Future of British (From Free Press Series)

Future of British

THE public sector could hold the key to the proposed development of The British, Torfaen Council has suggested.

Councilllors have been discussing possible options to secure the re-development of the 1,500-acre industrial site amid rumours the land's owners are planning to sell up.

Last week the Free Press told of the dismay felt by Talywain residents about the possible setback the alleged sale could pose to the area's re-development.

At a meeting of the council's regeneration and overview scrutiny committee last week, members were updated on the proposed plan for the area and their views on its future were sought.

A report by Andrew Gray, head of environmental regeneration, described how the authority has worked for many years seeking the reclamation and proposed development of 300 houses and a small amount of opencast mining, on what it describes as "one of the most strategically important brownfield sites in Torfaen."

It states that the council has seen the sale and resale of the site on numerous occasions over the last few years, and that each time it has endeavoured to work with each owner, investing staff time and its own financial resources to support the scheme.

In December last year the council was informed that Harrow Estates, a land reclamation company, was interested in purchasing The British from the owners, Leeds-based businessmen John and Simon Bhullar. Harrow Estates informed the Council that they were making the necessary enquiries and searches to potentially purchase The British. However, the project plan was halted by the developer's agent in December 2005 while negotiations and investigations were conducted between the Bhullar Brothers and Harrow Estates. Harrow Estates informed the Council on April 4, that after careful consideration, they would not be purchasing the site.

Mr Gray said: "It may be in the interests of the council to become a more active partner in The British in order to progress the development of this important project.

"The former WDA is willing to discuss potential financial assistance to support the council with the ongoing development of The British." Cllr Bob Wellington, leader of the council, was keen to stress this proposal is still in its infancy.

He said: "The Council is in discussion with other public agencies to consider whether it would be possible to bring the British into public ownership.

"These talks are at a very early stage and it is therefore too soon to confirm whether public ownership is an option. However, the Council recognises the importance of the British to the regeneration of North Torfaen and will be exploring every possible way of expediting the development of the site."