D-Day for estate (From Penarth Times)

D-Day for estate

PENARTH'S controversial Billy Banks estate is finally be demolished, to make way for new, modern buildings.

After years of debate, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has revealed ambitious plans to transform the crumbling, nearly derelict site.

There are only 36 residents left living on the once-thriving estate and the local authority is pushing ahead with proposals for a new Harbour View development.

David Locke Associates has been re-appointed to implement the Community Consultation plan.

This includes an exhibition of the plans, which will be shown on January 21, at the Harbour View Community Centre.

It will be open from 3pm to 8pm for residents and any other interested parties who want to meet planning consultants.

The document produced by the Vale Council states there should be a minimum number of 'affordable' housing units in the re-build.

Regular newsletters will be provided for the residents and a consultative group will meet with local community groups.

An officer steering group has been set up by the Vale which comprises: Mark White, project manager; head of planning and transportation Rob Thomas; head of housing and community safety, Ian Walters, and; various other important figures.

A further public exhibition will be held when the draft development and design brief are completed, as part of the ongoing process of community consultation.

In the first issue of the newsletter updates, leader of the Vale Council Jeffrey James said: "I am delighted this project is now taking a major step forward."

He added: "At this exhibition, the public can meet with consultants and officers.

They can speak face to face in an informal manner about the project."

"I hope this letter is helpful.

It is our intention to update and publish it on a regular basis."

The project development brief will be completed by July, then marketing the site will begin and a developer will be chosen.

Completion date is expected to be January 2008.

The move has been backed by Penarth councillors, although they still the question the time it has taken to move the project forward.

Penarth and Cardiff South MP Alun Michael said: "I and Lorraine Barrett AM have been very involved in this project.

"We want to know why it has taken so long to get to this point. We need some answers from the Vale council and regular updates about progress."