The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has lodged a formal objection with Neath Port Talbot Council over the proposal in their Unitary Development Plan to build on the green belt site of Bryncoch Farm in Neath.
The plans include a proposal to build on 8.5 hectares at Bryncoch Farm, which would create two hundred new homes. The land was given green belt status in 1990 by Neath Port Talbot Council.
"I do not believe that this site is an appropriate site for development" said Mr. Black. "The development would have a far wider implication for the environment than just the area that has been proposed. A new road would have to be built in order to allow anyone living at the site access to their homes and there is also an issue regarding the capacity of utilities such as sewage and electricity."
"This site also contains protected species such as Badgers and Bats. Any development at Bryncoch Farm would have an adverse impact on the biodiversity in the area. Surely the reason for designating the land as green belt in the first place was to ensure that it has protection from development."
"For these reasons, I have written to Neath Port Talbot Council to issue a formal objection to these plans. I would urge other residents in the area to do the same."