Decision to refuse plans for almost 100 new homes in Flintshire village upheld

A decision to refuse plans to build almost 100 new homes in a small village in Flintshire has been upheld on appeal.

Proposals by Stewart Milne Homes to develop land in New Brighton, near Mold, were rejected by councillors in October last year due to the potential impact on great crested newts and a lack of play facilities.

It followed 184 letters of objection being submitted against the scheme, with concerns also raised over the anticipated growth in population, as well as the risk of flooding and extra traffic.

The company made an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate as it claimed the development of 92 properties off New Brighton Road would help to address a shortage of housing land in the county.

The inspector appointed to oversee the process has now turned the appeal down because of the lack of outdoor play space included in the proposals and a failure to provide a safe route for schoolchildren.

In his report, Clive Nield said: “I have concluded above that the proposed development would make inadequate provision for outdoor play and recreation space, contrary to the requirements of Unitary Development Plan policy.

“The need to provide a ‘safe route to school’ in respect of Sychdyn school has not been addressed in accordance with the council’s supplementary planning guidance.

“The development would also be contrary to policy as most of the site is outside the settlement boundary.

“In all other respects I consider the proposal would be in accord with development plan policy, and my overall conclusion involves balancing the benefits and conflicts.

“Whilst the provision of much needed housing, including affordable dwellings, in a location that is sustainable in many respects would provide useful benefits, I consider the shortcoming in the provision of outdoor play and recreation space to be a serious matter that outweighs the benefits of the scheme.

“This shortcoming is also reinforced by the failure to adequately address the need for a ‘safe route to school’.”

Mr Nield acknowledged they were issues which should be possible to resolve but said no solutions had been put forward to him.

He also dismissed a request for costs to be awarded against the council for “unnecessarily delaying” making a decision on the proposals.

Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).