Jeff Cuthbert AM has criticised Caerphilly County Borough Council for misleading residents of Ystrad Mynach who might want to participate in the Inquiry about the expansion of the Tesco store in the town.
The application by Tesco to extend their store has been controversial and traders and residents feel that it could mean the end of many small businesses in the town centre. The initial application from Tesco was turned down by the Planning Authority. That decision is now being appealed by the store.
There is a possibility that if Tesco are successful in their appeal then they could apply for costs against residents. Naturally, local residents are very concerned about this and fear that it might dissuade local people from expressing their views.
Residents sought guidance from the Council and were told initially by Lindsay Whittle (Council Leader) that “residents will not be asked to contribute”. But subsequent messages from Council Officials made it clear that while the Council would not apply for costs against residents, Tesco could do so and that it would be up to the Inspector to decide.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said: “Naturally this ambiguity has created some confusion and worry. It’s a shame that accurate information was not given to residents first time.
“I hope very much that there’s no real threat to local residents because it’s an important democratic right to protest and lobby without fear of financial penalty.”
