PLANS to build more than 130 homes on green barrier land in a village have been rejected amid concerns about the impact on road safety and flooding.

A total of 74 objections were received against the proposals to develop two areas of land near Lane Farm in Rossett, Wrexham.

Bellis Brothers Limited was behind the application for up to 132 houses, which it claimed would aid the area’s growth..

However, a number of issues were raised at a meeting of Wrexham Council’s planning committee, including the loss of green land, the risk of flooding and the lack of available spaces in nearby schools.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board also warned it would add to existing pressures on Alyn Family Doctors, which has practices in Rossett, Gresford and Llay.

Speaking at this afternoon’s meeting (DEL 7 JANUARY 2019), Rossett county councillor Hugh Jones (Cons) said the development was not wanted by neighbours, many of whom have been denied flood risk insurance because they live close to the River Alyn.

He said: “How imposing this estate against the wishes of local residents can be compliant with Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, I fail to see.

“We’ve heard that this report is quite dismissive on the flooding issue.

“Evidence has been presented, contrary to what was said earlier on, that this site flooded in 2000.

“The applicant made reference to hearsay yet five major insurers fail to insure these properties.

“I know there are substantial reasons and substantial grounds for rejecting this application.

“It’s a development that is not needed.”

Llay councillor Rob Walsh spoke out the about lack of spaces in nearby schools, particularly Darland High School.

He also said patients had to queue outside the Llay branch of the GP surgery from 7.30am in the morning in order to get an appointment.

Meanwhile, council highways officer Peter Douthwaite raised objections to the proposals as he feared it could harm the safety of school children.

He said: “If we increase the number of vehicles by approximately 100 at peak hours then there will be a significant increase in the danger to children and anyone else using that route.”

However, the application was recommended for approval by planning officer Matthew Phillips.

He said Natural Resources Wales raised no issues regarding flooding and that the authority’s education department was also content subject to the developers making a financial contribution to schools.

He said: “The position we find ourselves in is the out of date housing plan and we have acknowledged we need to deliver 8,000 homes, of which just over 3,000 will be allocated sites.

“It is very clear from the rate of completions over previous years that we are simply not delivering.

“Flooding is an issue which has been given significant attention.

“Natural Resources Wales do not have any concerns about the development on flooding grounds.

“Education have no objection to this application.

“They are content with this applications subject to developer contributions.

“In terms of the health board, I think it’s covered that the health board were asked to clarify their position again and could not provide absolute evidence of sufficient impact that would provide clear grounds for rejection of the application.”

Committee member Paul Pemberton (Ind) also supported the approval of the plans, and claimed he felt ‘bullied’ by e-mails sent against the application by residents.

However, the scheme was rejected by twelve votes to three after deputy chair Marc Jones (Plaid) moved an opposing recommendation.