www.neathferret.co.uk Looking for Community Problems Contact: webmaster@neathferret.co.uk This page was published in April 2008 Planning Consent For Paedophiles? The planning committee of the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has just supported the Planning Department's recommendation that two and three storey houses can be built on ground opposite the Waunceirch Primary School on a ridge top scheme on the west side of Neath. The proposed houses will overlook the front of the school, which includes the playground. The planning department gave the feeble excuse that the playground can be seen from the public footway. Anyone loitering with undesirable intent can be seen on the footway - unlike someone behind windows looking down at the school. Should The Site Have Had Planning Consent? 
Residents in the area think not. The developer put up adverting boards (without permission) before planning consent was given to the developer by the Council. This gave the impression to residents that it was a 'fait accompli' - even so, there were around 400 objections. The Neath Ferret thinks there would have been many more if it were not for these deceitful notice boards.As far as the plans are concerned, putting two and three storey houses on a ridge top scheme is utterly ridiculous. The Neath 'planners' are the only ones in the UK to consider such a scheme. Other authorities have given more thought to the height of buildings in similar situations. 
Now, weeks later, the developer has put in a planning application for the advertising boards - to be considered as a retrospective application. If this is passed it will not only make a mockery of the whole planning system but show the planning committee as a weak body that is just intent on block voting for the sake of party politics.
The Neath Ferret asks ALL Councillors to oppose this application and trust that the planning committee will show some resolve in the matter, casting aside party politics to uphold correct procedures. The planning committee will gain much respect if this is done. The Welsh Assembly Government has also been asked to look at the matter, in view of the fact that they own the land in question. School Parking Problems 
Many schools have car parking problems in areas that have been established years ago. But at the Waunceirch Primary School there is a proposed new development opposite that could take into account the current parking problems - especially as the land belongs to the Welsh Assembly Government, who should have a say in the matter. The planning for the site, however, is under the control of the Neath Council. The question is: 'What is being done to help the parking problem and to prevent a possible accident?' The answer is nothing! It's a new build situation and an obvious problem is being ignored. Surely the safety of school children is of prime importance?
Why The U-turn By The Council? 
Back in 1999 the Council put two notices on the main A48 road to divert road traffic away from North Waunceirch, the area of the primary school. At that time they appeared to have the safety of school children in mind. These notices were taken down before the planning application of the new site. It seems a strange coincidence.
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