Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has written to the Welsh Government Minister responsible for housing, Julie James MS, urging her to ‘call in’ the controversial planning application for 102 social units adjacent to Alexandra Drive in Prestatyn.
Despite widespread opposition, approval for the 100 per cent affordable rented homes development was granted last month by Denbighshire councillors.
Immediately after, James described the council’s handling of the matter as “indefensible” and called on the council to revisit its decision.
However, having been informed by the council this week, that following consideration it does not intend to revisit the application, James is now calling on the Welsh Government to intervene.
His letter to the Minister states:
“As you will note, I have significant concerns both over the way in which the application was judged, based on the council's adopted planning policies, and over the mechanics of the decision-making process on the day.
“These concerns are shared by very many local residents and by elected representatives across the political spectrum. However, the council has informed me today that, following consideration, it does not intend to reconsider the planning application.
“The formal decision to “grant” the application is yet to be issued by the council, primarily because a Section 106 agreement is yet to be approved. My understanding is that this provides a window of opportunity during which the application may be “called in” for determination by Welsh Ministers. I would very much appreciate it if you could take such action.”
James said:
“I am extremely disappointed that Denbighshire are refusing to revisit this application, given that the consideration of this application was so dysfunctional, and the vote so close.
“I felt there was no alternative but to request Welsh Government intervention and I hope that the Minister is in agreement that this application should be called-in..”
