During the planning sub-committee meeting on March 5, Councillor Ball, Councillors Hennessy, and Thomas, chief officer Rachel Honey-Jones, and administrator Courtney Parker were in attendance, with no apologies for absence recorded. Councillor Clarke (observer), Councillor N Hodges (observer), and Councillor S Hodges (observer) were also present.
The sub-committee agreed on a ‘strong objection’ to the planning appeal consultation for the development at Model Farm, Port Road, Rhoose.
Concerns raised included traffic congestion and access, drainage, and the potential environmental and agricultural impacts.
Councillor Thomas further highlighted concerns regarding limited sewage capacity in the Porthkerry and Rhoose area.
Welsh Water has confirmed it does not have the capacity to support the proposed development.
Councillor Clarke said: “There is currently no information available to assess the true risks or potential pollution impacts of the proposal.”
Councillor Clarke stated that the Environmental Impact Assessment, as it stands, does not provide details of what is intended, and this information must be made available to clarify the proposed actions.
Councillor Clarke stated that the sewage research document does not appear to be available on the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s website.
Councillor Clarke said: “The original Environmental Impact Statement was inadequate.
“Barry Town Council would need to request ‘main party’ representation in order to represent the largest town in Wales.”
Councillor Clarke also noted that, to date, no correspondence has been received from the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
To ensure concerns are adequately addressed, the committee agreed for Barry Town Council to request ‘main party’ status at the enquiry, and for both physical and written representations to be made to support a strong objection to the development.
Councillor Clarke will attend the enquiry in a non-political capacity, with the support of the sub-committee.
He will condense his more than 120 pages of notes into 4–5 pages, ready for circulation to the committee and councillors to prepare a written statement.
