Councillors Back Plans for 45 Homes in Prestatyn Despite Local Service Concerns

Plans for 45 homes in Prestatyn were backed by councillors despite concerns about a strain on local services.
Developers Castle Green Homes applied to Denbighshire Council’s planning department, seeking permission to build the homes at Midnant Farm on Gronant Road.
The application was deferred at an earlier planning meeting in September after Welsh Water raised concerns Victorian sewer systems would be overwhelmed.
But Stuart Andrew, representing Castle Green Homes, said the developer had met with Welsh Water, who conceded surface water draining from the farm site would no longer be doing so because farm buildings would be removed.
The site was allocated for housing in 2013 in the council’s local development plan.
Mr Andrew told councillors that Castle Green had agreed to pay financial contributions of £68,000 to off-site affordable housing, £45,000 towards existing open space areas and £40,000 towards local primary school facilities as part of a planning agreement.
The council previously granted an allocation for 65 homes at the site, but Castle Green said 45 was more suitable.
The houses will be a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties with 10% being affordable.
But Cllr Chris Evans had concerns about the strain the development might put on local services.
“Across all of Denbighshire, we seem to be building a lot of houses, a lot of estates,” he said.
“Good, yes, and I appreciate we need affordable houses, but can the planning committee take on board that we are putting schools, hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists, opticians, services under strain when we are granting these?”
Chair Cllr Mark Young said the matter was raised at full council but added Cllr Evans had a valid point.
Council officer Paul Mead then said it was a matter for strategic planning when formulating the new local development plan.
Cllr Hugh Irving also said the land was valuable agricultural land, adding he was disappointed that the farmhouse was being knocked down, which is a well-loved building with a lengthy history.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter