Plans for 21 home affordable housing development in a Flintshire village look set for the nod

After a lengthy delay caused by confusion over a community council’s comments, a proposal for a 21-home affordable housing development in a Flintshire village looks likely to get the green light.

Flintshire Council’s planning committee put off a decision on a plan to develop land near Rhewl Fawr Road, Penyffordd in Holywell last November.

Six years ago, planning permission was given for 23 homes on this land, but that permission has now lapsed.

The new application is for 16 three-bedroom houses and five two-bedroom detached houses.

Local people have voiced concerns about possible flooding and added pressure on the drainage system from the new houses.

They have asked for a detailed check of the current drainage system to stop any negative effects.

Besides drainage issues, there are worries about more traffic and its effects.

Still, Flintshire Council’s planner has suggested the application should be approved.

But there was a mix-up. Comments from Llanasa Community Council about this application were actually about a different project in the same area.

So, the planning committee decided to delay the application to visit the site.

A report, out before this month’s planning committee meeting, says: “The application, meant for the 23 November 2022 meeting, was delayed to clear up the Community Council’s comments, look into drainage problems, and allow a site visit by members.”

The developer has made some changes to the plan after a Pre-Application Consultation.

The report mentions 11 written complaints about the project. These cover worries about drainage, road safety, few village facilities, loss of peace for residents, and questions about the honesty of the person applying.

“Local people say flooding has got worse since the last planning permission was given,” the report says.

The report goes on to say: “The site isn’t in a known flood area. Neither NRW (Natural Resources Wales) nor Welsh Water see flooding as a problem, even though locals have complained to them.”

“Also, no proof has been given that the new houses will make problems worse during very heavy rain.”

It also notes: “Highways Engineers have assessed the proposal and raise no objections in terms of road layout, access or parking provision.”

“Even though locals are worried about more traffic, the plan fits with the “Flintshire Local Development Plan’s STR5 and PC5 rules because there are no road safety concerns.”

The builder has agreed to pay £23,100 to the Coed Mor children’s play area because there’s no play area in the new plan.

To conclude, Chief Planning Officer Andrew Farrow said: “The application is for a development on Rhewl Fawr Road, Penyffordd. The old permission for 23 homes ran out in 2021.”

“With the new Flintshire Local Development Plan, the rules for the site changed, meaning it needs houses for local people.”

“The person applying has changed the plan to only include affordable houses, which fits with Policy STR2 and PPW11.”

“Things like road safety, drainage, nature, and public areas have been checked and are fine.”

“Even though locals have worries about their peace and quiet, the plan follows local planning rules.”

Flintshire Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at their meeting on August 30.