Councillors accused of being “unreasonable” as appeal launched against refusal of Gresford housing plans

Councillors have been accused of being “unreasonable” for refusing controversial proposals to build 44 new houses in a village in Wrexham.

An application by Gower Homes to develop green barrier land off Vicarage Lane in Gresford was turned down by Wrexham Council’s planning committee at a meeting in July.

It came after a total of 285 objections were received against the scheme, highlighting concerns about the impact on road safety and the loss of open space.

The housing company has now launched an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to have the decision overturned.

It comes after the firm criticised the committee for going against the recommendation of the council’s chief planning officer.

In documents put forward to inspectors, an agent acting on Gower’s behalf said: “The appellant considers that members of the local planning authority’s planning committee were wrong to overturn their officer’s recommendation and refuse permission and that in doing so the authority have acted unreasonably.

“In contrast to the “sound” approach employed by officers in producing their committee report, members sought to rely upon reasons for refusal that were not related to an accurate or evidence-based assessment of the proposal.

“The reasons for refusal are considered to be defective and flawed; moreover, the notice is deficient in that it is not full or explicit in its reasoning.

“In summation and contrary to the views of members, the appellant considers that this is a proposal which strategically fits with planning policy and material planning considerations in supporting sustainable development and economic growth.

“Besides which, the scheme will deliver an enhanced level of amenity to the local community and neighbourhood with economic, environmental and social benefits to boot.”

Among the arguments made against the development was the impact on capacity at GP surgeries in Gresford, Rossett and Llay.

Pressure on the three practices has previously led to Alyn Family Doctors proposing to shut the Gresford branch.

During July’s meeting, village representative Andrew Atkinson voiced strong opposition to the application and warned there could be a serious collision if it was allowed to go ahead.

Speaking in front of a packed public gallery at Wrexham’s Guildhall, the county councillor said: “I used to live on this lane, so I know how bad the traffic problems are.

“This narrow lane struggles to cope already with HGVs and regularly gets so blocked and backed up that residents, myself included, have had to spend considerable time backing cars up and re-directing traffic.

“That’s without the increase of up to 35 per cent which is forecast.

“What these plans do is increase the number of pedestrians that will end up walking along a dangerous stretch of road that no mitigation can fix.

“We’ve had tragic accidents in the past and do not need another.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)