COMMUNITY COUNCIL OPPOSES CONTROVERSIAL PLANNING APPLICATION
Councillor Jill Bonetto
Taff's Well and Nantgarw Community Council have unanimously agreed that it will oppose a controversial planning application that could see local jobs disappear from the area.
An application, to develop the land currently occupied by Rhys Davies Freight logistics, into 156 houses, 12 flats, offices, a residential care home and a restaurant/public house has been submitted to the County Council,
If approved, the application, which was not submitted by Rhys Davies Freight Logistics but by an external company who own the lease to the land, could force business on the industrial park to find alternative premises and would see over 150 local jobs at Rhys Davies' lost if the company was forced to relocate to another location.
The Community Council is concerned that the proposal would also adversely affect countless smaller businesses on the adjoining Garth Estate in Moy Road and lead to further loss of jobs and job opportunities that are vital to the Taff's Well area. It would also put a huge strain on the infrastructure of the village.
At a public meeting, held to consult local residents, strong feelings were expressed that the proposal to build another Pub/restaurant could have serious consequences for existing businesses who were already struggling to make ends meet.
Commenting on the application, Councillor Jill Bonetto said: "If the application is approved, by the County Council, it will intrinsically change the nature of the village and we would be in danger of becoming just another satellite town of Cardiff"
"We do not need another Pub/restaurant as the needs of the village and the surrounding area are sufficiently meet by the existing four pubs and two clubs that already serve the needs of the local community".
"What we do need is to retain the employment and employment opportunities that the Moy Road and Garth Industrial estates provide. These are not Brownfield or derelict sites but active employment zones that provide jobs for the local community. At present the Moy road and Garth Industrial sites have thriving businesses and are well placed, because of the close proximity to the motorway, to develop even further. I believe that it would be economic madness to change the designation of the site and hope that the RCT County Council will reject the application"
"I would urge each resident, who is concerned about this application, to write to the County Planning Officer and make a formal objection to the application".
