A PROPOSED major housing development has been rejected amid concerns over the loss of open countryside. 

The plans for 130 affordable new homes on land adjacent to Liverpool Road in Ewloe were refused by Flintshire Council's planning committee on Wednesday (October 26).

The homes would have seen a mixture of affordable bungalows, houses and two-storey apartments, with a new access road and landscaping. 

Outlining his reasons for recommending refusal in a report for councillors, Andrew Farrow, head of planning, said it would be an “inappropriate” development in open countryside.

He said: “The proposal would result in an inappropriate form of development in the open countryside which does not relate well to the existing pattern of development in the area, and would result in an uncharacteristic form of development, which does not integrate well with the existing built form and vernacular.

“The applicant is seeking to justify development in an inappropriate location by proposing 100 per cent affordable housing, but this does not make an inappropriate location acceptable. It is considered that the proposal represents an illogical and inappropriate extension to the settlement.”

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He added: “There are also concerns over a number of smaller technical issues.

“Given the above I consider that the proposal represents inappropriate development in an open countryside location that would unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area as well as result in the loss of high-quality agricultural land, contrary to the relevant policies in the Flintshire Unitary Development Plan.”

Other potential reasons for refusal are the loss of agricultural land, overdevelopment of the site and impact on drainage.

Local councillors Gillian Brockley and Helen Brown raised concerns about the capacity of junior and secondary schools in the area.

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The Welsh Government, responsible for the nearby A494 road, also directed permission not be granted until issues flagged up during the consultation process are satisfactorily resolved.

Several Flintshire Council planning committee members said they simply couldn't justify the loss of open countryside. 

But while planning committee members voted unanimously to reject the proposal, concerns were raised about the need for affordable housing schemes. 

Councillor Hilary McGuill said: "I am in full agreement that this proposal is unacceptable, but we are in desperate need of affordable housing. A more suitable and acceptable scheme at such a location should be considered."

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