Wrexham councillor welcomes rejection of plans for 31 homes in Summerhill

A councillor has welcomed the news that plans to build 31 new homes in a village in Wrexham have been thrown out.

An application was submitted earlier this year to develop an area of land off Bottom Road in Summerhill.

Cllr Phil Rees voiced his objections to the proposals shortly after he was elected to represent the Gwersyllt North ward earlier this year, claiming it would breach the village’s boundaries.

Planning officers from Wrexham Council have now come to the same conclusion and rejected the scheme, which they said would fall outside the settlement limit.

They added that concerns about surface water drainage and the risk of flooding had not been adequately addressed.

The Plaid Cymru politician praised their decision and said housing in the area should be built based on the needs of local people.

In a post on Facebook, Cllr Rees said: “Thanks to everyone who joined myself and Gwersyllt Community Council in opposing this inappropriate development, especially those of you who submitted your own objections.

“It remains to be seen whether a different application will be submitted, or the decision appealed, but it’s difficult to see how the fundamental problems with this location can be overcome.

“Plaid Cymru councillors will continue to oppose inappropriate development, and press for development that provides affordable housing, more bungalows and retirement homes, more starter homes for young families, and housing that meets the needs of the local population rather than developers.”

Proposals for around double the amount of houses were refused for land covering the same site and nearby fields in 2016.

The decision was later upheld on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate as they agreed it would be outside the village’s boundaries.

In documents accompanying the latest application, developers said it would deliver social and economic benefits for the area.

But officers concluded it would harm the appearance of the surrounding countryside.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter