Detailed plans submitted for 13 new homes in Penley

Detailed plans have been submitted for 13 new homes on the outskirts of Wrexham after a decision to reject them was overturned on appeal.

Wrexham Council initially refused proposals for the development at Big Green Farm in Penley in April 2017, but they were given the go ahead by the Planning Inspectorate in February this year.

Reserved matters have now been entered on behalf of Wawne Developments showing the appearance and layout of the residential scheme, which will be located near the Shropshire border.

The application says that the existing farm buildings are no longer suitable for modern agriculture and will be demolished.

It states: “The application site is set within the village of Penley and in easy walking distance of local facilities.

“Penley is a vibrant village with established facilities. To ensure they continue to prospect a certain amount of limited new development will enhance the area.

“The replacement of farm buildings with 13 dwellings provides a visual improvement and would be entirely consistent with the character of existing development along this section of the lane.”

The development will consist of three four-bedroom detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses and two two-bedroom semi-detached houses.

It was initially rejected by the council because of the impact it would have on the surrounding countryside.

However, permission was granted on appeal after inspector Declan Beggan, who was appointed by the Welsh Government, said it would have no material effect on the character of the area.

In his report, he said: “Whilst outside of the settlement boundary, nonetheless the site lies in a sustainable location in terms of access to services, amenities, and public transport, and would not cause unacceptable harm to those surroundings.

“After taking account of all the evidence before me, and for the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed and planning permission be granted subject to the conditions contained within the schedule at the end of this decision.”

The reserved matters application will be considered by Wrexham Council at a future date.
By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).