Appeal over refusal of plans for small housing development in Gresford is thrown out

AN APPEAL over the refusal of plans for a small housing development in a Wrexham village has been thrown out amid concerns about the impact on the countryside and pedestrian safety.
Proposals to create eight new homes on land at Old Wrexham Road in Gresford have previously been rejected on three separate occasions.
It followed fears being raised about the effect it would have on road safety and the appearance of an area of green barrier land.
Tim Edwards, who is behind the scheme, launched an appeal in August in a bid to have Wrexham Council’s decision overturned.
However, it has now been upheld by a planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government.
In his decision notice, Richard Jenkins said he agreed with the local authority’s findings.
He said: “Having considered all matters raised, I do not consider that the matters in favour of the development justify the harm and associated policy conflict identified in this case.
“In coming to this conclusion, I have been particularly mindful of the substantial harm that would arise to the countryside setting and openness of the green barrier.
“I am also mindful that the positive benefits would be limited by the fact that, despite being located within walking distance to the village, the site would not be accessible from available facilities and services by a continuous and convenient pedestrian footway.
“It is also material to note that a number of the existing dwellings located along this route do not benefit from off-street parking, meaning that parked vehicles materially reduce the width of the carriageway and constitute an obstruction to pedestrians.
“The appeal site would inevitably intensify the use of Old Wrexham Road by both vehicles and pedestrians and would therefore exacerbate the foregoing problems, to the detriment of pedestrian safety.”
Architects acting on behalf of Mr Edwards had earlier argued that the properties would help to meet the shortage of housing land in the county.
They added the scheme would also have resulted in a new access point being created off Old Wrexham Road to prevent cars from queuing onto the road itself.
But while he acknowledged the need to increase the supply of housing in Wrexham, Mr Jenkins said the plans did not meet the relevant criteria.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter