Outline Plans For Summerhill Housing Development Refused

Outline plans to develop almost 60 homes outside the existing settlement limit of Summerhill have been rejected.

The application, which was debated by Wrexham’s Planning Committee this week, proposed that 59 dwellings were built on land to the east of Bottom Road in Summerhill.

Plans for the site were submitted to Wrexham Council in August 2016, with the applicant stating at the time that the development aimed ‘to strike a balance between the provision of housing with sufficient parking, amenity space, landscaping and the preservation of the existing key features of the site’.

The application had been met with objection from local residents, with 44 residents stating that they were against the development.

Speaking at the meeting local member for Gwersyllt North, Cllr Michael Williams said: “44 objections is an indication of the considerable concern of residents, especially those at the bottom of the hill who have concern of their lives and well-being.

“As described by the highways officer in the report, the road surrounding and leading to the site are too narrow to cope with increased traffic. The lack of pavements would pose a threat to pedestrians.

“There have been attempts by the applicant firm to resolve the highways issues. They have been dismissed as inadequate. Any highways improvements suggested would only be achieved through the removal of well established native hedges.”

Cllr Williams added that the impact on residents would be ‘significant’ and that he fully support the officer’s view that the application should be refused.

However Robert Walker, who argued in favour of the development, said he would ask members to ‘carefully consider where you wish housing to be built, green barrier or not’.

Mr Walker continued: “In terms of highway concerns I feel there isn’t any weight being given to the proposed improvements. These would benefit existing residents.

“No matter where to extend the settlement it will impact traffic, this increase in traffic will happen no matter where you extend.

“The truth is we are offering a number of highways benefits. These would improve highway safety from the current situation.

“I would ask members to think carefully in wider context of settlement and how members wish to see it grow.”

The application had been recommended for refusal, with planning officer David Williams explaining the recommendation had been put forward for four reasons – including the design / location outside settlement, ecology, highway issues and concerns over drainage.

Cllr Paul Pemberton stated he agreed with the recommendation and proposed that the application is refused.

The recommendation was seconded and members of the committee unanimously voted against the proposed development.