Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has written to Denbighshire planning officers urging them to reject plans for a housing development in Prestatyn.
There has been strong opposition to the application for 106 affordable dwellings on land adjacent to Alexandra Drive among neighbouring residents and local elected members, and, in his submission to Denbighshire Council, James states he shares these views and calls for the application to be rejected “for the good of the locality.”
His letter states:
“I have received a high level of correspondence from concerned constituents living within the immediate vicinity, who were opposed to the initial planning application and are extremely concerned about the revised plans. Residents have expressed frustration that the resubmission does not address many of the objections raised to the initial application.
“The site, which is presently agricultural land, does not feature within the current adopted Local Development Plan (LDP). Whilst I am aware it was identified as a candidate site for the renewed LDP, this has not yet been adopted by council and I feel that approving such a large development, outside of the current LDP, would be undemocratic and a contravention of the Renewed LDP Delivery Agreement, May 2018.”
James also highlight concerns regarding access routes and infrastructure.
He said:
“The proposed access route to the development is via a small residential cul-de-sac, Ffordd Cae Felin. With two to four car parking spaces planned per property, it can be estimated that there could be an additional 200 cars per day requiring access to the development.
“This level of additional traffic is a significant cause for concern for those living on Ffordd Pant y Celyn, Ffordd Cae Felin and surrounding streets, particularly at peak times. Residents are also understandably worried about the proximity of the children’s play and open space on Ffordd Pant y Celyn, should the road become markedly busier.
“There is already significant concern relating to the Ffordd Penrhwylfa crossroads and road safety down the length of Ffordd Penrhwylfa. Additional traffic will no doubt add to these issues.
“To access the estate off Ffordd Penrhwylfa, all traffic would need to use an already busy junction on to Ffordd Pant y Celyn. The entrance for a pub, Church and convenience store are also situated close to the junction. A significant increase in traffic would impact upon local residents, creating additional noise, pollution and vibrations and a reduction in road safety through what is a densely populated residential estate.”
James also expressed concern that the current infrastructure would be unable to accommodate large construction vehicles, raised the fact that there has been previous flooding on the development site, and that residents, particularly those living on Alexandra Drive, “are extremely concerned about a loss of privacy and potential overlooking of their homes and gardens”.
Further, he expressed concern about the size of the development, the loss of agricultural land and wildlife, fears that it could be extended in the future, and the pressure it would place on local services.
He said: “Locally, GP surgeries, hospitals, social services etc. are already struggling to cope. Such a large development is likely to create further demand on these services. There is no police station based within Prestatyn, and any further increase in population is likely to increase police demand.”
He concluded his submission by stating: “I would be very grateful if you could take into consideration my concerns and those of local residents and reject this planning application for the good of the locality.”
