The Welsh Government's Climate Change Minister has approved sale of a Vale of Glamorgan beauty spot to developers to build more than 500 homes. Julie James has approved the controversial sale of the Upper Comeston Farm site for housing.

She said she is inviting building proposals which the Welsh Government is "required to meet new and demanding net zero carbon living standards". The development will see a school and more than 500 new homes being built, with a requirement for 50% to be affordable to support the Welsh Government’s commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2026.

Development of the land, owned by the Welsh Government, was established in the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Local Development Plan. The scheme will also see a new primary school, public open spaces, an active travel route and what are described as community facilities built. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

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Critics have branded the scheme "madness" and archaeologists have warned that medieval artefacts and a 400-year-old farmhouse could be lost in plans. You can read more about that here. More than 3,000 people signed a petition urging the Welsh Government to withdraw the planning application in 2021 and this was debated by the Senedd Petitions Committee.

This aerial image shows the land that has been sold bordered in red

Outlining approval of the sale for housing the Welsh Government said: "The development will help to support both social and environmental wellbeing in the community and bidders will need to demonstrate how they will meet the very highest standards of placemaking, space and quality as well as delivering a far higher proportion of affordable homes than is usual on such developments.

Climate Change Minister Julie James added: “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 sale of the land is being managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by international property consultancy, Savills.