Traffic concerns over plans for 141 new homes in Connah’s Quay

Concerns have been raised that plans for 141 new homes in Connah’s Quay could lead to traffic problems in the town.

Edwards Homes have submitted an application to develop a field measuring around 5.2 hectares off Highmere Drive.

The proposed development includes a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom houses, with most being three-bedroom family homes.

The Ewloe-based company said the scheme had been designed to meet the current market demand, with a total of 39 affordable homes included in the plans.

It also includes proposals for a play area and other open spaces within the site, with a new junction to access the properties off Highmere Drive.

However, concerns have been raised by nearby residents that it would lead to a significant increase in traffic and cause safety issues for children and pedestrians.

Fears have also been expressed that schools and GP surgeries in the area would be unable to cope with the extra demand for spaces.

In an e-mail sent as part of a pre-application consultation, one resident said: “I appreciate that more housing needs to be developed but with the lack of infrastructure and facilities in this area, we would be opposed to the building work going ahead as we have some concerns as briefly detailed below.

“(There is) too much traffic already at the junction into the estate, causing increased congestion and increasing the risks for road safety.

“The area population is already too high without any investment in infrastructure from FCC (Flintshire County Council) e.g., roads, doctors, dentists, public transport and services.

“There are increased risks for the safety of our children, with increased traffic on the streets and heavy machinery accessing the building site.”

However, the developers said the impact on traffic would be minimal, with the local authority acknowledging that no improvements are required to other nearby road junctions.

A new pedestrian and cycle route has been proposed to connect the site to Pembry Rise and Courbet Drive via an existing public right of way.

The land has been allocated for housing within Flintshire Council’s Local Development Plan, which is expected to be adopted later this year.

The company added it would also be providing a financial contribution towards schools in the area.

In a planning statement, agents acting on its behalf said: “The development of the site for housing would make an important contribution to the council’s ability to deliver the required supply of housing in the county.

“The mix, density, style and layout of housing proposed are all considered to be appropriate to the site’s setting.

“Adequate vehicular, cycling and pedestrian access and parking arrangements are proposed.

“The applicant’s transport assessment concludes that the proposed development would have no material impact on highway safety or on the operation of the local highway network, and this has been accepted by the local authority in response to the pre-application consultation.

“It is hoped that the council will support the application and grant planning permission for the proposed development.”

It’s expected a decision will be made on the proposals by the council at a later date.

Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).