The sale of land earmarked for hundreds of homes in Vale of Glamorgan is set to go ahead.

Welsh Government climate change minister, Julie James, has approved the proposed sale of Upper Cosmeston Farm site near Penarth.

Residential development of the land will see more than 500 new homes being built, with a requirement for 50% to be affordable.

Development of the land, which will include a new school and community facilities, has proved controversial after some residents and councillors raised concerns about the proposed level of growth in the area.

Julie James said: "The Welsh Government has a central role in addressing the climate emergency in Wales and we must lead by example in residential developments.

"We have been working closely with the Vale of Glamorgan on the development proposals for Upper Cosmeston Farm to ensure they meet the objectives I have previously laid out to deliver wider housing and social benefits.

"We are committed to creating a greener, stronger and fairer Wales and would encourage bidders to be innovative and go beyond the objectives set out to create beautiful homes and places that are high quality, energy efficient, low carbon and sustainable."

The total housing allocation for Penarth in Vale of Glamorgan Council's adopted local development plan (LDP) is 860 homes and the biggest designated site for the area is the land at Upper Cosmeston Farm.

Other concerns that have been raised about the development of land at Upper Cosmeston Farm include its potential impact on the Welsh coastal path, the loss of green space and the potential impact on biodiversity.

In relation to concerns about potential pressure on local services and infrastructure, one councillor wrote to the local authority in 2020 stating that the highway provision for traffic levels at that time was inadequate.

Asbri Planning, which was responsible for drawing up the outline plans for the 500-home development stated in a letter sent to the council in 2022 that the site was located in a "highly sustainable location".

It added that the development could also promote the use of public transport to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The disposal of the land is being managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by international property consultancy, Savills.

A planning application was put in for 567 homes on land at Upper Cosmeston Farm in 2020.

However, according to Vale of Glamorgan Council's website no decision has yet been made on whether or not to grant planning permission.