4 days ago
Councillor to continue fight against Hawarden 300 homes
Last week, Flintshire Council's planning committee voted in favour of Castle Green Home's Ash Lane development - located between Hawarden and Mancot.
The proposal has been fiercely contested by local councillors and residents - and subject to a "Stop the Gladstone Estate Build" campaign, fronted by Hawarden councillor, Sam Swash. The council received 2,500 objections from local residents ahead of the planning meeting.
The land had been ear-marked for development in Flintshire's Local Development Plan (LDP) - despite grave concerns over the potential impact on flooding in the already badly hit Sandycroft area, and on the strain placed on local infrastructure.
Following the meeting, Cllr Swash has voiced his anger at the decision - and vowed to continue the fight against the development.
He said: "This is, without a doubt, a major setback – but it isn't the end of the road.
"I've fought this proposal from the very beginning, and I've always said: I won't stop fighting until there are bricks in the ground. I am not giving up.
"Not when our doctors are already at more than double the safe number of patients. Not when residents in Lower Mancot and Sandycroft are being flooded again and again. Not when traffic chaos outside our schools is putting children's safety at risk."
The layout of the Ash Lane development. (Image: Planning documents) MORE NEWS:
An online petition set up by a local resident calling for the decision to be overturned has already gathered over 1,000 signatures.
It states: "The decision not only threatens to exacerbate traffic hazards but also increases the flood potential of the area. The residents of Sandycroft, and Sandycroft Primary School are particularly at risk of flooding.
"The Ash Lane agricultural fields are the natural boundary between the villages of Hawarden and Mancot. Building these houses will destroy the historical identities for both villages. Eliminating this green space will have severe consequences for local residents already wary of environmental threats.
"Moreover, the addition of 300 new houses will place an incredible strain on essential public services which are already stretched beyond their limits.
"The demand for GP appointments, NHS dental services, and local school places will surge, negatively impacting the quality of life for all residents. It's crucial to assess whether our current infrastructure can cope with this potential increase, a concern many local residents share."
Cllr Swash added: "There are still barriers for the developer to overcome. If they think we're going to roll over while they ride roughshod over our community's views, they're in for a surprise.
"To everyone who has supported the campaign – who emailed, submitted objections, attended meetings, or put up placards – thank you. I know many of you will feel as angry and distraught as I do.
"But this fight isn't over. The next steps in our campaign are already being drawn up – and your support will remain absolutely vital. So, watch this space."
