Wrexham AM Hits Back at Local Councillor’s Welsh Assembly Criticism

Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has hit back at the chairman of Wrexham’s Planning Committee who claimed the Welsh Assembly’s ‘dictatorial attitude’ is forcing the Council to look at housing developments outside settlement areas.

The comments were made by Cllr Mike Morris at a Planning Meeting on Monday, which saw controversial plans to develop 365 homes on land in Llay thrown out by councillors.

Responding to comments made by a public speaker opposing the development at the meeting, who had said a campaign against the development had received backing from local Assembly Members and MPs. Cllr Morris stated it was the Welsh Assembly’s ‘dictatorial attitude’ that is making the council look at sites outside of the settlement area.

Cllr Morris went onto say: “I find it pretty rich for assembly members to sort of send in observations, quite frankly saying this is outside of settlement. It is their dictatorial attitude which is making this council have to look at sites outside settlement.

“We’re being told what to do by Welsh Government. What I would say, when it comes to the Welsh Government elections next May, look at who’s making these decisions now and think very carefully how you vote because that’s the only way you will ever change it.”

However Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty has hit back at comments made by Cllr Morris – stating that similar issues will continue to arise until Wrexham Council deliver a Local Development Plan.

Responding to comments made by Cllr Morris, Ms Griffiths said: “I am extremely disappointed that the Chair of the Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee, Cllr Michael Morris, believes I should not pass on my constituents’ concerns to the Local Authority. My role is to represent people from Wrexham. Many people have contacted me over this issue and it is absolutely right to make representations on their behalf and pass on their views to Wrexham Council.

“Rather than attempting to deliver personal and political attacks, Cllr Morris should focus on his role as issues of this nature will continue to persist in Wrexham until the Council deliver a Local Development Plan (LDP).

“It is vital the Local Authority adopt this basic, statutory requirement as it will ensure the Council remains the driver for change, enabling them to plan efficiently and maximise benefits for businesses, investors and the local communities.

“The Council’s previous attempt at preparing an LDP was withdrawn in 2012 and an ad-hoc approach has ensued ever since. The process has dragged on long enough and the people of Wrexham deserve better. This Tory/Independent-run Wrexham Council must take responsibility and adopt a coherent plan as a matter of urgency.”