Residents’ shock at fatal blow to village campaign

Mar 20 2008 by Samantha Mendez, Rhymney Valley Express

AFTER 20 years of petitions, protests and countless meetings, is it all over for the people of Nelson?

The controversial decision from Caerphilly Council to allow the Welsh Assembly Government to build on the Ty Du site in Nelson sent shock-waves through the villagers who have battled against this very possible-outcome for two decades.

Crowds of residents from Nelson gathered at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, to hear the proceedings concerning the 4-acre site.

A recorded vote was taken which resulted in 16 votes for the development, and 10 against.

The planning committee approved the Assembly’s plans to build a 15-unit prestige business park on the site, meaning the people of Nelson will lose the 7.5 acres of Miners’ Welfare Ground, which they so desperately fought to keep.

One of the founding members of the Nelson Action Group, Pat Lapsa said: “Everyone was very disappointed, especially because the report with 29 conditions seemed to be tantamount to a certain rejection of the scheme.

“We are now asking ourselves ‘have we come to the end of a 26-year battle to save our Miners’ Welfare Ground and the green fields surrounding it?’

“The inspector ruled no development whatsoever should take place on that ground until such time as every leisure facility it contained be replaced.

“The facilities mentioned include a football field and changing rooms, tennis courts, bowling green, children’s swimming pool, putting green and pavilion.”

She added: “Consecutive Councils have failed to replace our leisure facilities. If this development is allowed to take place, Nelson will have no land on which to build these facilities.

“So I ask again ‘have we come to the end of this battle? Are there further avenues to pursue?’, if so, you can be sure Nelson residents will be ready to take action.”

Jeff Cuthbert AM has supported the NAG all the way in their fight to save the land, and said he was disappointed with the decision.

“Given the amount of conditions the planning officers proposed, I’m surprised that the matter was not at least deferred for more consideration.

“It seems there is concern about developing this piece of land but rather than taking the step of rejecting or deferring the proposal, it has been decided to give the green light subject to conditions including the requirement on the Welsh Assembly Government to contribute £150,000 for a rail link bus service,” he said.

Mr Cuthbert said he is contacting Ieuan Wyn Jones, the Economic Development Minister, to see if he will be providing the rail link money, and whether the Assembly will be proceeding with the development plans in the foreseeable future.

He said: “Just because the outline planning application has been approved, it does not mean that any development work is imminent. I want to make sure that the Minister is fully aware of the strength of feeling locally against any such development.”