13 dwellings at Land Adjacent To Paradwys, Graigfechan, Ruthin

What was proposed

The application sought 13 homes with associated works, including mixed house types, one affordable home, access, footways, parking and landscaping.

“PLANNING ASSESSMENT: THE PROPOSAL: Summary of proposals 1.1.1 The application seeks permission for the erection of 13 dwellings and associated works on land adjacent to the north of the dwelling, Paradwys, Graigfechan.”

“Vehicular access is proposed from the B5429 via the introduction of a new access which will include a 2m footway along the site’s full frontage and a pedestrian connection onto the footpath to the western boundary.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is agricultural grazing land within Graigfechan’s development boundary and housing allocation, beside the B5429 and within the AONB.

“The site forms part of the northern boundary of the village and has open countryside views to the west. The land is located adjacent to the B5429 and is well screened by mature hedgerows from the public highway.”

“Relevant planning constraints/considerations 1.4.1 The site is located within the development boundary of Graigfechan and is an allocated housing site under Policy BSC1 of the Local Development Plan.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and proposals

Permission was granted for nine homes in 2017, while a later 21-home scheme was withdrawn after concerns about density, design and layout.

“Relevant planning history 1.5.1 Outline planning permission was granted for 9 dwellings on approximately half of the site in 2016.”

“Other relevant background information 1.7.1 Previous scheme for 21 dwellings withdrawn over concerns regarding density, design and layout raised by Case Officer and AONB Officer.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and ecology officers raised no objection subject to conditions, while the AONB committee and Natural Resources Wales raised landscape and character concerns.

“CLWYDIAN RANGE AND DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Objection. The Joint Committee had previously raised no objections to a reduction in numbers from 23 to 13 dwellings on this site. This acceptance was partly on the basis that the scheme introduced frontage development which improved the connectivity and relationship with the village.”

“Since then, there have been various iterations following meetings with Highways. This has resulted in pulling back the development into the site, exposing the parking area and making the terraced block appear overly prominent and visually disconnected on the site frontage. It opens up the site from the road exposing the overly formal linear form of development within the site. There is no sense of enclosure and the turning head is too formal and overly engineered.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the proposal, and the local member raised residents’ concerns about the existing dwelling, water, wildlife, access and affordable housing.

The vote and decision

Councillors voted 18 for and one against, with no abstentions, and granted the application in accordance with the officers’ recommendations.

“Proposal – Councillor Karen Evans proposed that the application be granted in accordance with officer’s recommendations, seconded by Councillor Delyth Jones.”

“RESOLVED: that the application be GRANTED in accordance with Officer recommendations.”

Minutes