Rossett Housing Plans Branded ‘Unacceptable Given Location Outside Any Settlement & In Green Barrier’

Plans to build five houses in Rossett could be set for refusal due to the development falling outside of the settlement limit and into green barrier space.

In an application due before members of Wrexham’s Planning Committee tomorrow afternoon, it has been proposed that five dwellings are developed at land on Lower Honkley Farm in Rossett

The application received 13 comments on behalf of residents at the neighbouring Honkley Barns – with concerns ranging from the impact of residential amenity, an increase in vehicle movements, increased noise during the construction process and the poor condition of Stringers Lane.

A comment welcoming in principle a ‘sympathetic development to ensure this derelict site has a long term sustainable use’, with residential properties being the preference.

One additional letter of support was also submitted on the grounds of the development contributing to the ‘small hamlet.

However the application has been recommended for refusal by the head of environment and planning due to the development falling outside of the settlement limit and into the green barrier.

Explaining the justification for refusal in the report, the head of environment and planning states: “Given the predominantly rural character of the area within open countryside and green barrier, I can see no justification to provide the additional new development in the countryside as an exception to the usual presumption against new housing in the countryside.

“The site’s location and distance from the closest local amenities / facilities / schools etc. would be unsustainable and not a site which would encourage alternative means of travel to the car.

“The site is approached by narrow rural lanes which are considered substandard in width and devoid of footways or lighting to serve further residential development which would cause safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The report concludes: “The proposal is unacceptable given its location outside any settlement and in a green barrier and I can see no justification to make an exception to the countryside policies of the Wrexham UDP. The site is also unsustainable given its location and distance to the nearest local facilities and there would be a reliance on the car rather than alternative means of travel.”

The application will go before Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee at 4pm tomorrow afternoon. For those who cannot attend the meeting it will be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.