Plans For 111 Housing Development In Rhosrobin Thrown Out

Plans to develop 111 houses on green barrier space in Rhosrobin have been rejected by Wrexham Councillors.

Last month Wrexham.com reported that an application to erect 111 houses on land opposite St Peters Close, just off the Llay New Road had been submitted.

The application to develop 111 houses on the land is the second in a number of months, with an initial application lodged earlier this year to erect 117 houses on the space back in November 2014, which was also rejected.

The evening meeting at the Guildhall was also told that developers Castlemead Group have lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse planning permission on the site in November. Planning Officer David Williams added that the developers had said they would withdraw the appeal if proposals to develop 111 houses on the site were passed; with development on the site starting later this year.

However despite the initial recommendation for approval, proposals to develop on the site were once again thrown out by the Planning Committee – with 12 councillors voting in favour of refusing the application.

Speaking about the resubmitted proposals, local member for Gwersyllt East/South, Councillor David Griffiths said: “The only difference I see is six houses, there are still concerns with the drainage. We should have the full knowledge. I feel it would be weak on myself if I was to give into the lack of a five year plan.

“We have a duty to look after people’s villages, pride in the community and where villages end.

“One of the objections is the semi-rural character of the village will be lost. It’s indiscriminate building because we haven’t got a five year plan. Six fewer dwellings doesn’t change the fact it’s on green barrier. We haven’t got a development plan and we shouldn’t suffer – pressure is being put on us with LDP. (Local Development Plan)

“It’s too early and it’s in the wrong place; Rhosrobin will be linked with Pandy and will lose individuality. Let’s get everything in before we recommend planning permission.”

Councillor Bernie McCann, who is also local member for Gwersyllt East/South echoed the concerns raised by Cllr Griffiths, adding: “It’s saturation to the point where green barrier space is gone. The pressure on local schools and doctors is tremendous. You mention sustainability, we are losing a supermarket down the road.”

The proposed development of 111 houses on the site is one of several large scale developments proposed for the Rhosrobin / Pandy / Llay area – with over 900 houses recommended for the two wards.

The number of large scale developments on green barrier space raised concern among many members, with Councillor Arfon Jones stating: “It’s a matter of principle that we don’t build on green barrier.”

Speaking about the concerns raised about the loss of green barrier space, Mr Williams said: “Obviously there is concern about the loss of green barrier, but unfortunately we need to acknowledge it will happen. We could be in a situation refusing every application.

“The situation is not going to get any better, at some point a decision to build on green barrier space will have to happen.”

A recommendation of refusing the application was put forward by Cllr Griffiths and was voted through by councillors, with 12 voting in favour of the refusal and four voting against the refusal (therefore voting in favour of the development).

Due to technical issues with Wrexham Council’s webcasting system the meeting was not viewable to those not there in person, due to this we ‘live tweeted’ bits from the meeting. Some reaction to the result is copied below:

@wrexham why? It’s dead land surrounded but development already.

— Paul Morris (@pauljohnmorris) February 2, 2015

@wrexham good cause they wouldn’t be affordable for normal family’s and schools in area probably couldn’t cope

— Simon Cooper (@cooper270882) February 2, 2015

@wrexham brill news !!!

— Lisa Bell (@lisabelljones) February 2, 2015

@wrexham schools and drs spaces for all the families increased traffic on roads that are all ready chocka at rush hour !!

— Lisa Bell (@lisabelljones) February 2, 2015

@wrexham good news – this governments plan to build tiny houses on green belt land is ridiculous – renovate empty homes instead

— Brekkie (@Brekkietweets) February 2, 2015