Swansea Council officers have made a significant declaration, stating that they will not be able to defend a planning appeal lodged by a major housebuilder. The appeal in question was submitted by Persimmon Homes, who are seeking approval for the construction of 216 houses and flats on a piece of land at the end of Fairwood Terrace in Gowerton. The refusal of planning permission for this development has prompted the council officers to reveal that they cannot support the appeal, citing a breach of their professional code of conduct.
According to reports, the council’s planning committee turned down the outline permission for the homes in contention during a meeting held in September. The decision was met with disagreement from several committee members who raised concerns about issues such as the proposed access points from the busy Fairwood Terrace-Victoria Road junction, potential traffic congestion, and the impact on existing trees in the area. Subsequently, the committee reconvened in October to solidify their grounds for refusal, ultimately settling on increased congestion and its implications for local residents.
Given the stance taken by the council officers, it has now fallen upon the councillors to defend the planning appeal when it comes before a Welsh Government-appointed planning inspector. The preferred method of defense, as indicated in a planning committee meeting, is through a hearing rather than written representations or an inquiry. Notably, two ward councillors from Gowerton, Dai Jenkins and Susan Jones, along with an objector named Carl Jones, have expressed their commitment to mounting a defense against the appeal.
In light of the situation, councillor Lyndon Jones, residing in Gowerton but representing another area, has also pledged his support to defend against the 216-home development plan. The planning inspector will ultimately determine the format of the appeal process. The proposed development by Persimmon Homes and Urban Style Land Ltd includes amenities such as a park and ride hub, traffic lights, and a pedestrian crossing, catering to the needs of residents and commuters in the vicinity of Gowerton railway station.
An overwhelming opposition to the housing scheme was evident, with 881 objection letters and a petition containing 317 signatures submitted to the planning department. Persimmon Homes, upon the initial refusal of their application, expressed disappointment over the planning committee’s decision, citing the alignment of their proposal with Swansea’s local development plan and the endorsement received from the council’s planning officers. Despite the setback, the company is deliberating its next course of action following the formal refusal of the project.
As the appeal process progresses, the engagement of local councillors and concerned residents highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping urban development initiatives. The complexities surrounding planning decisions underscore the critical role played by local authorities in balancing development aspirations with environmental and societal considerations. The outcome of this appeal will not only impact the landscape of Gowerton but also set a precedent for future planning disputes in Swansea and beyond.