A SCHEME to build more than 20 ‘much-needed’ affordable homes in Wrexham has been rejected because of fears it would cause two villages to merge.

Proposals by Wales and West Housing Association to develop land at Woodlands Farm in Gwersyllt went before councillors yesterday. 

It came as representatives claimed it would help to meet the demand for cheaper homes and allow people living in the country borough to get a foot on the property ladder.

However, the application was thrown out by most members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee because of the site being on green barrier land.

They included Gwersyllt east and south councillor David Griffiths (Ind), who raised concerns that it would lead to the village becoming joined with Rhosrobin.

Speaking at the town’s Guildhall, he said: “I fear that it is in the wrong place.

“It’s outside the settlement, it’s in green barrier and it’s there to protect the coalescence of the two villages.

“What we’ve got now is we’ve got people living in these communities who are proud to live in these communities.

“It will have a devastating effect on that community.”

If approved, the proposals would have seen a total of 23 units, including flats, bungalows and houses.

Among those who spoke in support of the scheme was Cllr Tina Mannering (Ind), who represents the same ward as Cllr Griffiths.

She claimed that more affordable houses were needed in the area.

She said: “Everyone knows how I feel about building on green wedge, but this is different.

“It’s affordable housing to allow local people to live locally, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to do so.

“I do consider that the new application has taken into account all the issues previously noted on the original application which was refused.

“Wales and West have worked tirelessly to address our officer’s concerns.

“They are committed to making a difference to the communities where people live.”

Despite her plea for committee members to vote against the council officer’s recommendation to refuse the plans, the majority backed his suggestion in order to protect the green barrier between the two villages.