Wrexham’s MP calls for consultation on 116 new homes to be stopped amid coronavirus outbreak

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton has called for a consultation on plans to build 116 new homes to be brought to a halt because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier this month, Norris Jones Developments signalled its intention to create a large number of properties on grazing land off Hillock Lane in Gresford.

The company launched the process to seek the views of residents ahead of submitting formal proposals to Wrexham Council.

However MP Sarah Atherton has urged for the consultation to be postponed until after the COVID-19 crisis is over.

She said it would give the public a better opportunity to make their opinions known.

In a public letter she said: “The purpose of this letter is to request that the consultation is closed and a delay is put on it for a period of three months.
“As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, many people across the country are understandably focused on keeping themselves and their families safe.
“As long as people are focused on something so important and so pressing, any response to the consultation is unlikely to be a fair reflection of local public opinion.
“For the sake of transparency, openness and fairness to local people, I request that this consultation is paused until this pandemic has subsided.”

The draft application outlines a mixture of one to five bedroom houses, all with private parking and gardens.
The housing company said the scheme would deliver a number of improvements, including the widening of Hillock Lane and a new footpath.

A community event which was due to be held to highlight the proposals has already been cancelled due to the coronavirus, but written feedback is still currently being invited.

Iceni Projects, who are carrying out the consultation on behalf of the firm, have been approached for comment in relation to Ms Atherton’s request.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)