DEVELOPERS behind a controversial housing scheme have been accused of trying to move the goalposts over required traffic improvements.

Proposals to build 362 homes at Home Farm in Llay were approved on appeal in 2017 despite widespread opposition in the village.

Both Anwyl and Bellway Homes began work on the site off Gresford Road last year and some of the new properties are now close to completion.

A planning condition was previously imposed which prevents anyone from living in them until the companies have carried out improvements to the local road network.

It follows concerns from neighbours about the impact on the crossroads junction near the Crown pub, as well as on the Straight Mile.

However, the developers have now applied to try and allow 60 of the houses to be occupied before the traffic scheme is delivered.

Dennis Owen, who lives opposite the land, has condemned the move and said he would be opposing it.

He said: “We are going to be working hard to stop this for obvious reasons.

“Once you open the doorway for them to move the planning conditions then months down the road when it’s still not done, they’ll ask for another 60.

“Part of the planning also states that the street lighting along the Straight Mile should be done and the speed limit should be dropped.

“The worst one of all is there are no footpaths so if someone moves onto there right now then the only way in and out of their house is by car.

“They’re trying to move the goalposts on the planning conditions.”

The house builders have already drawn criticism as part of Gresford Road has been closed for around nine months to allow new drains to be installed.

It comes despite the work originally being scheduled to last just 16 weeks.

The proposed change of conditions could also have a knock on effect on plans to build a new Aldi further up the road as the supermarket chain has promised not to proceed until the highway improvements have been carried out.

Llay councillor Rob Walsh has called on the developers to stick to the original requirement.

But in a letter agents acting on behalf of the two companies appeared to blame Wrexham Council for delays in handling the traffic scheme.

They said: “Following its discharge in December 2019, the applicants are seeking an amendment to condition two to allow for the occupation of 60 dwellings in advance of the approved traffic improvement scheme being implemented in full.

“As you are aware, there was a considerable delay in dealing with the application to agree the details to be provided pursuant to this condition.

“As such my client has been unable to enter into a section 278 agreement pursuant to the Highways Acts.

“Development was commenced a while ago and a number of the initial houses being constructed by Bellway and Anwyl are nearing completion.

“My clients do not wish to delay the initial occupation of the first properties.”

The local authority will consider the proposed changes at a later date.