Planning permission could be granted to develop homes on green barrier space in Wrexham, despite concerns over the proposal
Plans to build new homes on green barrier space in Wrexham could go ahead despite concerns from local people.
The application, which is in the outline stage, proposes 25 homes on green barrier space. Initially, the plans had been for 34 homes, but this was reduced during a resubmission of how the site will look.
Concerns have been raised about the plans, which would place strain on local services. Residents have called for more development on brownfield land, rather than on the green barrier.
However, head of environment and planning Lawrence Isted said the Local Development Plan calls for some 11,715 new homes to be built between 2013-2028.
“The lack of a five year land supply is a very exceptional circumstance and the proposed housing would make a significant contribution to meeting this need,” he said.
“This clearly outweighs any harm caused to the green barrier by the loss of a small amount of green barrier land.”
In his report Isted said: “I have given careful consideration to the information submitted in support of the application and the significance of all of the material considerations including the lack of a five year housing land supply.
“Whilst it is acknowledged that the development of the site does not accord with all of the strategic policies relating to the site location, the proposal presents the opportunity to deliver without significant known difficulty, a high quality development which would make a significant contribution towards much needed housing.”
He added: “The proposal would maintain the openness of the green barrier and does not conflict with the purpose of including the land within it. The development would make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area and I recommend accordingly.”
On 5 September the application will be put before Wrexham’s Planning Committee.
