RESIDENTS have been warned to be "on their guard" when it comes to commenting on a proposed housing development.

The Leader reported on Tuesday how a pre-application consultation was launched by Castle Green Homes over their plan for 70 new homes in Wrexham Road, Abermorddu.

Caergwrle Councillor David Healey said he wishes to impress on residents that concerns about the plans raised at this stage don't amount to an official objection - as no planning application has yet been submitted to Flintshire Council.

"I think local people should be a little on their guard as far as this is concerned," he said.

"There is no planning application with Flintshire Council at the moment and with this consultation, Castle Green Homes is trying to pick up on what the potential objections are so they can incorporate their response to those when they do submit.

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"Secondly, no one who is writing to Castle Green Homes should be under the impression that having written to them, they have put in their objection to the planning application - which doesn't exist yet.

"That will be quite a separate matter."

Cllr Healey said he expects there will be a number of areas people are concerned about, including the adequacy of existing infrastructure, drains and sewers, the capacity of local services such as schools and surgeries, an increase in traffic, and flooding.

"Locally there is a tremendous amount of opposition to this," he continued.

"There are similar objections raised with most significant planning proposals. 

"I have read this application and local residents in Wrexham Road will tell you there have been some serious flooding incidents there when there have been heavy downpours.

"It has created such a flood across the road that when cars have gone past a tidal wave has gone into their gardens.

"There have been real concerns about the impact of that."

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Cllr Healey encouraged residents who have concerns to submit their views individually at the point the application is officially lodged with the local authority.

He added: "One thing that isn't of any use is a petition - as far as I understand, that will only count as one objection.

"I would encourage people to submit individual views when the time comes and they are best doing that through the planning department and not to me as their local councillor, because I will not be involved in that decision making process."

Gwyn Jones, CEO of Castle Green Homes, said in response to Cllr Healey's comments: "We are delighted to bring much needed, high quality new homes to Abermorddu, that will be delivered in accordance with the local development plan."