RESIDENTS are being encouraged to turn out and have their say about plans to build almost 90 new homes in a Flintshire town.

An opposition action group is calling on people to attend a public exhibition drop-in event organised by Gower Homes to view and discuss plans as well as registering their objections for a proposed development of 87 houses on green barrier land on the South side of Mold at Plas Aney off Ruthin Road.

It will take place on Friday, October 11, at the Jubilee room in Mold Town Hall, Earl Road, from 3.30pm to 7pm.

The Protection of Green Barrier Action Group was set up following a packed public meeting in Mold Town Hall which showed a massive strength of feeling against the development.

More than 1500 flyers have been delivered to households advising them of the proposals and a web-site has been established to keep everyone updated (www.silicwmvalley.com).

A spokesman for the group said nearly 200 people have registered on the site to date and have expressed a range of concerns.

Describing some of those concerns, the spokesman explained: "The land is designated as green barrier and any development would significantly encroach on the existing green space between Mold and Gwernymynydd.

"Flintshire Council has recently agreed a Local Development Plan (subject to a public consultation) that makes sufficient housing provision for the next 10 years without the need to develop Green Barrier land. There are 11 designated sites on the plan, with two proposed in Mold.

"Impact on the local environment and increased threat of flooding in the town. People re-call the issues of 2000 and 2012 where the water flowing down from Gwernymynydd catchment was a major contributing factor."

Other concerns raised are poor access to the site across the main Ruthin Road, and the impact of additional traffic in town - such as congestion, air quality, car parking, safe routes to schools - and limited infrastructure for additional housing, such as schools and health care providers.

Chris Smith, chairman of the group, told the Leader: "The volume of objections and concerns received, clearly demonstrate the strength of feeling against this unacceptable development, which will be actively opposed."

Gower Homes, is giving residents more time to provide their feedback on the plans.

The public consultation was due to end in September, but Gower Homes has extended the deadline for feedback until October 18th.

The company has said the proposed development, which will include up to 26 affordable homes suitable for first time buyers, is set to bring "many benefits to the local community".

Michael Forgrave, managing director of Gower Homes, said: “Our plans for Plas Aney will provide the opportunity for first time buyers and young families to own their own high quality home and put down roots in Mold in a great location.

“As a responsible housebuilder, we are committed to engaging with the local community to find out their views on the proposals and to use their ideas to shape our final plans before we submit them to Flintshire County Council.”

Gower Homes has a proud history of building high-quality homes in Mold, having previously built off Nant Y Coed, and in nearby Sychdyn and New Brighton.

A spokesman for the firm added: "A mix of housing types and tenures are included in the plans to meet the needs of local people.

"The new neighbourhood will also feature new areas of public open space for residents to enjoy.

"Local spend from new residents will deliver an economic boost to shops and businesses in Mold.

"Once completed, the new neighbourhood will generate more council tax revenue which can be used to support and improve local services.

"New local jobs will be created during the construction period and indirectly created in the supply chain."

Residents can also submit their feedback by visiting the project web page at www.newhomesinmold.co.uk, by calling a dedicated community information line (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) on 0844 556 3002 or by emailing us at newhomesinmold@havingyoursay.co.uk.

Following the consultation, all feedback will be analysed before a planning application will be submitted to Flintshire Council in the next few weeks.