Exciting new development or unfair play? A plan to build 16 homes in Pontyates has been approved, but not without some heated discussions! 🤔
The fuss? Councillors are frustrated because the financial contributions from the developer have been dramatically reduced. Initially, a previous proposal required over £179,000 towards affordable housing and more for recreational spaces. This time, the ask dwindled to just £20,000 – all for a traffic management scheme. 🚧
Why the change? It’s a tricky plot with sloping land and a costly need for a new pumping station. The developers argued their costs justified a reduction, and the council agreed. But not everyone’s happy about it!
Cllr Ken Howell voiced concerns about lack of consistency in council decisions, sparking a debate on whether big developers get preferential treatment. Cllr Dorian Phillips highlighted a local couple building just one house having to pay £10,000 to the council, questioning the fairness. Meanwhile, Cllr Mansel Charles pointed to others facing hefty contributions for single home builds. 💷🏠
Planning officer John Thomas reassured that the developers provided concrete evidence of high costs, not just complaints. Still, planning officer Hugh Towns warned refusing the application might backfire at an appeal, given the council valuer’s support of the decision.
Despite the back-and-forth, the committee approved the officer’s recommendation. The new homes will include 10 three-bedroom detached and 6 two-bedroom semi-detached houses. 🏘️
What do you think? Is this a fair compromise or a worrying precedent? Let us know in the comments! 📢