A RESIDENTS' association in the valleys has lodged an official complaint with a government watchdog - over a controversial housing plan.

The Cwmfelinfach residents' association claims a vote on a plan for 12 houses was retaken after it went against officers' recommendations, seven votes to six.

They say the subsequent recount was tied - a councillor who forgot to raise his hand the first time, registered his vote the second time around.

But chairman of the planning committee, Councillor Malcolm Parker, then used his casting vote to grant permission for the application to develop 12 semi-detached houses on land south of Islwyn Street and Glannant Street. Now residents want the local government Ombudsman to scrutinise the outcome.

As the Argus reported, angry locals remonstrated with the planning committee following the decision at last Wednesday's meeting at the Tredomen council offices.

The residents' association objects to the development on the grounds of inadequate access on Islwyn Road for the extra traffic and the fear permission would create a precedent for other developments that would alter the character of the village.

Councillor Parker strongly denies the claims, saying: "We voted on an amendment from Councillor Graham Court first, and I used my casting vote against that when it was tied. Then we had a vote on the report itself and that was tied as well and I used my casting vote again.

"There was two entirely separate votes." But Grosvenor Williams, vice-chairman of the of the Cwmfelinfach residents' association said: "We are not going to go down without a fight for what we believe is right. Had we lost fair and square then that would be OK but what happened on the night was disgusting."

The residents of Cwmfelinfach have a reputation for taking on Caerphilly council. With Ynysddu locals, they staged a successful bin protest in 2001 in response to changes in refuse collection arrangements.

Leader of the Caerphilly labour party, Councillor Graham Court, said: "When you are sat in the front two rows you don't see everything that is going on but I do know the vote went seven to six against the council on the amendment I made and somebody who didn't vote the first time voted on the second vote."