Developer to press ahead with consultation on plans for 116 new homes in Wrexham despite MP’s plea

A development company has revealed it intends to plough ahead with a consultation on plans to build 116 new homes in Wrexham.

It comes despite an MP calling for the process to be brought to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

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

Conservative MP Sarah Atherton asked for the consultation to be postponed until after the COVID-19 crisis is over to give people a better opportunity to make their opinions known.

However, the firm has now said it will continue regardless as it believes the scheme will help the village’s economy to recover once the outbreak is over.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “Whilst we absolutely empathise with local residents that their focus is on keeping themselves and their families safe, we do not believe that a moratorium should be placed on planning matters until the pandemic subsides.

“On the contrary, we firmly believe that the planning system needs to continue to function so that important economic activity can wherever possible continue.

“We should also add that it is the government’s position that wherever possible, business should continue providing it does not put people at risk.

“If planning permission is granted for the proposed development, we firmly believe that the project will bring significant benefits to the village of Gresford, the local community and to businesses in the area, including job creation and much needed affordable housing both of which would greatly assist the recovery of the local community once the current crisis is over.

“We therefore feel that it would be remiss of us to terminate the consultation process at a time when government are trying to safeguard and stabilise the economy.”

The spokesman added that alternative arrangements would be put in place for people who do not have internet access.

A community event which was due to be held to highlight the proposals was previously cancelled due to the pandemic.

In a letter shared on her Facebook page, Ms Atherton asked for a delay to be put on the process for a period of three months.

She said: “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 company said the consultation documents could be accessed online at www.hillocklane.co.uk

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