In the latest in a series of member blogs, Mandy Jones writes about the importance of community consultation...
Have you heard of the Caerphilly Town 2035 Group?…..this is the group that will reshape our town over the next 12 years into an unrecognisable vista of social areas, pedestrianised streets, hotels, smart bars and restaurants.
A lot of what they promise can only be viewed as good for the area but an overriding concern is the level of autonomy their group and Caerphilly Borough Council appears to operate under, offering little consultation with the residents of Caerphilly
One area of particular concern is the new market place (Ffos Caerfilli) on Park lane.
At first glance many will be delighted to hear that the old market is to be replaced with new units, a venue for music, places to eat …..but what of the neighbours in that area? What thought has been given to the traffic going down park lane if indeed it will continue. What are the licensing hours?
When Caerphilly Borough Council was asked about the market and whether residents were consulted, they replied that a residents survey had been undertaken in September 2022 which was advertised on social media and the council website. Just recently, and only months after temporary planning permission of 5 years was granted for Ffos Caerfilli, the group has succeeded in securing permanent planning with a huge 71 % of the planning committee voting for this. This is before we know the impact of extra traffic, the noise…..where was the consultation on this? The Council will undoubtedly argue that due diligence and rules were followed but is this good enough? Several families on St Fagans Street have confirmed that they certainly didn’t receive any traditional correspondence nor were any of the usual notices seen.
There needs to be change in our town without doubt. However, whether the methods being used to achieve that change are the right way, is open to debate. With over 65’s representing 20% of our population in Caerphilly, and in an all inclusive world, should social media be the only route to letting people know what’s going on? Shouldn’t there be a place in town where you can view the plans, see dates of forthcoming meetings, list of peoples names and committees etc.?
We want to help. Let us know your concerns. Let us find the answers you want and help us to ensure that the group who are dictating how our town will look in the next decade, are accessible and accountable to us, the tax payers and residents.
