PLANS for 90 new homes in Mold look set to be refused.

Gower Homes entered proposals to redevelop land off Ruthin Road on the outskirts of the town in March.

The firm said the scheme would be delivered in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and Cornerstone Flintshire, delivering 40 per cent affordable properties and road improvements.

A report to Flintshire Council's planning committee, which is to meet on Wednesday, recommends the plans be refused.

It explains: "It is considered that there is insufficient evidence to identify the need to bring forward this speculative site outside the settlement boundary of Mold.

"In the absence of the evidence of need, and in light of the satisfactory levels of residential housing completions, commitments and allocations as set out in the planned housing trajectory in the Deposit LDP, the Council does not attach considerable weight to the need to increase housing delivery.

"The Local Planning Authority considers that insufficient evidence has been provided to identify the very exceptional circumstances necessary to justify inappropriate development within an area of open countryside and Green Barrier given the proposals would result in a form of unsustainable

development which would unacceptably harm the openness of the Green Barrier in this location."

A total of 118 letters of objection were received from neighbours, who raised concerns including surface water problems, a lack of school places, other sites in the settlement being developed, overdevelopment and many others.

Mold South ward councillor Geoff Collett also objected, as did Mold Town Council and Gwernymynydd Community Council.

By contrast, 37 letters of support received for the proposals.

In its conclusion, the report to the planning committee states: "In this instance, it is considered that the proposal amounts to unjustified residential development within an area of open countryside and designated green barrier, whereby the proposed development would be detrimental to its setting and openness."