A PLANNING meeting hosted to decide on two of the Vale’s biggest proposed developments – the huge housing development in Cosmeston, as well as whether Barry’s biomass burner is to be sparked into life - was adjourned due to technical issues.
It looks as if the decision on whether Upper Cosmeston Farm will be developed will have to wait after Vale Council were unable to hold a sufficient discussion on the decision due to a number of councillors not getting into the meeting via the hybrid network – in other words, they couldn’t get their laptops to work...
- The council has released a statement on what happened at the meeting last night. Read what they had to say at the end of the article
The sorry state of affairs was summed up by councillor Nic Hodges - who was one of just three out of 17 planning committee members who attended the meeting in person - saying: “May I suggest councillors actively attend in person. There are three of us in the chamber which are voting members of the committee.”
Read more: Barry's incinerator set for crucial planning meeting
No decision at Vale planning meeting on whether houses to be built in Cosmeston, or if Barry’s incinerator is to be lit
The proposed housing development at Upper Cosmeston Farm is a big project.
Five-hundred-and-seventy-six “dwellings” are proposed to be built on 25 hectares of land opposite Cosmeston Lakes park as well as a primary school, community space and public open space.
But the planning meeting on February 22 didn’t just have Cosmeston on the table, it also had Barry’s biomass incinerator and whether it was going to be sparked up.
However, Vale Council Planning Committee didn’t even get round to discussing the incinerator, with chairman Cllr Nick Thomas advised to adjourn the meeting for “a next available date” due to many councillors laptops and connections malfunctioning.
To their credit, chairman Cllr Thomas, Cllr Nic Hodges, Cllr Ian Johnson and a very passionate Cosmeston representative Cllr Kevin Mahoney were in the chamber as well as members of the public waiting to speak – who never got their chance.
Emma Goodjohn, son Euan and DIAG’s (Docks Incinerator Action Group) Dennis Clare were all waiting patiently in the public gallery to speak about Barry’s incinerator.
Cllr Clarke said last night was “a farce” and you would think councillors could be “bothered” to show in person.
Cllr Clarke did muse though, if the council look to adjourn these crucial decisions, perhaps they could do it six months down the line, or further…
UPDATE: Vale Council say it was "absolute right decision" to end meeting after technical issues
Despite no decisions being made on two major planning applications last night, the council say it was absolutely correct to end the meeting in order to ensure everyone will be able to participate.
A council spokesperson said: "The chair of yesterday’s planning committee took the decision to adjourn the meeting because technical issues meant some members were unable to take part.
“This was absolutely the correct action as, when discussing important planning matters, it is vital that everyone who sits on the committee can fully participate.
“Arrangements will be made for another meeting when items that could not be discussed on Thursday will be considered.”
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