PLANS to build 300 homes on a former village steelworks site have been given the green light.

Members of Wrexham Council's planning committee approved the proposals to create new properties on land around the old Brymbo Steelworks by 14 votes to 4 during a crunch meeting today (September 6).

The Welsh Government had originally called for the plans to be refused.

It followed fears being voiced that a nearby junction off the A483 would be unable to cope with the extra traffic generated by the scheme, which also includes a primary school, shops and a pub.

However, officials withdrew their objections after applicants Brymbo Developments Ltd (BDL) provided an assessment which argued the impact would be "minimal".

As a result the application was recommended for approval by Wrexham Council's chief planning officer ahead of the committee meeting.

Speaking today, Cllr Graham Rogers, who used to work at the steelworks, told members he would only support the plans if a requirement for 25% affordable housing is reinstated.

The planning officer said the cost of providing sprinklers for the new houses, alongside other requirements, means putting affordable housing on the site wouldn't be viable.

Mr Phillips added that the council can't include a requirement for the retail plans to move forward as there are commercial factors at play.

The planning obligation for the school does require land to be provided to the council and the construction of an access road.

Mr Phillips said the school is probably the most important facility provided under the proposals.

Cllr Graham Rogers said at least some proportion of the site should include affordable housing.

The officer replied that even a requirement for 8% affordable housing would render the scheme unviable.

Cllr Bryan Apsley described the development as "great news" for Brymbo but shares concerns over the lack of affordable housing.

During the meeting, a legal officer ticked councillors off for the use of the word "blackmail" to describe how they've been told they can have some requirements but not others.

Cllr Graham Rogers, one of two councillors who used the word, said there was no malice intended in his comments.

An amendment was added whereby officers should liaise with the developers to secure "some element" of affordable housing "if possible".

The plans for 300 new homes were approved by 14 votes to 4.