Calls made for community to ‘stand together’ over LDP proposal

Over 150 residents recently attended a meeting organised by Brymbo Community Council about Wrexham Council’s proposed Local Development Plan (LDP).

The meeting, which was held at Brymbo Enterprise Centre, saw residents express concerns regarding a proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site on the former sewerage works at Coed Y Felin Road Road near St Mary’s Church.

The proposals feature as part of Wrexham Council’s Deposit Local Development Plan (LDP) – a lengthy document which outlines the sites likely be allocated for housing and employment up until 2028.

The meeting was chaired by Community Councillor Ken Mathews supported by Brymbo Councillor Paul Rogers.

Lead Member for Planning and Corporate Services Cllr David Kelly, who represents Bwlchgwyn, was also in attendance to explain the council’s LDP process and provided information as to how sites had been identified.

Strong views were raised by residents that this site had previously considered during the last Local Development Plan process and residents objected raising a number of concerns including highway safety issues as well as potential land contamination.

The site was eventually removed from the plan at a meeting of the full council following a proposal by Cllr Paul Rogers.

Concerns were once again raised about the suitability of the land for the development due to these issues and the majority of residents vowed to object to the proposal once the consultation begins.

Councillors Kelly and Rogers also both explained to the meeting that Wrexham Council was working to a timetable which was agreed with Welsh Government and delay to the public consultation regarding the Local Development Plan would bring with it a number of risks including that they could take over the process.

Representatives from the Gypsy and Traveller community were also present at the meeting and questioned the suitability of the site.

Cllr Paul Rogers, who worked with residents to oppose this when the site at Coed Y Felin Road was previously proposed for a Gypsy and Traveller site, once again shared their concerns and said he vowed to fight the proposal.

Asking for their support he urged residents to stand together regarding their objections focusing on planning considerations rather than “blame others” which would not win the argument.

It was agreed that a working group of local residents would be established to consider the key issues relating to the site and object to the proposal.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Paul Rogers said: “There was a very good turnout at the meeting which was arranged by the Community Council and I would like to thank everyone for their support.

“As I have previously stated I am disappointed this site is once again being considered for this use as part of the Local Development Plan.

“It is clear there are a number of issues which make this site unsuitable for development, including contaminated land and highway safety. There are also concerns about deliverability and value for money for the taxpayer if this site were to be developed.

“Due to rapid developments the meeting was at short notice and I appreciate not all were able to attend however will ensure there are regular updates circulated in the community via village noticeboards, local businesses, the press and social media.”

Residents are advised to email [email protected] if they would like further information about the proposals for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Brymbo or be a part of the working group objecting to the proposal.

On Wednesday 28th March all councillors will vote on whether the Local Development Plan should progress to the public consultation at the full council meeting.

If approved the consultation process will take place between 9th April and 31st May.

Stock image of Brymbo