CAMPAIGNERS opposing a 200-dwelling housing proposal have accused the developer of toying with their emotions having previously applied, appealed, withdrew and now lodging another.

The Barry and District News last week reported how Friends of Weycock Cross leaders Frank and Debra Cleland were appealing for Vale residents to take over the fight after Taylor Wimpey re-submitted a bid to build on Green Farm, Barry.

The proposals, which were first submitted in May 2013, involve building on the area of land between the Cwm Ciddy public house and Pontypridd Road.

Friends of Weycock Cross objected to the plans on the grounds that traffic congestion would have an impact on the town and local schools.

And they have appealed for others to step forward to aid the battle. Vale MP Alun Cairns and Buttrills councillor, Ian Johnson have pledged their support.

Campaigner Frank Cleland, of Nant Talwg Way, said: “Taylor Wimpey are playing with residents’ emotions by submitting a planning application, then appeal, then withdrawal and now another application. These tactics are designed to wear down residents resolve. This new application is exactly the same as the previous one. Therefore the reasons for refusal should still apply. Taylor Wimpey obviously do not like the word no.

“The LDP contains an allocation for approximately 10,000 houses. However, the latest census figures show that only half of that figure is required. This site is still outside the urban boundary, has green wedge status and is active agricultural land. We would urge all residents of Barry to object against this planning application.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns said the resubmission of Taylor Wimpey’s planning application, with some amendments, had seen him strengthen his resolve to fight inappropriate green field development and he would continue to work with the community adding that they would not be brow beaten into giving in.

Mr Cairns said: “I am extremely disappointed that Taylor Wimpey has taken the decision to re-submit an application in August when many local residents will be away on holiday, making it more difficult to build a community opposition. This is typical of the type of tactics that we have come to expect and I have warned about this type of action previously.

“The proposal has previously been rejected based on a number of major objections which still remain. Local residents like Frank and Debra Cleland and the Friends of Weycock Cross Group have fought very hard to resist a scheme that would completely transform the local environment.

“The issues of traffic in this part of Barry are widely acknowledged and we need sustainable developments in the Vale that the local community can accept and precious green areas protected.”

Cllr Ian Johnson said it was important the right type of houses were built in the right place.

He said: “Labour’s local development plan wants us to build almost 10,000 houses across the county between now and 2026, despite Welsh Government housing projections being for barely half that.

“Even with that amount of over-development, this site at Green Farm is not included in the draft LDP.

“Our greenfield sites are very precious and we all know the traffic problems that already exist in Barry.

“The Vale of Glamorgan Council should make it clear that they intend to reduce the number of houses in the LDP so that the amount built more closely reflects local need.”

Taylor Wimpey say there is a significant need for additional high quality housing, both affordable and private, in the area and the application can assist in meeting this demand in the future.

To comment on the application, quote planning number 2014/00863/OUT by visiting the Vale Council Planning Register or write to Miss Emma Langmaid.

Friends of Weycock Cross Group can be contacted via Facebook.

View Taylor Wimpey’s proposals via http://vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/PlaRecord.aspx?AppNo=2014/00863/OUT

Proposals can be seen at the Dock Offices, Barry, without appointment, from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm or 4:30pm on Friday.

Deadline for representations is August, 25, but views are accepted until the day before the planning committee’s vote.