Affordable housing scheme in Wrexham receives unanimous approval as funds unlocked to improve country park

An affordable housing scheme has been unanimously approved after councillors were told it would deliver funds to improve a country park.

An application to create 34 new homes in Cefn Mawr, on the outskirts of Wrexham, was submitted by Wales and West Housing in August last year.

Permission was previously granted to a different company to construct 20 properties at the site off Wrenbury Way, but only one house has been built since approval was given in 2007.

The latest proposals were recommended to go ahead by planning officers from Wrexham Council, who said the housing association would be required to pay £17,000 to upgrade facilities at Ty Mawr County Park.

Speaking at a meeting of the local authority’s planning committee held yesterday (Monday, 1 March), planning control manager David Williams said: “As far as the public open space is concerned, there is a shortfall on the site.

“This has been addressed through a contribution to improve facilities at the nearby Ty Mawr Country Park.

“The improvements will involve improving the footway surface, the picnic areas and providing signage throughout the park.

“There is an identified end user for the contribution and there are quite clear links and a short walking distance between the site itself and the park.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had advised the council against granting permission for the scheme as the site is located approximately a mile away from the old Flexsys Rubber Chemicals plant.

Officers said the guidance had been given as the facility still has consent to hold hazardous substances.

However, as the factory is no longer in use, Mr Williams said he did not believe it would pose a risk to residents, with no further objections expected from the HSE.

The proposals were supported by Cefn councillor Sonia Benbow Jones, who welcomed the development finally moving forward.

She said: “This is a much needed development as the site has been derelict for so long.

“I noted in the paperwork that they’ve given consideration to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“When you look at the proposals, it’s not going to detract from anything there.

“The importance of the bungalows cannot be lost and the fact that it’s 100% affordable.

“I’m also delighted that Ty Mawr, which has been one of the best resources for our area throughout the COVID pandemic, will be a recipient of the public space consideration.”

The plans were backed by every member of the committee at the end of their discussions.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter