Plans Recommended for 160 New Homes in Buckley Despite Opposition

PLANS to build almost 160 new homes in a town in Flintshire have been recommended to go ahead despite widespread opposition.
Housebuilders Castle Green Homes applied in September last year for permission to develop an area of farming land off Well Street in Buckley.
The company said the proposals would help to meet a need for affordable housing in the area, with more than half of the properties set to be offered at below-market value.
A total of 74 objections have been raised against the scheme ahead of a decision being made by Flintshire Council’s planning committee this week.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on road safety and pollution, as well as a loss of privacy for neighbours.
However, the plans for a total of 159 houses have been recommended to be approved by a senior official from the local authority.
Andrew Farrow, Flintshire’s chief planning officer, said in a report that the 86 affordable houses proposed were above the council’s normal requirements.
He said: “The site is located on the edge of the settlement of Buckley and comprises of 5.35 hectare greenfield area located to the north of Well Street.
“The development is acceptable in principle and meets the requirements of the housing allocation in accordance with the Local Development Plan.
“The development also provides a great deal of material planning gain as it will provide affordable housing in excess of the required percentage to accord with the relevant policy requirement which will assist in meeting the identified affordable housing.
“The layout, public open space provision, biodiversity enhancements and other detailed technical considerations are considered to be acceptable and in accordance with policy.”
The recommendation is subject to a requirement for the developer to pay a contribution of £443,000 to fund improvements at Elfed High School in Buckley.
Around £134,000 would also need to be paid for upgrades to Southdown Community Primary school.
Other issues raised regarding the proposals include land contamination, ecological impacts and a lack of local infrastructure.
However, Mr Farrow added: “Historical mapping indicates that there have been no land uses which would have resulted in significant contamination of the soil or the groundwater.
“No field evidence of any protected species was recorded during the site survey, other than nesting bird activity in the hedgerows.”
The proposals will be considered at a meeting at County Hall in Mold on Wednesday (September 25, 2024).

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter