Plans for a new 10-bedroom house in Newport are set to come before a planning inspector, after the city council was accused of delaying the development with “no sound basis”.
A planning application for the housing plan in Brynderwen Road, Maindee, was submitted to Newport council at the end of February, with the original decision date scheduled for April 23.
The scheme proposes converting a five-bedroom house, currently occupied by one person, to provide “high quality” accommodation over four floors.
The proposals include retaining the property’s two off-street parking spaces, but no additional spaces are proposed.
Two extensions to the original decision date were agreed, with the latest expiring on June 5, but the application has still to be decided.
An appeal has now been lodged against the non-determination of the application, with the applicant saying they have been left “with no other alternative”.
Newport council says it has been unable to check the findings of a parking survey carried out before lockdown restrictions were introduced.
It is expected the findings of the survey would differ to the present situation because of the changes brought by lockdown.
But a grounds of appeal statement says the council had “ample time” to check the survey results between the application being validated on February 28 and lockdown coming into force on March 23.
“The council had sufficient time to assess the findings of the parking survey, prior to lockdown,” it says.
“Nevertheless, the appellant has been respectful of the current situation and extremely patient in waiting for a date that the planning application can be reported to planning committee.
“Despite allowing two extension of times, the council cannot confirm when the planning application will be determined.
“With such uncertainty the appellant has been left with no other option other that to appeal against non-determination.”
It adds: “The council’s decision to further delay this development that accords with Planning Policy Wales and the adopted Local Development Plan has no sound basis.”
A planning application says the scheme could support school support staff in the area, and ensure employers will have the necessary staff.
The proposed housing would “certainly be attractive to those without access to a car”, with facilities accessible by walking and cycling, and a regular bus service to Newport city centre, it says.
A “high standard” of accommodation is promised, with adequate room sizes and access to a communal private amenity space at the back.
