Responses to our submission from MP, Councillors etc.

Owen Smith MP:

Dear Margaret,

No need to thank me (or Mick, I'm sure): this development is hugely significant, as I said the other evening, and it is vital that we exert what influence we have to get it right for the community.

The letter is an excellent distillation of the concerns voiced to date, but also provides positive ideas as to how the design can be improved and better integrated. I think the arguments made in respect of sustainability and the environment are particularly important.

One additional aspect, which was highlighted graphically by the comments of the shopkeepers present on Tuesday and which might be explored in subsequent dialogue with the council, regards the nature of the smaller stores intended to be attracted to the development - and the process by which they will be let. In particular, I think it is worth exploring the degree of control that the council might exercise over the type of shops to be attracted through the planning conditions placed on the developer. It is vital that those stores complement as far as possible, not substitute, established and valued shops in Pontyclun and Talbot Green.

Secondly, on reflection, I think we should think harder about the juxtaposition of the site with the school and consider how we might use the development to improve and make more sustainable the transport of pupils to the school. Many kids walk to Y Pant crossing busy roads and along main thoroughfares. Few cycle, due to the volume of traffic. And many are dropped by car at the hugely busy and dangerous bus stop at the front of the school. Opening up new cycle / walking routes along the valley bottom in both directions (Pontyclun to Southgate) would afford far safer and sustainable connectivity for the school and the shopping centre.

Lastly, it is vital that we expand to the maximum achievable the volume of people informed and engaged with the consultation. I would like to help in any way I can so please keep me involved.

All the best,

Owen

Councillor Clayton Willis:

Hello Margaret.

Thanks for your e-mail message.

It is always difficult to say anything publically prior to the Planning Meeting because of the Councillor Code of Conduct, but when considering the application, I will certainly give much consideration to local concerns.

Kind Regards.

Cllr. Clayton Willis.

Councillor Paul Baccara:

Hello Margaret,

Thank you for your e-mail. I have read the attached letter with interest and the points you have raised with Jane Cook have been noted.

I am in almost daily contact with RCT Officers who are, in turn, addressing many of the points I have raised with the developer.

I await Valad submitting its application where upon the RCT Development Control Committee can scrutinise it.

Best wishes,

Paul

Councillor Paul Baccara

RCT Ward Member for Talbot Green

From Councillor Gordon Bunn

Dear Ms Griffiths

Thank you for your E mail with attachments which i found to be very informative.

As you appreciate I am not able to comment, as to do so would automatically bar me from speaking or voting on the application when it comes to the Development Control Committee

Regards

Gordon Bunn

From RCT Regeneration and Planning Division

Amongst other things 'It is difficult for me to comment in detail as we do not have a proposal in front of us yet in the shape of planning application. However, I can asure you that the issues you have raised such as traffic congestion, phasing, modes of transport, scale and design, the impact on existing retail centres and the protection of the Pant Marsh, will be key matters that will be fully addressed before any decision is made on a future planning application.

' The council will undertake a full public consultation exercise should an application be submitted, and any submissions you make will be taken into full consideration'.