Councillors Given Permission to Speak on Future Schemes

Three Ceredigion councillors, representing New Quay, have been granted pre-emptive permission to speak on any future matters related to a contentious scheme to build affordable homes on a seaside town car park. Despite the initial refusal by Ceredigion County Council in May, the housing association Barcud still seeks to develop the site, which has sparked concerns about parking provision, right of way access, and the impact on local businesses. The councillors, who declared a prejudicial interest, were given permission to speak on any future scheme for a period of 12 months.

Key Takeaways:

• The contentious plans to build 30 affordable homes on the car park in New Quay were initially refused by Ceredigion County Council in May.
• The site is owned and managed by Barcud, a housing association, as a commercial enterprise, which it can cease at any time.
• Objectors, including the town council, have raised concerns about the loss of parking, potential traffic congestion, and the need for some of the affordable housing types.
• The three councillors, Tomas Davies, Helen Swan Jones, and Elizabeth Ryder, declared a prejudicial interest due to their personal connections to the site, including owning properties near the site or having family members involved in car park management.
• The councillors were given permission to speak on any future scheme for a period of 12 months, but not to vote, due to their potential prejudicial interest.

Statistics:

• 98 permanent residents could be added to the town due to the proposed development.
• 26% of all properties in New Quay are either second homes or holiday residences.
• £7.5m is the estimated cost of the 100% affordable scheme.
• 30 homes are proposed for development on the car park site.
• The site currently operates as a pay-and-display car park.

Sources:

• "New Quay councillors granted right to speak on homes plan" by the Cambrian News, July 17, 2022.
• Ceredigion County Council's ethics and standards committee minutes, July 16, 2022.
• Local resident's statements during the county council's ethics and standards committee meeting, July 16, 2022.