Flintshire planners recommend approval for 159 new homes in Buckley amid community concerns

Flintshire County Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve a significant housing development on Well Street in Buckley, despite lingering community concerns.

The project, by Castle Green developers, proposes the construction of 159 dwellings, including a notable proportion of affordable housing aimed at alleviating local housing shortages.

The development, occupying a designated housing site within the Flintshire Local Development Plan (LDP), is set to include 83 affordable homes, crucial for meeting Buckley’s pressing need for more inclusive housing options.

Additionally, the plan commits over £578,000 in contributions towards local educational facilities, including Southdown CP School and Buckley Elfed High School. This investment aims to bolster educational infrastructure in response to the expected increase in local population.

Despite these benefits, the application has stirred debate among Buckley residents and council members, illustrated by 74 formal objections.

Key issues include increased traffic, potential strain on local infrastructure, pollution, and the impact on the surrounding countryside.

Critics argue that while the development promises numerous amenities, including a new Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) and enhanced green spaces, the broader impacts might offset these community gains.

The council’s report details robust measures to integrate the development seamlessly into the community fabric.

These include stringent conditions on environmental management, such as a detailed flood risk assessment and commitments to extensive archaeological surveys to preserve the area’s historical integrity.

However, concerns about the development’s impact on local roads and the adequacy of proposed traffic management plans remain.

The development’s design includes a new vehicular access via Well Street, with improved road layouts intended to mitigate potential traffic increases.

Yet, some community members remain sceptical about these measures’ effectiveness in preserving the area’s rural character and managing the expected increase in vehicle movements.

The planning documents also highlight the ecological considerations of the project, with strategies in place to enhance local biodiversity through native planting and habitat creation.

These environmental enhancements aim to ensure the development not only adds housing capacity but also contributes positively to the local ecosystem.

The application is set to be discussed at an upcoming planning committee meeting on September 25th 2024, with officers recommending approval subject to conditions.

In a report to be presented to planning committee members, Chief Officer for planning, Andrew Farrow said:

“The development is acceptable in principle and meets the requirements of the housing allocation in accordance with the LDP (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 need for the settlement.”

“The layout, public open space provision, biodiversity enhancements and other detailed technical considerations are considered to be acceptable and in accordance with policy.”

“As such it is recommended that the application is approved subject to the commuted sums and conditions outlined.”