RESIDENTS have set up an action group to fight against an approved 1,020 housing development of more than 1,000 homes on a greenfield site.

The residents of Old St Mellons and surrounding areas have joined forces to oppose the recent approval passing of a planning application for to grant1,020 houses on coveringan area of farmland and countryside by setting up the Old St Mellons Action Group (OSMAG).

The application, put forward by Persimmon Home, covers an the area which stretches from the A48 to the M4 and encroaches on Pontprennau, Old St Mellons and all surrounding areas.

Local residents present voted unanimously in favour of making an application to the High Court applying for leave for a judicial review into the planning committee’s decision an application at the High Court.

They believe there is grounds for a judicial review Residents have decided to take such action due to their belief that the land in question is the best quality farmland in the region.

Welsh Government guidelines state this land should be preserved as a “finite” resource.

“There is alternative, poorer graded agricultural land across the city available for housing and it is OSMAG’s belief this land should be developed first,” groupOSMAG spokesman Joel Williams said.

“OSMAG also believe this application predetermines the outcome of Cardiff’s Local Development Plan (LDP) which has now been sent to the independent inspector for consideration.

“An application of this magnitude is contrary to current guidance and a decision of this scale should be postponed until the LDP is ratified.”

The planning application said: “The site represents the opportunity to deliver family housing in the short term at a time when Cardiff is not meeting its requirement to maintain a five-year housing land supply.

“The proposal will bring homes, investment, jobs, and facilities for the area in particular a new school and substantial public park with associated improvements on the Rhymney trail.”

OSMAG is raising funds to apply for leave for a judicial review.