AN APPEAL against a decision to refuse planning permission for nine houses on a community green in Cwmbran has been dismissed.

Torfaen council rejected the application from Bron Afon Community Housing for affordable housing on open space near Adit Walk, Pontnewydd, last March.

Councillors said the development would have an ‘adverse effect’ on a space valued by residents, which would also affect the visual amenities of the area.

South Wales Argus: Residents who objected to the plans are pictured on the community green in 2017Residents who objected to the plans are pictured on the community green in 2017

The company took the decision to appeal, arguing that there was an ‘overprovision’ of green space in the ward.

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But a planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government sided with the council and dismissed the appeal in December.

In her decision notice, Joanna Burston said: “I have found that the appeal proposal would have a significantly harmful effect on the quality and value of this area of open space and on the character and appearance of the local area.

“I agree with the council and local objectors that, although the site does not provide any formal recreation facilities, it forms a pleasant setting and outlook for a considerable number of dwellings and those people using the local services and facilities.”

Ms Burston acknowledged that nine affordable homes would make a ‘small but useful’ contribution to housing need in the borough.

Bron Afon had said that Torfaen council had not met yearly affordable housing targets within its local development plan – claims disputed by the authority.

The report says 1,442 affordable homes have been built or permitted since 2013, reaching the target of 1,131 built or permitted by 2021.

But the council has not disputed that there were 2,544 residents on its Homeseeker housing register at the time the report was written.