59 affordable homes at Land At Rhyl South East (phase 6), South Of Ffordd Elsie, Rhyl

The site and surroundings

The 1.87-hectare agricultural site lies south-east of Rhyl, outside its development boundary, beside existing housing, open fields, a stream and a pond.

“Other relevant information/supporting documents in the application 1.2.1 In addition to the proposed plans, the following documents have also been submitted with the application: Drainage Strategy Agricultural Land Classification Survey Transport Statement Geoenvironmental Reports Flood Consequences Assessment Welsh Language Impact Assessment Otter and Water Vole Survey Bat Ground Level Tree Assessment and Aerial Tree Assessment Green Infrastructure Statement…”

“Parc Aberkinsey, an existing housing development forms the northern boundary with the most recently constructed Phase 5 forming the western boundary. Open fields bound the site to the south with a stream and open fields beyond on the east.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker opposed the proposal because of existing local problems, while the applicant’s planning consultant supported its affordable housing and technical merits.

What members debated

Members debated the development boundary, affordable housing need and concentration, alternative land, highways, drainage, infrastructure, greenfield land and ecology.

“Members discussed the significant demand for affordable housing within Rhyl and across the county. The Senior Officer - Strategy Planning and Housing outlined the level of unmet housing need within the area, including households registered as homeless, those requiring accommodation due to medical needs, overcrowding, unsuitable accommodation and welfare-related circumstances.”

“Several Members acknowledged the need for additional affordable housing and recognised the benefits that similar developments had delivered in other parts of the county. However, concerns were expressed regarding the concentration of affordable housing within a single location and whether a more balanced distribution of development should be considered.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee refused permission against officer advice, citing the development boundary, concentration of affordable housing and unacceptable highway safety impact.

“Local members raised that the reasons for refusal would be the development would be outside the LDP development boundary and would be an over-concentration of affordable housing in a single location. It was also would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.”

“RESOLVED: that the application be REFUSED contrary to officer recommendations for the reasons for refusal would be the development would be outside the LDP development boundary and would be an over-concentration of affordable housing in a single location. It was also would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety…”

Minutes