Planners reject changes to major housing development after residents raise concerns

Nicholas Thomas, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a new retaining structure at a 164-home development have been rejected following concerns over its impact on neighbouring properties, drainage and flooding.

The proposals relate to Taylor Wimpey’s Gelli Farm development in Blackwood, where full planning permission for up to 164 homes was granted in 2021.

The developer had sought approval for a “non-material amendment” providing further details of a proposed crib wall retaining structure along the western boundary of the site, close to existing homes at Cwmgelli Villas.

But Caerphilly County Borough Council planners refused the application, saying there was insufficient information to determine its appearance or the potential impact on gardens, landscaping, drainage and other infrastructure.

The council said the plans did not provide enough detail about how the changes could affect some of the proposed plots or how the retaining structure would interact with drainage infrastructure and an existing culvert.

In their decision, planners said: “The submitted information does not provide sufficient detail to establish the final appearance of the retaining structures, the extent of any changes to approved rear garden arrangements, the impact on the approved landscaping scheme including the existing trees and hedgerow along Cwm Gelli Villas, or the implications of the revised levels and retaining structures for drainage and infrastructure.”

Officers said the issues were relevant both to people already living in Cwmgelli Villas and future residents of the new development.

Blackwood councillors Nigel Dix, Kevin Etheridge and Andrew Farina-Childs had all raised concerns about the proposed amendment.

They argued the height of the retaining structure could result in “greater intrusion” and a loss of light for existing residents.

The council also received several representations from neighbours raising concerns about the size and stability of the embankment and seeking reassurance that the structure would not increase the risk of surface water run-off or flooding.

Taylor Wimpey has previously said it was “working hard to resolve any issues relating to the drainage on the development”.

Following the refusal, Cllr Dix, who has repeatedly raised concerns about flooding affecting neighbouring properties, welcomed the decision.

He described it as “the right decision” and said he already had concerns about the height of the new development and its impact on residents of Cwmgelli Villas.

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