Plans for 44 houses in Gresford rejected at packed Planning Committee meeting

Proposals to build 44 houses in Gresford have been rejected this evening by councillors on the Planning Committee.

The meeting had standing room only in the warm Guildhall chamber, a rare occurrence for such a committee meeting.

A very rare sight – standing room only at the Planning Committee! Gresford development plans being heard… pic.twitter.com/mTC4fTQEk9

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

The proposals by Gower Homes to develop green barrier land off Vicarage Lane in Gresford was discussed in an hour and a half session of the committee.

Despite 285 objections being received, the scheme had been backed for approval by the local authority’s chief planning officer, who claimed there was a shortage of land for houses in the county.

However, community leaders reeled off a list of issues with the site, including the danger posed to drivers and pedestrians by extra traffic on a narrow lane, as well as the loss of green land.

Gresford councillor Andrew Atkinson was among those who strongly opposed the application.

Speaking at a packed council chamber at Wrexham’s Guildhall, he warned there could be a serious collision if it was allowed to go ahead.

The Conservative representative said: “I used to live on this lane, so I know how bad the traffic problems are.

“This narrow lane struggles to cope already with HGVs and regularly gets so blocked and backed up that residents, myself included, have had to spend considerable time backing cars up and re-directing traffic.

“That’s without the increase of up to 35 per cent which is forecast.

A stupendous amount of applause for Mr Bailey’s speech against the Gresford development plans.

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

Cllr Atkinson went on, “What these plans do is increase the number of pedestrians that will end up walking along a dangerous stretch of road that no mitigation can fix.

“We’ve had tragic accidents in the past and do not need another.”

Public speaker for the developer Gower says concerns are ‘exaggerated’ and this is the first time in a long time ‘starter homes’ will be developed in Gresford, securing ability for the kids of those in the public gallery to buy and live in the village.

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

The council’s highways officer also raised concerns about road safety in a report which was presented to councillors.

They were dismissed by chief planning officer Lawrence Isted, who admitted the proposals were against a number of its policies, but said the lack of housing land outweighed the issues.

Cllr Hugh Jones talks about the local health provision in the Gresford / Rossett areas. Points out the future generations act is being ignored in his view by not taking such issues into account. Although warned to stop it, public gallery applauds.

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

Another argument made against the development was the impact on capacity at surgeries in Gresford, Rossett and Llay.

The pressure on the three practices has led to Alyn Family Doctors proposing to shut the Gresford branch, but councillors were warned there was insufficient evidence to support refusal on such grounds.

Cllr Rob Walsh echos previous comments, notes 400+ houses in Llay will impact on the health provision let alone this development. “Why should we side with developers, not the public?”, simple point made on health: “Dont let the houses be built until it is dealt with”

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

A representative for Gower said the eleven affordable houses included should also weigh in the company’s favour.

Cllr Apsley refers to an ‘attack’ on Highways by Planning, refers back to the previous Planning v Highways beef – adds the situation ‘needs investigating’ and says he will be putting a complaint in🧐

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

Meanwhile, Labour’s Graham Rogers stressed that the committee could not keep turning down housing proposals.

He said: “It’s with concern that I’ve heard what some of my colleagues have said with regards not supporting the application and wishing to refuse it.

“I’d like to draw attention to members of this chamber and the public in the gallery that there is a requirement on this council, whether we like it or dislike it, to have closed on 7,750 homes within a nine year period.

“If we continue to refuse application on application then somebody in Cardiff will be telling us one day ‘enough is enough’.”

Cllr Apsley refers to an ‘attack’ on Highways by Planning, refers back to the previous Planning v Highways beef – adds the situation ‘needs investigating’ and says he will be putting a complaint in🧐

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 29, 2019

At the end of the debate, the majority of councillors voted to refuse the plans.