CONCERNED residents have voiced their anger against a housing estate that could be built on a greenfield site.

A “residential development” plan of up to 115 houses near Cwmgelli, Blackwood was lodged by Gwent Investments Ltd last year, provoking a 350 signature petition from livid residents.

The application was unanimously denied by planning committee on Wednesday November 4 as the land was identified as “green wedge” under the council’s local development plan until 2021.

But after the applicant launched an appeal last year, residents are worried about the “uncertain future” of the Blackwood, Oakdale and Penmaen area.

Councillor Nigel Dix, of Blackwood ward, believes the outcome of the appeal “will form a precedent for the future of green field sites both in Wales and across the UK”.

He said: “The land in question not only provides a much needed habitat for many wild species but is near two grade two listed buildings — the Maes Manor Hotel and Cwmgelli Farm.

“To build anywhere near these buildings would detract from their historical value and we would lose a vital boundary and habitat that has existed for centuries.”

Residents from the Cwmgelli area are particularly concerned about the affect the development will have on the natural landscape.

Cwmgelli village resident, Ms Kath Jones, said: “Developments on green sites should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and in this case the development will impact on grade two listed buildings.

“There is also no infrastructure in place to support additional housing and our environment should be protected.

“The appeal process is complex and time consuming and can feel like a battle at times but we have a right to put our views forward.”

Mel Lewis, 75, of Cwmgelli village, lives off the A4048 where the development is planned and describes the land as the “only area that escaped the ravages of the coal industry”.

He said: “This site is now the only green wedge between Blackwood and Argoed which makes this village such a nice place to live.

“However when Caerphilly County Borough Council were 100 per cent against the development the fact it may still go ahead makes you question the effectiveness of local democracy.

“There are plenty of brown field sites available in the borough but the bottom line is that they are not attractive enough for profit-driven developers.”

A Cwmgelli business owner, who wished not to be named, was also “troubled” by the appeal process.

He said: “I moved to this area for many reasons but one of those was not to live next to a huge housing estate.”

Cllr Nigel Dix added: “If the appeal is successful and permission is granted I fear that developers will have been given the green light to build on our green spaces.

“The Welsh Assembly has a duty to protect our environment and our shared heritage and I urge them to listen to the people and reject this appeal.”

The appeal has been lodged with the planning inspectorate and is currently outstanding.