PLANS to build more than 500 new homes across two major developments in Buckley look set to be rejected.

Flintshire Council's planning committee has been asked to turn down proposals for 435 houses and a large retail store on Spon Green Farm, as well as an application for up to 100 houses on Megs Lane in the town.

However, a smaller scale development of 14 homes on Alltami Road could be given the green light at a meeting on Wednesday.

In a report, planning officers said that the scale of the two larger developments was of concern.

Discussing the proposals submitted by Skye Homes for Spon Green, the authority's chief planning officer Andy Farrow said: "The proposal amounts to unjustified residential development within an area of open countryside and in an unsustainable

location.

"The local planning authority considers that insufficient evidence has been provided to identify the very exceptional circumstances neccesary to justify the development of this site within an area of open countryside and green barrier.

"The applicant has failed to adequately demonstrate that the site is suitable for development without risk to potential future occupants, the development itself, or the surrounding from land instability, or safety issues arising from the historical mining activity in the locality. "

More than 164 letters were received by the council in opposition to the plans with only three in support.

Meanwhile, 90 objections were raised to the proposals for Megs Lane, with concerns raised over parking issues, the loss of green belt land and traffic problems.

In recommending the proposals for refusal, Mr Farrow said: "The site is located outside the settlement boundary for Buckley and within open countryside as defined by the adopted Flintshire Unitary Development Plan.

"The proposal represents inappropriate development that would detrimentally impact upon the designated green barrier and the purpose and function of the green barrier in this location.

"Insufficient information has been submitted to ensure that the proposal has fully taken the ecology of the site into account.

"In the opinion of the local planning authority, the proposal does not adequately provide public open space provision within the site."

If members give their approval, further proposals will see 14 homes built off Alltami Road.

However, permission will subject to developers Quatrefoil Homes entering into a section 106 agreement.

It would require them to pay £1,100 per property for on-site provisions, with plans to use some of the money to improve Buckley's skatepark.

An additional payment of £2,500 would also be needed to mitigate the impact on a special area of conservation.