Affordable housing development in Ruabon set for approval

Plans to build more than 40 new affordable homes in the Wrexham area could be approved next week.

An application to redevelop land at Wynnstay Technology Park in Ruabon was submitted for consideration by Wrexham Council in 2019.

The 1.72 hectare site already has outline planning permission for a mixed use development made up of light industrial units, retail unit and 35 residential properties.

However as part of the plans put forward by Cartrefi G.O, it has been proposed that 43 affordable homes and a new access point to the site are developed on the “redundant” land.

The homes would consist of a combination of one, two and three bedroom, single and two storey, detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

The application has been recommended for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement being secured, by chief planning officer at Wrexham Council, Lawrence Isted, who said the “residential development of the site would enhance the character and appearance of the area.”

Just one representation has been made about the plans, with one neighbouring resident “expressing concern that the Ecological Appraisal submitted in support of this application is inadequate in terms of knowledge of species and relevant legislation.”

In their submission, they state: “Whilst the impact on Dingy Skipper Butterflies is not considered in detail, some ‘mitigation measures’ are proposed. However the mitigation for this species is entirely inappropriate.

“The ‘area for butterflies’ appears to be cut out of existing woodland, is too small to support a sustainable population of Dingy Skipper, and the main area of existing habitat for this species would be lost before the new habitat is created.”

However in a report due before planning committee members next week, Mr Isted said that a “further assessment of the site has been made by the applicant’s ecologist and additional information submitted” and that the “ecologist recorded no presence of Dingy Skippers, and only a low numbers of common butterflies.”

Commenting on the application, Mr Isted said: “This brownfield site has been vacant now for many years and has been the subject of a number of incidents of fly tipping and antisocial behaviour.

“The site is bounded by hedges and trees to the north, east and west. With the exception of some vegetation to be lost to maintain visibility splays at the access, these trees and hedges will be retained.

“This is in the interests of preserving the character and appearance of the site and eases the integration of the new development into its surroundings. The linear form of development reflects the existing street pattern in Plas Madoc and the high density proposed maximises the development potential of the site.

“The site layout demonstrates a functional development that sits comfortably within its landscape setting which can be satisfactorily mitigated in landscape terms to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area. The regeneration of the site will visually enhance the general appearance of the area.”

He adds: “The proposed dwellings are acceptable in terms of scale and design, and adequate onsite parking has been provided together with safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian access.

“The residential development of the site would enhance the character and appearance of the area by regenerating this long time redundant site, whilst protecting its arboricultural and ecological value.

“The proposal will bring forward 43 affordable dwellings which far exceeds the 12 units that would normally be secured through a scheme of this size, and I recommend accordingly.”

The application will be considered by planning committee members at a virtual meeting at 4pm on Monday 1 February.