1:48pm Thursday 8th May 2008
By Phil Tibballs
AN EYESORE...
FLY TIPPING at the site of a controversial Penarth development is becoming a health hazard', say worried residents.
Household waste, several mattresses, tables and a fridge have been dumped in the playground of the former Church in Wales School in Plassey Street - where amended plans to demolish the building and turn it into a 21-unit apartment block are expected to go before the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
The original design was labelled 'a monstrosity' by locals who started a petition against the project when it was announced by developer Meadgate Homes last year.
In March, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were appointed joint administrators over a number of companies in the Meadgate Group after the developer got into financial difficulties.
Following their appointment, the administrators concluded a sale of the property assets of the companies to River 7 Homes Limited - who confirmed they would forge ahead with amended plans for the Church in Wales site.
But, as our pictures show, the derelict building is now being targeted by fly tippers and one Penarth resident, who did not wish to be named, is concerned.
"The pile is just getting bigger," he said.
"This is now an environmental health hazard for residents and people who pass the site daily.
"Anyone looking to move to the area must be put off by this eyesore.
"What is happening to our lovely town?" he added "I want action to be taken before this becomes a refuge tip."
A spokeswoman for River 7 Homes Limited confirmed officials from the developer had visited the Church in Wales School last week, adding that the rubbish would be cleared by the end of this week'.
No further details were given as to when new plans for the site would be made available.
...AND A BLOT ON THE LANDSCAPE
MEANWHILE, Penarth Times reader Lindsay Stewart, of Paget Road, sent in these two pictures, saying: "I have enjoyed your occasional series of photographs showing Penarth at it's best.
"I would like to add to your collection by attaching two pictures and invite readers to spot the location.
"Is it Beirut? Maybe Baghdad? No, it's the Garden by the Sea.
"Yes, it's the Billybanks site and both views are clearly visible from the highway.
"Is there any greater blot on the Penarth landscape?
"May I invite readers to look for themselves and challenge the new administration at the Vale of Glamorgan Council to get the site cleared and secured immediately."
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