Residents say NO to new housing (From Free Press Series)

Residents say NO to new housing

LOCAL residents have voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed residential development in Henllys Village, Cwmbran.

Torfaen Council is due to consider an application from Persimmon Homes Ltd to build 17 residential flats, a shop and community hall on a site at the junction of Henllys Village Road and Dorallt Way, next week.

People living in the area say they are against the proposals because it will lead to over-development of the site.

Around 90 residents attended a meeting to air their concerns about the application and a letter has been sent to the council outlining their objections.

The letter states:

No justification has been given for the need for so many residential units in the area, particularly as flats are being demolished in other parts of the borough.

The proposed three storey flats would be out of character with the area, and would overlook surrounding properties.

The principle of introducing such dense residential and shopping units within a limited space may result in noise and anti-social behaviour. Ken Stafford, a local resident said: "The proposed development would overload the existing sewer and people living in the lower parts of the village could be at risk from flooding.

"The site is also directly opposite a children's park, which is used by a lot of children in Henllys. We are worried about added traffic and no attempt to introduce traffic calming measures has been mentioned.

"There was a substantial number of local residents who were not even aware of the application and we have gone through a very quick learning process to improve our knowledge of planning procedures to oppose the development," he added.

The application is due to be considered by Torfaen's planning committee on March 14.