Talbot Green developers have history of abandoned projects
As reported recently on Wales Online there is still no sign of any progress with regard to the Talbot Green new town almost five years since the initial outline plan was approved.
The plans were given the green light, despite objections from numerous individuals and organisations and a report commissioned by the Council which said that the project would have an adverse effect on other town centres in Rhondda Cynon Taff. RCT Welsh Liberal Democrats were against the proposal from the start believing we need to do more to preserve existing town centres and also that the Talbot Green area is already over developed.
As I pointed out way back in November 2011 the developers have a record of plans in RCT that haven't come to fruition. Valad Development formerly Scarborough, formerly Teesland were granted permission in 2003 to build a Sainsbury's store and shopping centre on the site of the Taff Vale Precinct in Pontypridd. They did not go ahead with the proposal, apparently holding out for an injection of public money which never came.
In 2008 they were granted permission on appeal by the Labour First Minister to build on green belt land at Mwyndy. This proposal, which was a joint one with the Welsh Development Agency had caused much public outcry and was turned down twice by RCT's planning committee. Thankfully that didn't go ahead either.
It now seems that the new town plans for Talbot Green will also be left on the shelf which will be a relief to many.
Cllr Mike Powell
