A target date for a decision was set for 2022 yet the controversial greenfield site application is still under consideration by the Welsh Government15:21, 16 Oct 2025Updated 16:29, 16 Oct 2025
On the edge of Blackwood in Caerphilly, there are tranquil fields reaching out into the countryside. That tranquility was disturbed when a planning application was submitted for 300 homes on the greenfield site. But, eight years later not a brick has been laid and the land sits in limbo, its future undecided.
Housing developer, Persimmon Homes, submitted an outline planning application to Caerphilly council in August 2017, for 300 dwellings in Beaumaris Way, Cefn Fforest.
However, when the application was brought before the planning committee in November 2018, it was rejected.
An appeal was brought forward, but it was dismissed by the minister for housing and local government in October 2020.
In February 2022, however, the Welsh Government confirmed that the appeal could proceed after all and in June of that year, a target date to re-determine it was set for September 16, 2022.
But since then, nothing has happened. Stay informed on Caerphilly news by signing up to our newsletter here
When the plans for the Heol y Cefn development were proposed initially, members of the community protested the idea and a petition was set up.
Protests were held outside the council offices in 2019 as members of the Cefn Fforest community strongly opposed the homes being built on a greenfield site.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that the appeal is still under consideration but has refused to comment further.
A spokesperson said: “The appeal remains under consideration. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further while a decision is pending.”
Persimmon Homes is still waiting for a final decision from the government after the application was returned to it five years ago.
A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes East Wales said: “Caerphilly continues to face significant pressure on local housing, with over 6,000 households on the waiting list and a clear need for high-quality, energy-efficient new homes.
“Our proposal for 300 homes at Heol y Cefn was designed to help meet this need for local people – offering a mix of affordable and open-market housing, alongside green space and community infrastructure.
“The scheme was originally recommended for approval by planning officers and supported by the Planning Inspector. However, the application was returned to Welsh Government for redetermination four years ago, and we are currently still awaiting a decision.
“Persimmon remains committed to working constructively with Welsh Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council to deliver these new homes and substantial investment for the local area. We hope Welsh Government can reach a final decision soon to provide much-needed clarity for the local community and all parties involved.”