The long-delayed Pan development planning application was finally submitted in mid-September and the IW Council is now galloping towards determining its own application at a Planning Committee meeting now probably in mid-January.
On the certain assumption that they get the permission to go ahead, it is likely that building work will start in April, possibly subject to securing a Government access road grant of £11m.
What is very disappointing is how little attention is being paid to the concerns, comments and objections of local residents. Some of these are:
* The absence of a direct road link between old and new Pan, limiting proper integration;
* The closer proximity of some new homes to existing Pan homes than originally stated;
* The lack of planned social infrastructure (shop, etc), leading to potential social isolation for the new residents;
* The delayed payment of some of the promised community benefits;
* The need for much more affordable housing than is currently planned - only 30% when we need far more;
* The absence of plans for the employment zone - homes without jobs;
* A number of traffic issues for the entire Newport area, and especially at the junction with Staplers Road.
I continue to support the principle of the Pan development, but I want to see movement on the matters referred to. That does not appear to be forthcoming at present, which would mean I will have to oppose the application.
