PLANS have been submitted for 54 houses to be built on land adjacent to St Joseph’s RC Primary School.

The plans, submitted by David Wilson Homes, propose: “Change of use of agricultural land to residential development consisting of the demolition of two disused agricultural buildings and the development of 54 residential dwellings, public open space, landscaping, highway improvements and associated engineering works”.

During a Penarth Town Council planning committee meeting last Thursday, May 22, town clerk Shan Bowden said that the land had previously been designated as a Green Wedge in the Vale Council Unity Development Plan, but that it had been removed in the draft Local Development Plan.

Councillor Michael Cuddy, who represents the St Augustine’s ward, said that the LDP allocation was for 80 dwellings and that it was “common practice” for developers to put in planning applications before outlines like the LDP had been confirmed.

He said that there should be a minimum of 35 per cent of affordable housing if the development was approved by the Vale Council.

He added that the only other area in Penarth outlined in the LDP for development was near Headlands School.

Councillor Clive Williams, who represents the Plymouth ward, questioned the LDP outlining developments for more than 9,000 houses as “a lot of people think those figures aren’t warranted”.

He added: “If planners are trying to build throughout the Vale, Penarth will become the biggest town behind Barry, and there simply isn’t enough land here.”

Councillors agreed that if it was granted planning permission they would ask for the maximum amount of affordable housing of 35 per cent.

Councillor Neil Thomas added that they would approve the application subject to an ecology study conducted at the site.