Concerns raised over plans for 92 new houses in Wrexham due to loss of green space

Concerns have been raised over plans to build more than 90 new homes in Wrexham because of the loss of green space.

SG Estates recently revealed proposals to develop an area of green barrier land, which sits between the villages of Rhosrobin and Pandy.

A total of 92 houses and apartments would be created on a group of fields off Llay New Road, which are also close to Plas Acton Cemetery.

The company said the plans were justified in light of a claimed lack of housing in the area.

However, a local Plaid Cymru campaigner has warned it will effectively cause the two villages to merge.

Pete Howell said he would fight to prevent the open space from being developed.

It follows a number of housing applications in close proximity, including plans for up to 189 homes at Tan y Bont in Rhosrobin, which were approved on appeal in 2019.

Another developer wants to build 455 properties on a large area of green space off Mold Road in Stansty.

Mr Howell said: “This is an very concerning development, coming on top of a planning application to build 450 homes on the circus field nearby.

“If both were granted we’d see more than 500 homes added to the immediate area south of Rhosrobin, Pandy and Gwersyllt – without any improvements to our road, health or education infrastructure.

“Schools, GP services and our pot-holed roads are already under huge pressure and more cars will only increase congestion and nitrogen dioxide pollution on the A483.

“This is on top of the 189 homes already approved on appeal on the other side of the railway from the proposed 90 here.

“To make matters worse, this development would see the loss of green barrier land separating distinct communities.

“Plaid Cymru is committed to building affordable homes on brownfield sites rather than the open countryside and we’ll be campaigning to make sure this is development does not go ahead.”

Information regarding the proposals was made available after the Wrexham-based housing firm launched a consultation to seek public views.

The company has sought advice from Wrexham Council’s planning department ahead of submitting an application.

Whilst noting the scheme would go against some of the local authority’s policies, chief planning officer Lawrence Isted indicated it would be acceptable due to the housing supply issues.

In a draft planning statement, representatives for SG Estates said: “There are significant material considerations which weigh in favour of granting planning permission which can be listed as the need to increase housing supply due to a shortage of land genuinely available for housing and the presumption in favour of sustainable development

“Whilst representing a clear departure from the policies of the adopted and out of date unitary development plan, the development of the site is justified in this instance due to the specific reasons noted.

“Critically the site does not project into an area of unbounded open countryside and is contained by clear physical/built features which form clear and defensible boundaries.

“The site does not project into open countryside and would form a natural rounding off of the settlement in this location.”

It’s anticipated formal proposals will be put forward at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter

*Picture: Planning documents