Potential large scale housing development in New Brighton clears environmental hurdle
Flintshire County Council has determined that a potential large-scale housing development earmarked for New Brighton, near Mold, will not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
The decision followed a Stage 2 screening assessment for a project set to deliver up to 140 affordable homes across a 5.20-hectare site by the A494 bypass, near the New Brighton roundabout.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process designed to evaluate the potential environmental effects of major developments before they proceed.
It helps authorities consider how projects may impact natural resources, ecosystems, pollution, and local infrastructure.
In cases where significant environmental risks are identified, a full EIA is required, which can involve detailed reports, mitigation strategies, and public consultations.
In this instance, Flintshire County Council determined that the proposed housing development does not meet the threshold for such an extensive assessment.
The council’s review noted that the size of the development slightly exceeds thresholds set by EIA regulations.
However, the potential physical changes to the land, such as the extension of the settlement boundary, are considered to be within acceptable limits.
The land is part of Flintshire Council’s Local Development Plan, which defines where future development can occur and how land is used.
No developer has been identified in the screening assessment documents posted on the council’s planning website. However, a formal planning application for the 140 affordable homes is expected soon.
Key Findings of the Assessment:
- Physical Changes to Land: While the development will expand into open countryside, the impact is deemed manageable. The project will follow regulations to reduce potential disruption to the landscape.
- Use of Natural Resources & Waste Production: The construction will involve typical use of natural resources without producing excessive waste. Standard waste management protocols will be in place.
- Pollution and Nuisances: Short-term disruptions, such as construction noise, are expected. However, these will be managed through existing legislation, ensuring no long-term environmental damage.
- Traffic and Transport: An increase in local traffic is anticipated due to the new housing. The council has committed to conducting a transport assessment to manage and mitigate any issues.
- Ecological Considerations: The assessment found that the development would not significantly impact protected species or important habitats. If necessary, ecological surveys and mitigation strategies will be applied.
Senior Planner James Beattie led the council’s review and concluded that the development does not pose significant environmental risks.
The site will have two vehicular access points, one from the A5119 and another from Bryn-Y-Baal Road. The project will include a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom properties.
Mr Beattie noted that, while the development extends into open countryside, it aligns with the Flintshire Local Development Plan, which classifies New Brighton as a Tier 3 Sustainable Settlement.
“The potential impacts of the proposed development would be of a relatively minor scale, as assessed in the reports and mitigation presented in the application,” he said.
“There are no known issues that would result in significant environmental concerns, and these will be assessed and, if necessary, mitigated during the planning application process.”
Any application from a developer will now proceed through the regular planning process.
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