PLANS to build almost 200 new houses in a small village in Wrexham have been approved on appeal by a Welsh Government minister.

Wrexham Council’s planning committee refused an application for a development of up to 189 homes in Rhosrobin in early 2017 because of the potential loss of green barrier land.

However, the Welsh Town Planning and Housing Trust later launched an appeal in a bid to overturn their decision regarding the site east of Tan y Bont, off Llay New Road.

During a planning hearing held earlier this year, the reported lack of new houses being created in the county borough was used as justification to allow the scheme to go ahead.

Planning inspector Kay Sheffield, who oversaw the appeal, agreed with the conclusion and wrote to the Welsh Government to recommend approval.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James has now backed her views and reversed the council’s decision.

In a letter, she said there were ‘very exceptional circumstances’ to allow permission as the local authority does not currently have an adopted Local Development Plan.

She said: “It is recognised that the appeal site lies outside the defined settlement boundary and the proposal does comprise inappropriate development within the green barrier.

“It is considered the appeal site, whilst located outside the settlement boundary, is in a sustainable location in terms of access to services, amenities and public transport.

“The inspector has not been presented with any evidence of any capacity issues with regards to the local health services and the unilateral undertaking makes provision for a financial contribution for additional primary school places.

“It is considered the proposed development of up to 189 dwellings, of which 25 per cent would comprise affordable units, would make a contribution towards housing land supply in the area, which has not been adequately addressed due to the absence of an up to date Unitary Development Plan or an adopted Local Development Plan.

“Whilst the development would comprise inappropriate development in a green wedge, I am satisfied, in this case, when all the above factors are taken into account in their totality, they constitute the very exceptional circumstances necessary to outweigh any harm to the green wedge.

“I am also satisfied there are no other matters which weigh against the appeal.”

A public inquiry into the proposals was held at Wrexham’s Guildhall in February where Ms Sheffield heard evidence from all parties involved.

Planning officer Matthew Phillips, who represented the council, also conceded there was a shortfall of houses in the area.