Footpath, cycleway and bridge at Wrexham Road, Rhostyllen, Wrexham

“The proposed bridge and footpath cycleway works would link into the footpath and footpath / cycleway being provided by the residential development being built off Wrexham Road, Rhostyllen…”

“The proposed bridge and footpath / cycleway works is intended to improve the link between the village of Rhostyllen and the Erddig Estate for pedestrians and cyclists and would enable the closure of a footpath level crossing off the Wrexham-Shrewsbury rail line, the existing footpaths are un-surfaced and considered poorly suited for wheelchair and pushchair use.”

“Site Description The application site consists of open countryside located off Wrexham Road, Rhostyllen and runs alongside the Glanyrafon Brook towards Hafod Road which it links up with. Within close proximity is the Wrexham-Shrewsbury rail line, this is located alongside the northern boundary of the application site.”

“Site History P/2007/0686 - Residential development (223 dwellings) and construction of new vehicular and pedestrian accesses (granted in outline under code no P/2004/0940 and subsequently varied under code no. P/2008/1063) Approved – 1/12/2008”

“P/2013/0002- Variation of conditions Nos. 1, 2 and 13 of planning permission P/2007/0685 to allow more time to commence development and to amend approved parking layout associated with the development. Granted 4.3.2013”

“Cycling Uk: Support for the development in principle, however concerns are raised with regards to the design put forward in that this is considered to be not only sub- standard but also discriminatory. They have raised concerns about the installation of kissing gates, which they consider inappropriate for the route. Concerns have also been raised in respect of the footpath finish, which they consider to be inappropriate for access by walking, wheeling or cycling.”

“Wheels for well-being: Have raised concerns with regards to proposed design, commenting that the route will have a self-bound gravel surface and kissing gate access barriers and thus will be in-accessible to many disabled people and thus discriminatory under the Equality Act (2010). This will potentially leave those responsible for the route liable in discrimination claims.”

“The Officer presented the report, and in doing so, displayed plans of the site to assist with his presentation. Members noted that there were no objections from any of the statutory consultees, but two public concerns had been raised with regards to the installation of kissing gates which were needed to manage safe crossings for vehicles and livestock, and to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians, especially children, approach Hafod Road safely.”

“The local Member addressed the Committee, highlighting the importance of progressing the bridge construction, which would enable the permanent closure of the footpath level crossing on the Wrexham to Shrewsbury line. He asked whether a condition could be imposed to require the bridge’s completion within a set timeframe, given the history of fatalities along that section of the railway.”

“RESOLVED – That permission be granted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the following:”

“Condition 01 amended to limit the time for commencement to 2 years rather than 5 years…”

“Conclusion The application proposes improved pedestrian/cycle links between the village of Rhostyllen and the Erddig Estate, given that sections of the existing public footpaths are un-surfaced and poorly suited for wheelchair and pushchair use. Impacts as a result of the proposal on the surrounding vegetation is considered acceptable. The application also proposes landscape mitigation which would compensate for the loss of existing trees…”

“With support from the Community Council and members of the public and no adverse comments received other that comments from cycling UK as discussed above, overall the proposal is seen as a significant public benefit for the surrounding community and persons wishing to have improved access to the countryside.”

“No tree felling with the potential to impact on bats, shall commence until a pre-construction bat survey has been carried out. If the survey confirms the presence of bats, the results of the survey together with…”

“The development hereby permitted shall not be bought into use until a scheme of pedestrian safety signage has been implemented in accordance with details that have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The signage shall thereafter be retained in accordance with the approved scheme.”