16 week road closure near site of major housing development in Llay to start next week

A 16 week road closure near the site of a major housing development in Llay will start next week.

UPDATE: We’ve spoken to Llay councillor Rob Walsh who has provided some clarification on next week’s works.

Cllr Walsh said: “Gresford Road will be closed for 16 weeks starting on Monday. The closure will start at the bottom of the Singrett Hill and slowly move up towards the Forest Road entrance over this period.

“Access to all estates and properties will continue as normal, plus there will be no interference with school buses.

“Those properties which may be affected have already been in contact with the contractors to try and smooth over arrangements. Basically, the big problem is for those who travel back and too between Llay and Gresford.

“This will no longer be possible via Gresford Road for the next 16 weeks. The official diversion for those wishing to travel between the two villages is either through Rossett or Pandy.

“This whole thing has been a massive pain in the backside. None of us are happy that local residents have to endure this but there isn`t anything we can do to stop it. Any problems that do arise during these works then please let us know

ORIGINAL: The B5373 Gresford Road – between Gegin Lane and Pentre Lane – is being closed while new foul and surface water drainage systems are installed.

The works are taking place as part of the Anwyl and Bellway Homes development on Home Farm, which once complete will see 362 homes built on the site.

A letter sent to residents who live nearby states that the works will begin on Tuesday 23rd April between 8am and 5:30pm.

It continues onto say: “In order for these works to be carried out safely we have no option but to apply a full road closure from the traffic lights at the Crown Junction all the way down to Pentre Lane.

“Diversions will be established for traffic travelling in both directions.

“Access for residents will be maintained with access to individual driveways maintained where possible.

“If for any length of time it will not be possible to provide access to driveways, alternative space will be created within the planned works for the period whilst drainage is laid across drives.

“Our site manager and resident liaison officer will be in attendance throughout these works and will keep all residents updated with progress and sufficient notice of any works that are likely to affect their individual driveways.”

Housing plans for the site have been seen controversial since their submission in 2015. They were later refused due to concerns about the development falling outside the settlement limit and the increased pressure on local infrastructure.

However an appeal by the applicants was lodged shortly afterwards and an inquiry into the the proposed took place in November 2016.

Outline planning permission for the site has already been established after plans for the site were granted on appeal by First Minster Carwyn Jones in summer 2017  and were later given the go ahead by planning committee members last summer.

Earlier this month Wrexham.com reported that housing developers at the site had come under fire for the removal of a boundary hedge on the Straight Mile.