Original by Patrick Glover, North Wales Pioneer, https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/17298450.still-no-decision-on-…

(Photo from the North Wales Pioneer)

A controversial housing development remains in limbo as it waits for a decision from an inquiry.

The ministerial deadline for a decision on the Marl Lane planning inquiry, which was held in September, has come and gone and residents and developers are still waiting to hear what is to happen with the housing plan.

Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, took the matter the to Senedd earlier this week asking Lesley Griffiths AM, cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs, whether a decision from the Welsh Government was due soon.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: "Given that the Planning Inspectorate has missed the deadline for a decision on the Marl Lane inquiry, it is shameful that the Cabinet Secretary refused to comment.

"This application is of great concern to so many residents and myself, and despite an indication that a decision might be made soon, it could still be hanging over our heads during the Christmas break.

"What is also controversial is that the decision will take into account the new planning policy issued by the Welsh Government earlier this month.

"Whilst I appreciate that the appellant and planning authority have been invited to comment, it seems quite disrespectful to me that representations have not been sought from all interested parties – especially those of us who gave evidence at the inquiry.

"We must now just hope that the Welsh Government and especially the Planning Inspectorate remember the community and the strong objections put forward when making their decision."

Mrs Griffiths responding to Mrs Finch-Saunders query, said: "In my role as cabinet secretary with the responsibility for planning, I'm unable to comment on a specific planning application."