Inspector:
- Cardiff is unique in possessing the valleys of the Rhymney, Nant Fawr,
Taff and Ely running through the city from north to south. The foresight
of our forefathers in developing green wedges of parks, open spaces and
playing fields along these valleys has created a lovely city where countryside
enters its very heart.
- The open expanse of Llanishen Reservoir and its associated land, together
with the other open space features around the site form a visually significant
feature of considerable amenity value.
- The proposal is against the well-established planning policies of the
Council to protect and enhance these four Wildlife, Recreation and Amenity
Corridors. They are in the City of Cardiff Local Plan (1996), the Replacement
Structure Plan (1991 – 2011), the City of Cardiff Nature Conservation
Strategy (1995), the Cardiff Countryside Strategy (1998), the Open Space
Supplementary Planning Guidance (1999) and the City of Cardiff Landscape
Strategy (2002). The effect of the new housing development and
its associated access roads would bring into the existing open space
corridor major elements of built development which would seriously disrupt
its coherence, integrity and character.
- The open space qualities of that part of Nant Fawr Meadows which will
be bisected by the proposed access road, would be seriously harmed by the
proposed development, through disruption to the coherence and integrity
of this very much valued, and used, publicly accessible open space.
- There would be a significant diminishment in the opportunities for
sailing activity available to the people of Cardiff and nearby areas. The
highly acclaimed Llanishen Sailing Centre would no longer be able to offer
more than rudimentary beginners’ classes on a greatly reduced water
area, with housing development closely located as its eastern and western
sides.
- The reservoir, even if drained, should not be regarded as “previously
developed land”.
- The appeal site is not identified as a housing site under the provision
of the existing development plan, and there is no urgent need to find additional
housing sites at the present time.
- The Inspector at the earlier Public Inquiry into Western Power’s
Second Planning Application recognized the strategic value of the quality,
integrity and coherence of the Nant Fawr Open Space Corridor and this is
one of the reasons why he recommended the rejection of the Applicant’s
Appeal. The Welsh Assembly Government accepted the Inspector’s
Report and rejected the Applicant’s Appeal.
PLEASE WRITE NOW. SUCH
LETTERS ARE VITAL TO OUR CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT THIS AREA FROM DESPOILATION
BY A RAPACIOUS, MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANY, WHO ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE
A QUICK PROFIT DESPITE THE VIEWS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND OUR ELECTED COUNCIL.
