“As a result we are losing part of part of the hedgerow. “The hedgerow dates back to the early 19th century and therefore it is an ancient hedgerow. “It meets the criteria in length, in age and the amount of species.” Ms Dineen said she has contacted Caerphilly council for assurance that work will not start during nesting season. Ward councillor Nigel Dix is calling on developers Taylor Wimpey and Caerphilly council to withdraw the proposed turning point to save the hedgerow. “Residents do not support the proposed turning point and are rightly angry that the proposal will result in the destruction of an historic hedgerow that has been there of centuries,” he said.
However council planners who recommended approval said they were satisfied the higher number of homes proposed was suitable for the site. At a meeting on Wednesday, objector David Chivers raised concerns over drainage issues at the site and said it would cause more flooding to the Cwmgelli Villas area. Mr Chivers also raised concern over the impact of the additional homes on traffic in the area which he said is “bad enough now”. Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said there had been “a significant change” under the reserved matters application. He questioned why an environmental impact assessment was not required to be submitted as part of the plans.