Councillors accused of being ‘unreasonable’ in refusing plans for more than 130 homes in Rossett

Councillors in Wrexham have been accused of being ‘unreasonable’ after they refused plans for more than 130 new homes in a village near the English border.

It comes as an appeal has been launched against a decision to reject proposals to develop two areas of green barrier land near Lane Farm in Rossett.

Wrexham Council’s planning committee denied permission for the scheme in January following concerns about the loss of green land, the risk of flooding and the impact on pedestrian safety.

Bellis Brothers Limited reapplied to the authority in a bid to gain approval last month.

The firm has now also filed an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate as it redoubles its efforts to push the development through.
In a statement prepared on the company’s behalf, planning consultants said the committee’s decision was not backed up by evidence and highlighted the recommendation of council officers that the plans were acceptable.

Representatives from J10 Planning said: “The appellant considers that members of the local planning authority’s planning committee were wrong to overturn their officer’s recommendation and refuse permission and that in doing so the authority have acted unreasonably.
“Pre-application discussions held with the council confirmed that the proposal was acceptable in principle and the appellant considers that he has unequivocally proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the proposals are shown to be wholly compliant with local development plan policies and national planning policy guidance.

“In contrast to the “sound” approach employed by officers in producing their committee report, members sought to rely upon a reason for refusal that was not related to an accurate or evidence-based assessment of the proposal.
“The reason for refusal is considered to be defective and flawed; moreover, it is deficient in that it is not full or explicit in its reasoning.

“In summation and contrary to the views of members, the appellant considers that this is a proposal which strategically fits with planning policy and material planning considerations in supporting sustainable development and economic growth.”

Ahead of the meeting to determine the proposals, the region’s health board warned it would add to existing pressures on Alyn Family Doctors, which has practices in Rossett, Gresford and Llay.

Councillors also suggested the company had deliberately entered the proposals early to avoid new requirements for developments to include more affordable housing, which have been outlined in the council’s Local Development Plan.

During the meeting, Cllr Hugh Jones (Cons) said the development was not wanted or needed in the area.

He said: “We’ve heard that this report is quite dismissive on the flooding issue.
“Evidence has been presented, contrary to what was said earlier on, that this site flooded in 2000.

“The applicant made reference to hearsay yet five major insurers fail to insure these properties.

“I know there are substantial reasons and substantial grounds for rejecting this application.”

Both the appeal and renewed planning application will be considered at a later date.

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