A THIRTY-HOME housing development has been approved in an Anglesey village despite objections over an “urban extension into a greenfield site”.
The Clwyd Alyn Housing Ltd application concerned a mix of homes planned for a field near the Gwel y Llan estate at Llandegfan.
The mix of affordable homes would be accessed through the Gwel y Llan and Gwel Eryri estates, and had prompted objections.
Anglesey County Council’s planning and orders committee voted to permit the application by five votes to three at a meeting on Wednesday, November 6.
Planning bosses had recommended the plans be approved.
Sioned Edwards, the agent for the application, said the development would provide “social and intermediate rental homes” and had “followed feedback from locals where a housing need was identified”.
The plan was outside but adjacent to the development boundary, but considered an “exception site” providing 100% affordable homes.
Cwm Cadnant’s community council had objected, saying the main issues were “an unacceptable” extension to the village, bio-diversity impacts and highway safety.
Community Councillor Alun Foulkes said an open meeting with developers and planners had been held, and he shared observations over design, access, planning and ecology concerns.
“The land in question lies outside the settlement of Llandegfan, on the current joint development plan,” he said.
“This represents a further expansion of urban development into an agricultural landscape used for cattle grazing not long ago.
“Gwel y Llan estate was built roughly 20 years ago, there was a huge petition to oppose that planning application, I think it went through on appeal.
“You could say this is an extension of an extension, it does not represent a rounding off of the settlement boundary, it’s an urban expansion onto a greenfield site.”
Hedgerow and trees on the access track to Cyttir Bach were considered “an important landscape and habitat feature being compromised,” he said.
If the application was approved, drainage and flooding on nearby properties should also “be seriously considered”.
He also noted that mature trees had been cut prior to the application.
“They cited Ash dieback but this is factually incorrect, It was totally irresponsible on the part of the applicant,” he said.
There were queries over re-routing of power lines and habit and wildlife disturbance.
Regarding the road, he noted a 20 mph limit was in place into Llandegfan, adding: “The back road is not sufficient to take wide loads, and there are ramps on the main road passing the school and Gwel Eryri.”
The matter was brought to the committee by local member Councillor Alun Roberts due to local concerns.
Among issues raised included the two access points at Gwel Y Llan and Gwel Eryri which “would impact local residents” – particularly during construction phases.
“There is strong local feeling there is a problem here and danger, these estates are home to a number of children who walk to school, some before 8am, some to breakfast clubs and so on, the bus to the secondary schools leaves very early in the morning,” he said.
“I hear a plan is in place to control construction traffic, but what happens in the summer holidays? We need clear and specific answers.
“We want local housing for local people but we have to ensure local concerns are addressed, before anymore are undertaken.”
Planning manager Rhys Jones said planning issues had concerned policy, principle of the development, highways and sustainability and impact.
The principle of need had been “established”.
The housing department had confirmed seven people or families on the social housing list had chosen Llandegfan, and 67 had picked it as an alternative choice.
There were 126 people or families on the Tai Teg register, which “more than justified 30 units,” he added.
Issues over highways safety had been “consulted on and raised no concerns” and mitigation measures offered.
A decision to use two accesses through the existing estates was seen as a “more sensible proposal” and the route was not considered to create a “rat run”.
Impact of construction traffic and delivery when children go to school had been assessed, and the developer had agreed to a “construction traffic management plan”.
Loss of land and environment impact had been addressed and the ecologist was now “happy”.
The education department had also confirmed a financial contribution of £122,520 towards Llandegfan school, and there would be developer contributions of £4,831 for a play area and £6,000 for a footpath.
It was considered an “acceptable extension to the village” and complied with policies, he said.
It would “not have a detrimental impact on highway safety of amenity of neighbouring properties”.
Cllr Robin Williams had concerns over the potential spread of development.
He said: “Once this estate is built the boundary extends outward…if this field is developed what field will be next?”
Cllr Jeff Evans said that officers had assessed the issues, and in their view, “there were no issues”.
He added: “I have no problem proposing the site be developed, there is a need for housing on the island.”
