Decision on Croesnewydd Road Housing Development Deferred

Proposals to develop almost 80 homes on a former factor site in Wrexham have been deferred – with a request to relook at the timeframe in which the development can commence.

Members of Wrexham’s Planning Committee yesterday unanimously agreed to defer the application – which would have seen 79 new homes developed on the former Brother Industries site on Croesnewydd Road.

The application was deferred to allow planning officers to look into setting a condition that would allow the developer to complete the work within a year.

This was the second time the report had gone before the committee – having previously been deferred after an agreement was not reached on the provision of affordable housing. However the application debated yesterday also included no affordable housing provision for the site.

Speaking yesterday, Councillor for the Offa area, Phil Wynn referenced the previous application and his initial concerns about the lack of affordable housing provided within the proposals.

Cllr Wynn said: “In 2014 I spoke for over 20 minutes on the failings that I saw of this planning application. I’m a great advocate for the need of affordable housing in Wrexham and I have always advocated that.

“You were mindful to robustly change the conditions of that application to actually allow a second bite of cherry and see if the development could substantiate a contribution to affordable housing off that site. A Section 106 Agreement wasn’t signed.

“Here we are two years on, and what has changed in two years? Well fortunately for the ward and that area we have the Moneypenny development which will shortly be opening and has enhanced the look of area,. We have the Ambulance and Fire Service Station which is becoming fully operational.

“Unfortunately this site is a blot on the landscape and will continue to be so simply because the developer maintains, and the evidence he’s provided planning officers is not financially viable to develop at the moment and at the same time provide affordable housing that hasn’t changed.”

Cllr Wynn also made reference to the Housing Market Assessment (HMA), which was carried out in 2014 and reported back to councillors in 2015.

The HMA report was commissioned as part of the Local Development process and identifies where in Wrexham is in most need of affordable housing developments. The report found that the area where the development is proposed is not in need of affordable housing.

Cllr Wynn said: “My understanding is the report has been shared with members here today who serve also on the Planning Policy Panel. My understanding the report hasn’t been challenged in any way and sits as piece of evidence the planning policy members are prepared to go forward as part of that LDP consultation.

“The document states there is no affordable housing need in the sub region of Wrexham Town Centre, which is where the site falls on.”

He added: “The developer has assured me that he wants to get on and develop this year and that his preference was that he would be on site now if the application had gone to the committee sooner. They have written to Offa Community Council on why they wish to proceed with revamping against this time line, rather than accepting five year condition, the officer has recommended two years.

“The developer has put in writing and verbally assured me he was happy as a sign of goodwill to sign up to one year commencement deal.”

Cllr Wynn requested that if the committee were mindful to approve the application, could a ‘one year commencement’ deal be added into the planning requirements.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Cllr Mike Morris said: “The difficulty is there is nothing in writing. Two years is what has been negotiated with officers and developers. We could defer consideration and could delegate it to officers for that to be looked at and if thats a bonafide offer we would go on that basis.”

A recommendation to defer the application and look into including a one year commencement deal in the planning requirements, was unanimously backed by councillors.