DEVELOPERS behind a controversial scheme to build 1,200 homes in South Sebastopol have now lodged an appeal against Torfaen Council's rejection of the plans.

Asbri Planning Ltd, Barratt Home and the Welsh Development Agency last year submitted plans to Torfaen Council to build houses on land and woodland close to Cwmbran Drive.

During a heated extraordinary council meeting in July, councillors refused the application citing issues with highways, transport, access and circulation and surrounding green wedges of land.

The consortium announced its intention to appeal when it became clear the plans were recommended for refusal and initially asked if the council would be prepared to enter into negotiations, but then decided to proceed directly to the appeal.

The Argus reported in February how the council had since deleted the site from its local development plan.

An appeal has now been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for Wales over the council's decision to reject the plans.

Torfaen Council originally gave approval for the scheme on land to the west of Cwmbran Drive, South Sebastopol, in 2005, but the developers did not complete the legal agreement within the specified time and so the application was not determined.

The development consortium decided to refresh the plans in 2010 following meetings with council planning officers.

The proposals to build the large housing estate on the last remaining green land between Pontypool and Cwmbran provoked a huge out cry when they were originally unveiled in the mid 90s.

Pressure group ‘Fight the Plan’ was formed in 1996 with the aim of stopping the development, and campaigners managed to delay it for nine years, but the group admitted defeat after a judicial review failed in 2005.

The original application sought to build around 1,200 new homes, along with a community centre, provision for shops, playing fields and a school.

Campaigners raised concerns over the environmental impact of the development.

Once the revised information is submitted, which is expected to be done by the autumn, Torfaen council will consult local people, including re-contacting those who expressed comments on the original application.