Families in Welsh seaside city increase £6,000 to mount authorized problem cease 30 reasonably priced houses being constructed amid fears ‘individuals from Birmingham’ may transfer in
Families in a Welsh seaside town have mounted a £6,000 legal challenge to stop 30 affordable homes being built out of fear ‘people from Birmingham‘ might move there.
New Quay, a small town of just over 1,000 people in Wales, has been named Britain’s top seaside town but locals are concerned a new housing development could destroy the character of the area.
Opponents are allegedly worried that city dwellers from Birmingham, which is 140 miles away from New Quay, may be tempted to move to picturesque Welsh coast bringing with them anti-social behaviour often associated with major cities.
And opposition to the site is gaining traction after more than £6,000 was raised to mount a legal challenge against an appeal to stop the development to go ahead.
Barcud, the housing association behind the controversial plan, sought approval from Ceredigion Council for a £7.5m ‘entirely affordable development’ over the Central Car Park in the town.
It was calculated the 30 properties would result in up to an additional 98 permanent inhabitants – with the largest proportion of second homes, with 26 per cent of all dwellings being either second homes or holiday let.
Opponents flooded the council’s planning portal with their concerns that the development could trigger a rise in antisocial behaviour.
One argument reportedly claimed that that families would ‘be coming from Birmingham’ should it receive permission.
New Quay, a small town of just over 1,000 people in Wales, has been named Britain’s top seaside town but locals are concerned a new housing development could destroy the character of the area
Pictured: What the development of 30 affordable homes could look like
A GoFundMe set up to save the car park and stop the development has received dozens of donations with some residents donating as much as £300.
It is not only residents who have voiced their opposition to the plans.
The town council argued the removal of parking spaces would affect local traders in a town that depends heavily on tourism – and raised concerns about the necessity for certain types of affordable housing.
The New Quay Traders Association raised ‘significant economic objections’.
They have launched an online change.org petition entitled Save New Quay car park – Protect our future, which hasy 2,500 signatures.
Barcud is now challenging the planning refusal with a plea to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
The GoFundMe campaign, Save New Quay Car Park, West Wales, said: ‘The council’s planning and highways departments supported those plans and recommended approval. Many people were told it was a done deal. The community did not accept that.
Pictured: New Quay’s seafront. Last year, New Quay beat towns including North Berwick in Scotland and Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire to be named the best seaside town in Britain
‘Residents, businesses and supporters came together, gave up their time and made clear what the car park actually means to New Quay.
‘Against the odds, councillors listened and refused the application. It was close, too close, but it proved something important – community action works.
‘Barcud has now appealed. Once again, public money, our money, is being used to pay lawyers and consultants to try to overturn a democratic decision. A significant amount of public money has already been wasted on this scheme, and more is now being spent.’
Last year, New Quay beat towns including North Berwick in Scotland and Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire to be named the best seaside town in Britain.
New Quay, population 1,000, was named Britain’s top seaside town – ahead of North Berwick in Scotland and Looe in Cornwall.
Holiday Car who presented the award praised the location, saying: ‘Victorian terraced houses tumble down to New Quay’s main sandy bay, which is typically dotted with kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, and families building sandcastles.
‘New Quay is a small but buzzy town, yet not completely overrun with tourists, so it’s a happy medium for those who seek relaxation but not isolation.
‘The harbour is a popular boat trip jumping-off point, with sailboats taking visitors out on dolphin-spotting, seal-spotting, and fishing trips.
‘Days end with spectacular over-the-water sunsets and, of course, fish and chips.’
