Public Consultation launches on plans for ‘up to 900 homes’ on Cefn Road

Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on plans to build hundreds of new homes on land in Wrexham.

Up to 900 new homes could be built on land on Cefn Road – just south of Bryn Estyn Road – under new plans from the Harworth Group.

The land on Cefn Road is one of several key sites identified for large scale housing developments in the Local Development Plan (LDP).

An additional section of the land has been identified for 600 homes, which could be developed by Barratt and Bloor Homes.

Harworth Group have now launched the ‘Erlas Park Consultation’ and is seeking views from members of the public on what it has described as a “landscape-led development of around 900 high-quality new homes.”

In a newly launched consultation website the applicants state that the development will be “carefully designed to deliver quality placemaking and offering public open spaces and opportunities for recreational activity.”

It adds that “homes will utilise renewable energy sources, as well as low carbon materials and modern methods of construction.”

Of the 900 homes 180 – 20 per cent – will be classed as affordable.

As part of the plans around 532 dwellings would be delivered alongside ‘retained and enhanced’ playing pitches.

The second part of the development would include around 368 dwellings – totalling up to 900 units across the site.

In a planning document, the applicants stated that: “The second phase would also reflect both market and logistical infrastructure arrangements; for example the scale and scope of a new Welsh Medium primary school.”

Access to the existing Erlas Victorian Walled Garden would also be “facilitated and protected.”

The applicants conclude: “This is a scheme of high-quality and advanced sustainability; which strategically fits with the statutory planning legislative framework.

“This application is technically robust, and it has been demonstrated that there are few, if any, negative impacts that would result.

“The overall planning balance is, in the applicant’s opinion, weighed strongly in favour of granting permission as per Section 38(6) of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

“The proposals must be supported, and permission approved without any delay in accordance with the Framework, because we have demonstrated that no adverse impacts are evident in impeding a positive determination being reached.

“The approval of this proposal would make a valuable and significant contribution towards securing the sustainable future of Wrexham and delivering much needed open market and affordable housing.

“In the applicant’s view, the only reasonable conclusion is that the Officers of Wrexham County Borough Council must now recommend approval of this proposal.

“Accordingly, the applicant commends these proposals to the decision maker and respectfully requests that permission is granted for Outline planning permission.

“The applicant reserves the right to comment further on any third-party comments, any proposed planning conditions and any planning policy that might emerge between now and the application determination; along with any change in LDP status that might arise as a result of any claim being brought against its adoption.”

The plans can be viewed in full on the Harworth Group website. Two virtual sessions will also take place on Thursday 11 April at 6pm and Tuesday 23 April at 6pm where viewers can see a presentation the proposed plans, followed by a Question and Answer Session.

Members of the public have until Tuesday 7 May to put their views forward on the proposals.

From there a formal planning application will be submitted to Wrexham Council for consideration.

Picture: Harworth Group Consultation Website