Plans submitted for more than 400 new homes off major route into Wrexham

PLANS to create hundreds of new homes on one of the main gateways into Wrexham have formally been entered.
Russell Homes wants to build a total of 455 properties on a large area of green land off the A541 Mold Road in Stansty, which also borders the A483.
A community leader has previously raised concerns over the impact it will have on the area’s road network.
However, the developers claimed it would be a “high quality neighbourhood” for residents and have also pledged to deliver improvements to one of the main junctions off the A483.
In the planning documents, they said: “Following ongoing positive discussions with Wrexham County Council, Russell Homes seeks full permission for up to 455 homes at Stansty with associated outline access and landscaping.
“From the outset the ideas for this scheme have focused on creating an attractive new place which provides a comfortable and natural edge to Wrexham Town.
“We are clear in our ambition to deliver a place which can endure, mature and improve over time and become a distinctive and well-loved part of the town that opens-up access to the wider countryside and support opportunities for healthy lifestyle and active travel.
“Allied to the high level of ambition for the development, Stansty can be a very special place for new and existing residents who wish to enjoy a high quality housing scheme that compliments a green setting, right on the doorstep to the town, within walking distance of jobs, community facilities, retail and excellent public transport.”
They added: “The transport assessment demonstrates the proposals can be accommodated on the local highway network without any material impact in terms of congestion or highways safety.
“The proposals include for a scheme of highway improvements in the form of new road markings and signals at the A483 Junction 5 and the B&Q roundabout.”
The site has been included in Wrexham’s Local Development Plan, which was recently examined by inspectors.
But the number of homes outlined in the document was smaller than in the proposals Russell Homes has now put forward to the local authority.
Speaking previously, Plaid Cymru councillor Marc Jones said he had reservations about the proposals as it would lead to hundreds of extra cars on the roads during rush hour.
He said: “This raises serious questions about increased traffic on what is essentially a country lane.
“It also raises questions about how the road network by Ysgol Plas Coch and adjoining roads will cope with hundreds of extra cars at peak times.”
“Traffic is limited to 50mph on this stretch of the A483 due to nitrogen dioxide emissions.
“I’ve asked for more information from the developer and the council regarding the impact of putting more housing next door to the A483 if pollution is such a problem.”
The application will be decided by the council at a later date.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter