ANGRY residents are unable to sell their homes because of planning red tape.

Andy and Lesley-Anne Baxter moved into their house on Cwrt Maes Goch in Bagillt four years ago. Their home was one of 25 properties built by Wraysbury Homes Limited as part of a two-phase development.

As park of the planning permission for the development, Wraysbury had agreed to build a play area for the estate.

The conditions of the agreement stated they must pay Flintshire Council £15,000 in between the first and second phases of the development, which would be used to pay for upkeep of the play area by the council.

But the £15,000 was never paid to Flintshire Council and the play area has been never been opened.

Now Mr and Mrs Baxter are trying to sell their house but have been told their house does not fulfil planning conditions because Wraysbury did not fulfil the planning agreement.

“We’d found our dream home and signed the contract for it,” said dad-of-two Andy, 37.

“The park has never been opened and because of this none of the houses have passed planning assessment.

“We got to the stage where we were going to sign the contract to sell the house. We were due to move on Saturday.”

The dream house the Baxters were going to buy has now been put back on the market.

“I’m really angry with the council,” said Andy, who says the owners of four other houses on the estate also want to move. “We’ve been left in limbo.”

Andy added residents are also frustrated because the park could easily be opened.
He said: “The park’s all kitted out, it’s got everything it needs. It’s all overgrown, it’s a mess. Every time I go the shop with my daughter she asks when it’s going to be opened.

“We bought the house with the park in mind because our daughter was one at the time.”

A spokesman for Flintshire Council said: “The county council understands the company is seeking to enter into new financial arrangements with its bankers and that it is neither in receivership nor liquidation. Subject to that, the authority is seeking the payment of the monies due.”

Wraysbury Homes were not available for comment.