PEOPLE are being warned they may not be able to speak at a planning meeting set to decide whether a controversial 1,200 housing development can go ahead.

But Mike Jacob, a leader of a group opposed to the controversial South Sebastopol development plan, says everyone should be given the right to speak.

Torfaen's planning committee will meet on June 10 to determine whether outline planning permission should be given for the plan.

During the meeting members of the public will be able to speak about the plan - if they have contacted Duncan Forbes, the council's solicitor, by June 6.

But Clare Taylor, the council's head of forward planning, has said not everyone may be able to voice their opinion.

In a letter sent to people about the procedure being adopted Mrs Taylor said: "If there are a lot of people wishing to speak, I'm afraid that not everyone will be able to do so. "Objectors or supporters with similar views and wishing to express similar points will need to decide who will make those points at the meeting to ensure that all points have been made but to avoid duplication."

Mrs Taylor added that time has been set aside from 12.30pm on the day for people wishing to speak to meet and identify who will make particular points with Mr Forbes and his colleagues.

Each person who is allowed to speak at the 3pm planning meeting will have three minutes if speaking on their own behalf and five minutes if they represent a group. But Mr Jacob, chairman of Fight the Plan, said while he agreed with a time limit being imposed, stopping people speaking is against the democratic principle.

He said: "Where they (the council) are coming from is there are generic headings for objections and they are hoping if special interest groups represent those the individuals may drop their right to speak.

"But they should have the right to speak. You cannot put a set of handcuffs on somebody if they don't feel their point has been made by others. It's a big issue and it's a very emotive plan they are putting forward."

l Notification in writing to speak at the planning meeting should be sent to Duncan Forbes, Torfaen County Borough Solicitor, Civic Centre, Pontypool. Notification can also be faxed to 01495 766396 or e-mailed Duncan.Forbes@torfaen.gov. uk. all notification to be received by 5.30pm Friday, June 6.