Planning Meeting January 23 2008

We now know that the housing proposals for Ruperra were rejected by Caerphilly Planning Councillors on December 5 by 18 votes to 6. There were 7 absentees and 2 unable to vote through conflict of interest.
The Chief Planning Officer will report again to the Planning Committee on 23 January when, although he is still recommending approval, he will provide planning reasons for the rejection and another vote will be taken. So it seems that it may still be a worrying time until the 23. If you are able, please come to the meeting at 5 pm at the Council Offices in Pontllanfraith. If there are any last minute details or changes they can be checked here.
If the rejection is upheld the next question will be the reaction of the owner. Will he proceed to an appeal which he must decide to do within 6 months or will he sell?

It was good news that on 16 January, Jeff Cuthbert, AM for Caerphilly, arranged a meeting in the Assembly with the Minister for Heritage, Rhodri Glyn Thomas for a few members of Ruperra Conservation Trust. The Minister reassured us that he was fully aware of the uniqueness and importance of Ruperra in Welsh Heritage.