Benllech housing plan branded “one development too many”

Calls have been for more “joined up thinking” on housing proposals, amid claims that the latest application in one village represents “one development too many”.

With plans in for 17 affordable homes in Benllech, Wednesday saw members of Anglesey Council’s Planning Committee delay a decision to allow more information to be made available.

But while stressing she was in favour of affordable housing, one local councillor stated the local services in the village are already under stress.

Cllr Margaret Murley Roberts said: “I’m principally in favour of affordable housing, which of course helps people continue to live in their communities.

“But finding land just anywhere is problematic and there’s a clear danger of creating ghettos in areas where there’s no facilities for them.

“The site in question is wetland outside of Benllech’s development boundary, it is simply not a good idea.
“Over development and traffic issues are already problems in the village and the feeling is that this is simply one development too many.
“With other housing developments already approved, there are only 11 spaces left in the village primary school, it will be full even before this would be built.”

Cllr Roberts added:  “At present it seems that discussions are taking place in silos, if you know the school is full why build more houses?!

“Moelfre is only four miles away and there’s a desperate lack of affordable housing there.
“Local people can’t afford to buy as they’re all snapped up as holiday homes, people born and raised have no chance, yes we we need affordable houses but in the right places.

“I’m scared that a lack of joined up thinking will just store up problems for the future.”

The 17 home proposal by Clwyd Alyn is earmarked near the Craig y Don and Cherry Tree Close area of Benllech.
According to the housing association, the development would include a mix of two, three and four bedrooms, “100% affordable, owned and operated by Clwyd Alyn Housing under a tenure neutral arrangement.”
But according to some members of the community, Benllech is already big enough and growing,  with 27 houses already under construction.
There have also been further concerns that the site stands outside of the village’s development boundary, with its location within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and local wildlife zone described by local councillors as “a step too far.”
Speaking last year, Cllr Ieuan Williams added, “The target number of houses for Benllech in the Local Development Plan (LDP) was 90, but we’re now at 116 with another 30 odd in the pipeline.

“That makes us 62% over our target and it begs the question of the point of having an LDP if we don’t stick to it, this would take us up to 81% above target.

But Clwyd Alyn argue that due to house prices being what they are  – with the cheapest two bedroom flat in Benllech said to be listed at £189,000 – new builds are the only financially viable option.

Adding there is a “proven need” for up to 69 affordable homes in Benllech, the applicants say it would represent a “positive contribution” and contribute to local housing demands, pointing to a policy stating that  100% affordable housing schemes on sites immediately adjacent to development boundaries “that form a reasonable extension to the settlement” should be granted.

Planning committee members are set to make a decision next month after being presented with more detailed plans and a video presentation of the site, due to not being able to visit themselves as a result of Covid-19.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter