I’ve contacted Anna McMorrin MP, Julie Morgan AM and the four Whitchurch and Tongwynlais County Councillors for their views on the Velindre Cancer Centre planning application.

Julie Morgan has sent me these comments:

“I do support this application. I have been involved with Velindre Hospital for many years and have taken part in many discussions about the plan for a new hospital and for delivering cancer services as close to home as possible for patients in South East Wales.

“The plan is for a new hospital to be sited on the Whitchurch Hospital Meadows. I have opposed development on the meadows for many years but planning permission was finally given for houses in 2001. There will therefore be development on the meadows in any case. I am therefore supporting a hospital rather than houses. This view is backed by the Friends of Forest Farm, who work, voluntarily, to protect and maintain Forest Farm.

“I have met the developers on a number of occasions. I believe we must do all we can to minimise the environmental impact. I have also met people opposed to the development. One of the issues raised is why can’t it go somewhere else. There is not enough room at the Whitchurch Hospital site as the hospital is a listed building and cannot be demolished. I am assured that there is no other NHS or public land available for the development and it needs to be near the Heath Hospital where cancer surgery is carried out.

“I am in support of having the best possible modern service for cancer patients in South East Wales so that we can improve the life chances for the increasing number of people who suffer from cancer. I am satisfied that there is no other suitable site available so I will be doing all I can to support the development to be as environmentally friendly as possible to take on board the views of local residents and my own views.”

Julie Morgan AM (contact Julie at juliemorgan.org.uk)

(Received by email on 28 July 2017)

• planning