TWO planning applications linked to the development of the former police training college in Cwmbran have been approved.

Members of Torfaen County Borough Council’s planning committee agreed to support the proposals – one linked to a phase that has already started and one relating to the next phase.

Located on Greenmeadow Way, the proposal comprises 108 ‘residential units’ and a play area and will add to the 219 homes of the development’s first phase.

Although the first phase of the Taylor Wimpey development started in 2015, the matter returned before the committee due to a hedgerow that was illegally removed.

Members of the planning committee mentioned that the council should look to find ways of bringing in penalties for developers who do not adhere to agreements in the future.

“We are still not convinced the developers are not going to do what they say,” said Cllr Janet Jones, an Independent member from the Blaenavon ward.

“We are still not convinced the developers will keep to their word.”

Cllr Huw Bevan said that due to the history of the site’s development and the problem, it would be important for an enforcement officer to check the site.

“Given the history on this site, it would warrant a visit from an officer,” said the Conservative member for the Llanyrafon East and Ponthir ward.

“A lot of work has gone into trying to address what wasn’t done correctly previously.

“There does need to be a carrot and stick”

The new 108-home development will consist of a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties in a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.

Cllr Stuart Ashley was keen for archaeologists to have a look at the site, given Cwmbran’s proximity to historical towns such as Caerleon and that it was previously owned by the Ministry of Justice.

“There’s probably a huge amount of archaeology that we don’t know about,” said the Labour member for Pontnewydd.

“We haven’t had a chance to look at It.”

Originally, 456 homes were planned for the entire scheme, with a third phase set to follow, although the total number has been reduced to 350 properties.

The two developments combined will lead to 327 homes in total, leaving just 23 for the final phase.

However, Helen Smith, of Torfaen’s planning and public protection team, told members that if it could be proved viable, the number of total properties could be higher than 350.