Harbouring doubts... (From Penarth Times)

Harbouring doubts...

CONCERNED Penarthians living close to the proposed Harbour Heights scheme voiced their concerns at a meeting attended by AM Lorraine Barrett.

Some 50 people met at the Windsor public house at a meeting called by the old Alexandra Ward Residents Association - the group will be renamed next week.

Katherine Chandler, of Harbour View Road, a member of the association, said: "Everyone agreed that a development was needed - but it has to be the right one for the future of Penarth.

"My concern is that it is managed correctly, because we will have to live with it - while the building work is going on and with the impact 450 new homes will have on the community as a whole.

"I am concerned that the Billybanks site contains asbestos and am eager to see that this is handled and disposed of properly."

Traffic was also a hot topic at the meeting.

Mrs Chandler said: "Under the proposals, there are 600 allocated parking spaces for 450 homes, but it is more likely that there will be more than 800 cars, on the basis that people have two cars per household.

"The impact on Penarth's already-congested roads will be tremendous. I only hope the Vale ensures that there is a transport infrastructure in place to support all this because otherwise we face gridlock.

"Schooling is also a concern. As far as we know, there are no plans to introduce a new school and the current infrastructure cannot support all of the new residents.

"We believe the figure of 450 new homes falls just below the number necessary in having to provide a new school.

"We also stand to lose open green space, a children's playground and a community centre - none of which will be replaced."

AM Lorraine Barrett said: "I think that everyone agrees that the area needs redevelopment, but it is important that the finished product is something that will be an asset rather than an eyesore.

"We have the opportunity to get things right before it is too late and I hope that the developers listen to the concerns of those affected."

Paul Talbot, design executive from Crest Nicholson, said: "We shall be looking very carefully at the points people have made in response to our first proposals for the site.