Plan to help young people climb the property ladder (From Western Telegraph)

Plan to help young people climb the property ladder

THE "desperate need" for low cost housing could be eased after a proposed residential development in Monkton was handed a lifeline by council planners.

Despite a recommendation for refusal, Planning and Rights of Way Committee members opted to visit the Long Mains site before making a final decision.

Local member Councillor Pearl Llewellyn, urged committee members to back the project, saying young couples in the area were simply being shut out of the housing market.

Although the site has been allocated for employment uses in the South Pembrokeshire Local Plan, Cllr Llewellyn said: "I ask you, What employment would come to Monkton?"

The head of Infrastructure Management advised members that the application should be refused on the grounds of access, but more importantly because of the unsuitable road network which serves the site, specifically the B4320 at Bridgend Terrace.

The narrow road is seen as unsuitable to accommodate the significant increase in traffic that could arise from the proposed development.

Cllr Brian Hall called for further talks between the applicant and Highways Department and confirmed that the installation of traffic lights was a possible solution, an option the applicant is willing to contribute to.

Despite the concern of highway deficiencies, Cllr Michael Williams said if anything could be done to assist young people in making it onto the property ladder then the committee should do it.