Developers plan to demolish former Ruthin school

Developers have submitted a planning application to demolish a former Ruthin school, despite opposition from residents.
Applicant Daniel Parry of Medra has submitted a planning application to Denbighshire County Council, seeking permission to erect 20 homes on the former Rhos Street School site.
The application was registered with the council this week.
The site became vacant when Rhos Street School and the Welsh-medium Ysgol Pen Barras relocated to a new site a few years ago.
If given the go-ahead, the developer will clear the site before construction starts on the homes and associated infrastructure works, including access, drainage and ‘open space provision’.
But residents living nearby the site on Rhos Street are opposed to the development.
Neighbours have been approached as part of a consultation process and several have written letters objecting to the plans.
John Hughes of Haulfryn wrote: “This is an over-development. There is too little space between the planned properties. Car parking will be limited and cause a hazard on the new development.
“The entrance and exit of the (housing) estate will cause significant traffic-management issues for the main road, and the removal of the existing building, an iconic building of the town, is not in keeping with the town aesthetic.”
Casey Calvert of Parc Y Dre also wrote to Denbighshire. “I believe if this site goes ahead, it will cause dangerous traffic issues on Rhos Street,” she said.
“The frontage of the existing building should be kept and not demolished. Also, the dentist, doctors and schools are full in Ruthin. I don’t think it could accommodate families from another 20 houses.”
Jane Lewis felt similar. “I object to the demolition of the former Rhos Street School,” she wrote.
Heather Henry wrote: “Totally disagree with the old school demolition. The building should be upgraded and utilised. It is an historic building, which would be a huge shame to lose!”
The planning application will now be considered by Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee at a future meeting.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter