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Llanishen Reservoir Public Enquiry
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LATEST NEWS The resumed Public Inquiry into Western Power Distribution's revised proposals has now closed. The Inspector is due to report to the Welsh Assembly Government's Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, John Griffiths, some time in January or February 2012. It is not expected that he will make a decision until summer next year at the earliest. The result of the inquiry will be reported here and in the Link magazine as soon as it is in the public domain.
The Inquiry was attended by members of Lisvane Community Council. Evidence was heard from expert witnesses provided by WPD, Cardiff Council, Reservoir Action Group and from a local resident effected by the proposal. The current proposal includes access to the development via a mini-roundabout onto Lisvane Road. Other details are similar to those already proposed at the previous inquiry.
Those wishing to learn more about the proposals and the arguments for and against the proposals should see the Lisvane Link magazine's September edition. Documentation from the Inquiry, including closing statements by the three barristers representing the main parties will be placed in Lisvane Community Library.
The following paragraphs give some of the background on this important local issue.
Western Power have completed the draining down of the reservoir. The effect is that sailing on the reservoir is suspended and refilling, if and when it occurs, is likely to be a very protracted process. The owners have also demolished the sailing club buildings on the site. Western Power's desire to develop the site for housing is complicated by a) the listing of the reservoir as of Architectural or Historic interest by Cadw and endorsed by the Minister for Heritage, b) the need to gain access to the site across land owned by Cardiff Council and c) the possible designation of the surrounding the site as a Statutory Local Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve status was turned down at a recent hearing, but Cardiff Council are likely to appeal. For more information, see the Reservoir Action Group's website by clicking on the link in the paragraph below.
Following the rejection by the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for the Environment of Western Power's plans for redevelopment of the site, Western Power has challenged the decision. A hearing was due to be held in Cardiff Crown Court on 22 September 2009. However, The Welsh Assembly has decided not to defend the challenge in court. It is understood that this does not mean that the development may proceed, but that the Welsh Assembly must reconsider the application. Further details are available on the Reservoir Action Group's website. Following the Public Enquiry, the Reservoir has obtained listing as an historic monument. This may have a bearing on any future decision.
BACKGROUND The Inspector’s Report and Minister’s Decision, following the Public Enquiry into the development of Llanishen Reservoir for housing by Western Power Distribution Investments Ltd, was issued on 16th April 2009.
In summary, the Inspector recommended that the appeal by Western Power be allowed, but the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Ms. Jane Davidson AM, disagreed with his findings and rejected it.
As far as Lisvane residents are concerned, an important point made in the Inspector’s Report was that, although allowing the appeal, he rejected the appellant’s proposal for access to the site to be via Lisvane Road.
A copy of the Inspector’s Report and the Minister’s decision is available for viewing in the Cabin Library in the Old School complex. |