Plans Approved for 159 New Homes in Flintshire Despite Opposition

PLANS to build almost 160 new homes in a town in Flintshire have been approved despite opposition.
It follows councillors meeting to discuss controversial proposals to develop an area of farming land off Well Street in Buckley.
Outline permission for the scheme involving Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and Castle Green Homes was originally granted in March for a smaller number of 140 houses.
A full planning application for a total of 159 properties was considered by Flintshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (September 25, 2024), with more than half of the properties set to be offered as affordable homes.
A total of 74 objections were raised ahead of the meeting, including concerns over the impact on road safety and pollution, as well as a loss of privacy for neighbours.
However, the development was backed by the majority of councillors despite one community leader warning the site was at risk of flooding.
Cllr Carolyn Preece (Ind), who represents the Buckley Bistre West ward, said: “I, along with members of this committee, and 75 residents have valid concerns over this full application, including traffic, contamination, flooding, privacy and access.
“Yet only some of the documents have been updated from the outline to the full application.
“The overall risk for sewerage flooding is said to be considered as low. However, the site is located with an area where the Natural Resources Wales flood map for surface water shows levels of zone two and three.
“This means there is an unacceptable risk of flooding for it to be considered suitable for residential use.
“Residents of Daleside already experience regular flooding, yet the new houses will be added into a saturated sewerage system.”
The proposals were recommended to go ahead by Flintshire’s chief planning officer ahead of the meeting.
Andrew Farrow said in a report that the 86 affordable houses proposed were above the council’s normal requirements.
The developers will also need to pay contributions of £387,000 to fund improvements at Elfed High School in Buckley and around £86,000 for upgrades to Southdown Community Primary school.
Councillors were told a new sewerage line would be installed to address flooding concerns, along with drainage ponds.
Cllr Chris Bithell, cabinet member for planning, also stressed the importance of meeting affordable housing targets.
He said: “It’s a very positive application as far as the county is concerned. As a planning committee, we’re very anxious to ensure that affordable accommodation is provided. This goes over and above what would normally be required.
“There are a lot of people on the housing register, both with this council and with social landlords as well, to accommodate people who are desperate for housing.
“This will help to meet that demand, both in terms of registered social dwellings and also affordable dwellings.”
The proposals were approved with ten votes in favour, one against and three abstentions at the end of the debate.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter