A YEAR long battle over the Dolphin Bar on Barry Island has come to a close with the Planning Inspectorate giving the green light for flats and commercial units to be built on the site.

A decision by the Planning Inspector this week has ruled in favour of the Barry Island Property Company (BIPC), who have been butting heads with the Vale of Glamorgan council over the details of the plans, providing that work on the development takes place within the next two years.

Although the Vale council have backed plans to develop the site, the proposals fell apart earlier this year with the BIPC refusing to pay a S106 contribution - payments to assist facilities in the local community - and also refusing to meet affordable housing objectives.

The BIPC had claimed that the development would become financially unviable should they have to make contributions and the Vale refused planning permission, proposing a "clawback" mechanism whereby the contributions could be made after the development is built.

This week the Planning Inspector ruled against this proposal, giving the BIPC - a joint venture between Dolphin owner Ian Rogers and property company Hilco - the go-ahead to build flats and shops on the prominent Barry Island site.

Marcus Goldsworthy, Head of Regeneration and Planning at the Vale council said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Council is obviously very disappointed with the Planning Inspector’s judgement.

"It remains our view that the on-going regeneration of Barry Island will significantly enhance the future viability and profitability of the Dolphin development.

“We do, however, note that in his decision the Inspector restricts the time allowed for the development to two years, rather than the standard five.

"This should encourage the developer to bring forward the development in a timely manner and ensure the recent progress seen in this part of Barry Island continues.

"The Council will now be looking to the developer to quickly implement the project, in full compliance with the planning approval.

"We will be doing all we can to ensure the redevelopment of the site further stimulates Barry Island’s resurgence and builds on the excellent regeneration work undertaken by the Vale of Glamorgan Council over the last two years.”

BIPC representatives have been contacted for a comment.