A HOUSING developer that was intent on building up to 200 dwellings in Barry, has withdrawn its plan to appeal against planning refusal.

The Planning Inspectorate for Wales confirmed that Taylor Wimpey has abandoned its proposal for the homes and associated works on land south of Port Road West, Weycock Cross, Barry.

Campaigners opposing the development gave news of the inquiry appeal withdrawal a cautious welcome.

But Taylor Wimpey said it still believed there was a housing need.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “As a responsible developer, we are reconsidering our proposals for the Weycock Cross site in light of current planning policy.

“There remains a need for additional high-quality new homes in the local area and we believe the site at Weycock Cross can assist in meeting this demand in the future.”

Vale Council operational manager for development control, Marcus Goldsworthy, said the council was pleased to confirm Taylor Wimpey had withdrawn its appeal.

He said: “While it is unfortunate that we have had to bear unnecessary expenses in responding to this, we feel that the developer’s decision to abandon its appeal vindicates the original decision of the Council to refuse the application and the subsequent stance that we have held throughout the process.”

Vale Council director of development services, Rob Thomas, added: “No new applications have been submitted. Any further applications will be considered taking into account all relevant planning considerations.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns said the developer’s withdrawal from the inquiry was good news, as far as it went.

He said: “I am pleased that Taylor Wimpey have partly clarified their position on the Weycock Cross development. Whilst the news to withdraw their appeal for the development should be welcomed we must not be complacent, especially in light of the formal statement they have made. We need to guard ourselves against the possibility of a further planning application being submitted.

“I pay tribute to the Friends of Weycock Cross Group. There have been several public meetings and countless ‘committee meetings’. We have done all possible to co-ordinate our action. FocusBARRY (CORR) have also played a key part in this.”