Councillors vote against large affordable housing scheme on edge of Flint

Plans to build 121 affordable homes on land at Quarry Farm and Leadbrook Drive in Oakenholt, Flint have been refused by Flintshire councillors.

The application by Castle Green Homes proposed the construction of 121 affordable properties with new access roads, open space, landscaping and drainage works.

The site, located outside the settlement boundary but adjoining Flint, had been put forward under affordable housing exception policies in the county’s Local Development Plan.

Karl Spilsbury, Flintshire planning officer, told the committee that the proposal was deemed acceptable in principle and met policy requirements for affordable housing.

Amendments had been made to improve layout, play provision and highway safety.

Objectors argued that approving the scheme on land not allocated for development in the Local Development Plan could undermine confidence in the plan and encourage similar speculative applications in the future.

A statement from the Leadbrook Drive Residents Association said: “The site is not included in the LDP for any development. Granting permission would certainly set the precedent for undermining confidence in the LDP and any future consultation processes.”

The association also raised concerns about flooding, local drainage, subsurface old mine workings and pressure on public services.

Castle Green Homes representative Stewart Andrew said the development would provide “100 percent affordable housing” with a mix of one to four-bedroom homes. The homes would be “offered only to local people on the council’s affordable housing waiting list,” he told the committee.

Flint Town Council formally objected, arguing the proposal “fails to adequately meet local needs.” A statement read to the meeting said: “The proposed development is dense at over 43 dwellings per hectare, and the accessibility of key amenities, including shops and healthcare, raises concerns.”

Local councillor Mel Buckley also objected, citing the scheme’s speculative nature, its impact on roads and services, and the loss of green space. “We do need more homes, particularly affordable homes, but not at the expense of proper planning,” Cllr Buckley said.

During debate, several councillors voiced concern about the scheme’s density and the quality of amenity space for future residents. Cllr Ted Palmer said: “We can’t just say it’s okay to overdevelop because it’s affordable housing. People deserve space around their homes.”

Other councillors questioned highway access, emergency access provision and the potential impact on the nearby Croes Atti Roman Site, a scheduled ancient monument.

The planning officer confirmed that a 10-metre buffer would be maintained around the monument, and archaeological monitoring would be required during construction.

Despite officer recommendation to approve the scheme, the committee voted nine to two to refuse permission.

The reasons cited were overdevelopment and impact on amenity for future residents.