Testun llawn:
I oppose the Vale of Glamorgan Council Replacement Local Redevelopment Plan (RLDP), in particular the Weycock Cross, Barry development for the following reasons:
1. The consultation form and accompanying literature/reports is excessively lengthy, making it difficult for many individuals, especially those with health challenges and older adults, to engage effectively. This renders the consultation process inequitable.
2. While I agree that personal details of those commenting should be shared with relevant Council members, these should not be made public, I question the legality of this. The current policy discourages participation due to fears of backlash, undermining fairness.
3. Neither I nor several other residents were informed about the public consultation event at Barry Memo Arts Centre on Monday, 2nd February, which is unfair.
4. The term "unit" is undefined in the documents. Does it refer to an entire block of flats/apartments or a single flat within a block? Clarification is needed on the number of units/blocks and flats/apartments per block planned for the Weycock Cross, Barry and other sites.
5. The RLDP specifies a minimum of 30% affordable housing for the proposed Weycock Cross, Barry site which is substantial. However, the maximum percentage is not stated. What is the proposed maximum amount?
6. How much of the affordable housing will be acquired by the council or private entities and converted into social housing?
7. Regarding social housing occupancy - with VOG Council being a "county of sanctuary" and the Government's "Operation Scatter" initiative, how many individuals with illegal or uncertain immigration status or with indefinite leave to remain, will reside in Weycock Cross, Barry? This could significantly impact the area's culture.
8. How many Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) will be established at Weycock Cross, Barry? What is the maximum number of occupants per HMO? This also relates back to point 7.
9. Traffic congestion is already a significant issue around Weycock Cross, Barry. Additional housing developments at Weycock Cross, Barry and surrounding areas (e.g. Rhoose, Llantwit Major, St Athan, etc.) will exacerbate this, increasing air pollution and affecting access to Cardiff Airport and access for emergency services.
10. Flooding is a serious concern. Areas like Porthkerry Park and the Millwood already experience significant flooding, which development at Weycock Cross would worsen, to potentially catastrophic levels.
11. Illegal sewage dumping is likely to increase with new developments, compounding environmental and health issues.
12. The loss of green spaces and wildlife habitats is troubling, especially given the ongoing ash dieback affecting Porthkerry Park and surrounding areas. Traffic has also resulted in otter fatalities.
13. According to the Council's report, there are insufficient primary school places to accommodate new housing developments.
14. Health and well-being facilities, such as GP surgeries, are inadequate to support additional residents, as noted in the Council's report.
15. Public transport is insufficient. The nearest train station, Barry, is a considerable distance away and requires an uphill walk. Bus services are infrequent, making car travel necessary. Walking to and from the town center is impractical.
16. Concerns exist regarding the use of Persimmon for this development, given past issues with fire regulation compliance at the White Farm, Barry development and legal action required to enforce infrastructure commitments at both the White Farm and the Barry Waterfront developments. What guarantees will the Council put in place to ensure this won't be repeated?
