Homes row is heating up

Jan 17 2008 by Peter Collins, South Wales Echo

THE row over a scheme to build “affordable houses” on the approach road to Barry Cemetery is set to intensify next week.

Barry town councillors who opposed the development will meet on Tuesday when they are likely to pass a motion condemning the Vale of Glamorgan council’s planning committee for granting it planning permission.

Meanwhile, Councillor Margaret Alexander, leader of the Vale council, is staging a press conference on the issue.

Furious residents have lodged an official complaint with the council over the way the application was handled. They are also seeking legal advice on calling for a judicial review of the decision. The scheme by the Newydd Housing Association involves building 61 houses and flats.

Derek Hooper, one of the leaders of the residents’ action group which opposed the development, said: “We look forward with great interest to what the council has to say.”