Plans to build 141 housing estate in Connah’s Quay look set to be given green light

Controversial plans to build a new housing estate in Connah’s Quay look set to be given the go-ahead,

A recommendation has been made to Flintshire Council’s planning committee to approve the development at their meeting next week.

Despite objections from local residents and the town council, the development led by Ewloe Edwards Homes will see the construction of 141 dwellings on a 5-hectare site west of Highmere Drive.

The site, allocated for residential development under the recently adopted Flintshire Local Development Plan, seeks to provide 7,870 new homes in Flintshire and is considered a crucial location to meet the housing projections outlined in the plan.

The development is expected to include a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced units, with 35% of the proposed dwellings designated as affordable housing.

Local residents and the town council had raised concerns about the impact of the development on the existing highway network and potential safety issues related to increased traffic.

However, both the council’s Highways Department and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority did not object to the proposal, and a number of conditions have been proposed, including details of active travel linkages.

The development also faced challenges related to ecological matters, including the protection of local species and trees.

A document to be viewed by councillors at next week’s planning committee meeting states: “A number of objections have been received from local residents, including the submission of a petition.”

“Concerns raised include highway safety, impact on infrastructure, protected species, and living conditions.”

“All of these matters have been considered and are dealt with fully. It is considered necessary to advise Members, however, that most of the comments received reflect those submitted during the examination of the Local Development Plan.”

“The (Welsh Government appointed) Inspector dealt with all of those matters and raised no concerns with the allocation.”

The developer is proposing to make a financial contribution to enhance existing wildlife habitats close to the site.

The proposal meets all local guidance in terms of separation distances, amenity spaces, and public open space. Contributions towards education facilities and open space are to be secured through a Section 106 Agreement.

Despite the objections, the application is considered to be compliant with local and national planning policy.

The council has recommended that members resolve to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The planning permission for this development is conditional, subject to the applicant agreeing to several obligations under Section 106.

These obligations include a financial contribution of £367,710 towards Golftyn CP School for education, the provision of 35% affordable housing on the site, and a financial contribution of £70,000 to enhance an existing MUGA pitch at Connah’s Quay High School.

Additionally, a payment of £85,000 is required to enhance and maintain wildlife habitats and informal recreation in the Connah’s Quay community.

Lastly, the applicant must establish a Management Company to oversee the management and future maintenance of the public open space and communal landscaping areas on the site.

In his report, Chief Planning Officer Andrew Farrow said: “This site, allocated for residential development under policy STR1 of the Flintshire Local Development Plan, is crucial for meeting housing projections.”

“Despite ecological constraints, such as protected species and trees, it’s shown that the impact can be managed effectively.”

“Local residents have raised concerns about the impact on the existing highway network and safety, but no objections have been raised by the Council’s Highways department or the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. ”

“The proposal adheres to local guidance on separation distances, amenity spaces, and public open space.”

“It also includes contributions towards education facilities, open space, and a 35% affordable housing provision on-site, secured through a Section 106 Agreement.”

“The application is compliant with local and national planning policy.”

Flintshire Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at their meeting on June 21.