THE next phase of a housing development between Cwmbran and Pontypool, which has been discussed for more than two decades, has been given the green light.

The South Sebastopol housing development will eventually see 1,200 homes built in total, and was first mooted in the late 90s.

On Wednesday, December 19, 12 members of Torfaen council’s planning committee approved plans for the reserved matters l in respect of 181 dwellings, including associated roads and infrastructure.

There was one abstention.

During the meeting, Carole Jacobs from Torfaen Friends of the Earth addressed the meeting over the proposed movement of homes to an additional site on the whole development.

“The change we are requesting is to remove from the plan the house located there and place them in the north-west corner of the development, where it is proposed to provide sports fields,” she said.

"There is a beautiful view from north-west corner across the estuary which would be an asset for them.

"As a group, we wish to see a successful development which works for everyone including and especially the wildlife.

"We do not wish to appear to be obstructive but constructive."

Helen Smith from Torfaen’s planning and public protection team said the next phase of development relate to the area known as ‘Wren’s Nest’.

“Outline planning permission was granted for the entire site in 2015. This application just relates to the first part of the second phase,” said Mrs Smith.

“It relates to the first half of this phase.”

In the planning document, representations from residents of Grove Park were included, such as “Although it is difficult to object to the building of much needed houses, it seems sad to fill the last small green space between Cwmbran and Pontypool.”

Another stated: "There is an increasing problem with traffic in the area and another 180 houses will make that worse."

Work on phase one of the development for 210 homes at the South Sebastopol site started on April 22, 2016.