HMJ reply

From: ScarletRover22@aol.com [mailto:ScarletRover22@aol.com]
Sent: 23 August 2006 13:37
To: Helen.jones@wales.gov.uk
Subject: The Stradey Park Development Proposal

Ms Helen Mary Jones AM 

(Mid and West Wales)

National Assembly for Wales

Cardiff Bay

CF99 1NA

11August 2006  

Dear Ms Jones, 

I am writing to you regarding the recent decision by the Wales Assembly Government to call-in the planning application for the redevelopment of Stradey Park. 

Until now, I have refrained from expressing my opinion on this matter, as I, like many other Scarlet supporters who do not live in Llanelli, felt that we should not involve ourselves in what seemed to be essentialy a 'local' planning issue. Now, however, since the Minister for Environment, Planning and  Countryside has declared the matter to be of 'more than local significance', I feel that I can now express my views. 

I understand that it is correct for you, as an AM representing Mid and West Wales, to express the views and concerns of ALL your constituents at the Assembly. My fear, however, is that you may have mistaken the very vocal protests of a relatively small number of protestors for the opinion of the vast majority of the community. This is not just my opinion, as you will see when you will shortly see the Assembly presented with a petition of well over 10,000 signatories, the vast majority of whom are residents in your constituency. But you will also find signatures on the petition from signatories from Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, amply demonstrating the regard in which the Scarlets are held  on a worldwide stage. 

The town of Llanelli, worldwide, is associated inextricably with the Scarlets, indeed, since the demise of the Coal Industry, (Which I was proud to be part of until the closure of Cynheidre Colliery), and the massive  reduction in the Steel Industry, there is very little else of note to recommend Llanelli to the rest of the World. You may well argue that the coastal park, and it's associated leisure developments are doing just that, but in my opinion, if Llanelli were to lose the Scarlets, (a very real possibility if the sale and development of the land at Stradey do not go ahead), then the town, and the region, will lose it's very essence.  

As an Assembly Member representing Mid and West Wales, I am sure that you will be aware of the profile of the Scarlets, and their position as the ONLY sporting entity who represent this area at the top level of any significant sport. The contribution they make to raising the profile, and awareness of the region is, in my opinion, incalculable.  

I am fully aware of the objections raised  to the proposed development, primarily by people who live in the vicinity of Stradey, and I do have sympathy with their fears regarding this issue. However, if, as I believe, the proposal has met ALL the reqirements of the local planning authority, which it must have done since CCC's planning committee have said that they are 'minded' to grant approval, (subject to the review by the Assembly Government), then there can surely be no valid reason for the Assembly not to return the plan to CCC as soon as it re-convenes on the 18th of September. 

I therefore wish to express my view that I wholeheartedly support the Scarlets' planning application and decision to move from Stradey Park to a purpose-built stadium.   I think this is of crucial importance not only to the region's survival but also the cultural, social and economic impact it will have on our town of Llanelli as well as further afield. 

Any new residential community if appropriately designed and mixed would have a positive impact on the local environment and indeed would improve this area of Llanelli.  The reality is that if the Scarlets cease to exist this land is likely to be developed for housing anyway as the most fitting solution. The planning application has already been passed for approval by planning officers and democratically elected members of the local council presumably because all the statutory planning considerations have been met satisfactorily. Including conditional approval from the Environment Agency, who have been mentioned as the primary reason for the application being called in by the Assembly in the first place. I also understand that the Environment Agency appraised the Assembly of this prior to the call-in, and advised them NOT to call the application in for this particular reason. 

This is about progress.  We have to move with the times.  While we all love Stradey Park for what it has been over the past 100 years, we believe the Scarlets have looked at every option to secure the long-term future of this famous region and can see that a move to new stadium is the only solution. 

I respect that the Assembly Government feels that it needs to examine this planning application.  But I strongly urge those charged with considering the application to also consider the consequences of a lengthy delay that could see our famous rugby region fold. The loss will be felt on a number of different levels right across Wales. 

Thank you for taking my view into consideration, 

Yours sincerely 

Dorian Davies