Protesters set to step up hospital site homes plan (From Free Press Series)

Protesters set to step up hospital site homes plan

THE fight against a controversial blueprint to build over 600 houses has gathered speed as residents claim the plans could devastate their community.

More than 250 people packed the Woodland Road Community Centre last Friday to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Llanfrechfa Grange.

Plans were revealed that could see up to 600 houses built on the former hospital site and The Friends of Llanfrechfa Action Group (Flag), were set up to fight the plans.

The campaign pressure group Flag organised the meeting as a chance for residents to voice their objection and to hear from Torfaen council planners.

Monmouth MP David Davies chaired the meeting and residents also heard from Assembly and Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust representatives about the housing development planned for the site.

Among concerns raised was the lack of consultation with residents and whether Llanfrechfa Grange should be allowed to be redeveloped for housing when there may still be a future need for hospital facilities - potentially on the Grange site.

There was also concern over the involvement of the National Assembly for Wales in the planning process - from its name appearing as joint applicants to its involvement in determining any appeal procedure, should planning permission be rejected.

David Davies MP said the meeting had been a success, but remained "extremely concerned" about the plans.

"If given the go-ahead, this would be a huge development that would eclipse the village of Llanfrechfa," he said.

A community liaison group is now being set up to communicate with the council as the application progresses.

Local resident and Flag spokesman, Rob Crowshaw, said the community would step up its fight and vowed to put "some searching questions" to both the Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust and the Welsh Assembly.

"Flag's message is clear - there is strong opposition to the outline plan for the proposed redevelopment of the Grange hospital and that we will fight as a community to make sure our concerns are heard so that we will finally make a difference."