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.