'We hope that we have not just won the battle but that we have now won the war' Assembly Government rejects developer's appeal to build on much-loved reservoir.

Byline: Jessica Best

THE chairman of the Llanishen Reservoir Action Group today begged developers to finally leave the site alone, as Jane Davidson's decision to dismiss the appeal by Western Power Distribution (WPD) was praised by campaigners and politicians.

Andrew Hill, who took over from Ted Thurgood as leader of the residents' campaign group earlier this year, said the decision to turn down WPD's appeal was the right and proper one.

He said: "Not only the Reservoir Action Group (RAG) but everybody in this part of Cardiff is delighted.

"The right decision has finally been made and we hope future generations of Cardiff will be able to enjoy this area now.

"It has been a long campaign and we just hope WPD will now let us concentrate on improving the area around the reservoir and stay focused on the positive aspects." He also paid tribute to former chairman Mr Thurgood, who retired in March this year.

"Ted chaired RAG for years and he has been incredibly tenacious in staying at the forefront of the fight for the benefit of the rest of Cardiff's population," said Mr Hill.

Councillors, assembly members and MPs also expressed their delight at the decision by the Minister for sustainability, environment and housing, and some called for added protection to ensure the fight for the reservoir is finally over.

Jonathan Morgan, AM for Cardiff North, said: "I am absolutely delighted the Welsh Assembly Government has turned down this attempt to vandalise a beautiful part of our city, and hope this will boost the campaign to get the reservoir listed by Cadw (the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment division) as a site of architectural and engineering significance.

"It's the only part of a four reservoir scheme from the 1900s that is not listed.

"I hope the Heritage Minister will push for it to be listed and that will protect it for future generations.

"This is not the first time Western Power Distribution has failed at the appeal stage and I hope they will now realise the city of Cardiff, its elected representatives and the government will not tolerate it being vandalised in this way." Others praised the determination of the residents after almost eight years of campaigning.

Liberal Democrat AM for Cardiff Central Jenny Randerson said: "The RAG campaign has been so strong, had such experts, and has worked so well after so many years and we are not going to give up now.

"We very much hope that we have not just won the battle, but that we have now won the war." But Conservative councillor for the area John Burns sounded a note of caution, and warned Western Power Distribution could put in another planning application at any time.

He said: "Obviously we are absolutely thrilled.

"It's the latest in a long running saga, but hopefully it's a sign the developers see it is not an appropriate idea to have a reservoir developed." "Experience has taught us not to count our chickens, and we expect it won't be the last time an appeal is made, but we hope this is the last time we hear of it."

CAPTION(S):

A resident of Cyncoed, Cardiff, smartens up the protest sign in her front garden as Western Power Distribution learns that its appeal to build houses on the site has been turned down PICTURE: Andrew Davies.