LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies has criticised the Vale council's decision to approve the building of 350 houses in Sully.

The Vale of Glamorgan council's planning committee approved the controversial Cog Road plans last night (Thursday, May 12) despite widespread objections from Sully Community Council and more than 400 residents.

Commenting on news South Wales Central regional AM Mr Davies said: "“Unfortunately, this decision is yet another example of why the planning system needs a complete overhaul in Wales so it can address and react to the genuine concerns of local residents.

“It cannot be right the communities of Sully and Cosmeston have faced a continued barrage of large housing applications in recent years but yet the local authority pays little to no heed."

Mr RT Davies also praised the work of the Saving Sully local action group.

“The work of the Saving Sully action group speaking up on behalf of the community has been exemplary," he said. "And whilst success has been recently achieved in relation to the proposed travellers site in the area, regrettably on this occasion the planning system which the council operates under has not been able to act on the deep-seated and legitimate concerns raised.

“We all appreciate houses need to be built for the future but it should not be at the expense of the character of our local communities, nor should plans be pushed through without the necessary infrastructure developments in place which can address the increased demand on our education, transport and health systems.”