Public consultation launched over plans for 42 new homes in Gresford

A public consultation has been launched over plans to build 42 new homes in a village near Wrexham.

Gower Homes wants to create a housing development on green barrier land off Vicarage Lane in Gresford, which it claims will be worth £7.5 million and create new construction jobs.

The Wrexham-based developers are asking residents for their feedback on the proposals, which include 10 affordable homes.

However, county councillor Andrew Atkinson said he would not be supporting the application because of concerns over the amount of traffic using the narrow road.

He also questioned the impact on local health services, which are expected to come under increased pressure after Alyn Family Doctors put forward proposals to shut their surgery at Gresford Health Centre.

Cllr Atkinson said: “When I look at planning applications I always think about mitigation and how things could be improved if the development were to go ahead.

“In this case in my personal opinion I do not see how any amount of mitigation can widen Vicarage Lane, make it significantly safer or less congested at certain times of the day with large vehicles.

“The plans do include affordable housing which I welcome but I centre my concerns around highways, green barrier land and our current infrastructure issues, which include Alyn Family Doctors.

“I am looking at organising a local residents meeting to discuss this and the Old Wrexham Road proposal.”

Gower said the affordable homes would be the first built in the village since around the 1950s and are needed to address the demand in the area.

They said the proposals would see 40 people working on the site each day and also indirectly support 30 supply chain jobs.

The company added that traffic calming measures would be introduced on Vicarage Lane to alleviate the current problems.

In a planning statement, they said: “The principle of developing green barrier for residential use is not something that is generally supported unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated, however, in this instance we consider that we have presented a strong justification for this parcel to be developed for the purposes proposed by this application.

“The total project contract value for this project is in the region of £7.5 million and this will help to secure existing construction jobs based locally and create new ones.

“Significant local spend and economic output during the construction period of the development will represent a big boost to existing businesses.

“This scheme will deliver a positive number and meaningful contribution of 10 affordable housing units that are specifically targeted at starter home, younger generation and families.

“Where there is a proven need to make a commuted sum payment towards any educational supplement this will be made.”

Anyone who wants to comment on the plans is asked to e-mail [email protected] or write to J10 Planning Ltd, 1 – 3 Upper Eastgate Row, Eastgate Row North, Chester, CH1 1LQ. Responses need to be sent by September 21st.

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