PLANS for seven homes in Hope are set to be refused on environmental grounds.

The planning application is for a part demolition of an existing home and residential development comprising of seven detached homes on land known as 'Foxfield' on Fagl Lane.

Planning officers have recommended that the proposals, which will be decided on by Flintshire Council's planning committee on Wednesday, be refused.

They state that it has not been demonstrated by the applicant that the development would not lead to an increase in phosphate levels in the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with a resultant significant impact on the protected site.

The proposed site is close to the River Alyn, a tributary of the River Dee, designated as an Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and SAC, primarily for migratory fish and also otter.

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Too much phosphorus can cause increased growth of algae and large aquatic plants, which can result in decreased levels of oxygen. High levels of phosphorus can also lead to algae blooms that produce algal toxins which can be harmful to human and animal health.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Welsh Water have raised concern over "inadequate" information on the proposed sewerage system - with all raw sewage containing phosphorous.

The developer has put forward the case that given the small number of new dwellings proposed, taken together with a relatively small amount of development in the local area in recent years, the increased phosphate load is negligible and will not have a significant impact upon the riverine SACs. 

As per the Planning Advice of NRW, a Habitat Regulations Assessment was carried out to ascertain whether this development is likely to increase phosphorus inputs to a SAC. The outcome of this assessment is that the impact of the development is uncertain and a significant impact on the SAC cannot be ruled out. 

Hope Community Council has strongly objected to the proposal, which has also received nine letters of objection from local residents. 

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