Review of 2016

IN THE Argus’ fascinating review of 2016 you re-tell the extraordinary story of Newport’s planning committee almost scuppering the long awaited Welsh Medium Secondary School and the urgently required upgrading of Duffryn High School.
You report that the committee’s refusal of planning permission was “greeted with fury and dismay by parents and teachers”. 
The Headteacher said it was “a devastating blow”, he felt “let down” and it was “the worst day in his 35 year career”. 
The words shame” and “a disgrace” were voiced at an emergency meeting of parents at the school. 
The decision “could not be appealed” and “Welsh Government funding had been lost”.
What you did not report was that the solution to the problem appeared in the Argus letters page the day before the council announced it. 
Based on my experience on the planning committee and as cabinet member for young peoples’ services, I suggested that the planning application could be re-submitted for the whole council to decide, acting as the Planning Authority. 
Before the letter was published I sent it to the decision makers at the civic centre and to the school. 
The only person who found time to respond was the chief education officer, James Harris, who thanked me for the suggestion, which he would pass on.