“You cannot build a new house, build a new business premises or improve the road network” due to Welsh Government policies, says Wrexham’s MP

Wrexham’s MP has blasted Welsh Government and asked them to “unlock Wrexham’s investment potential” by revisiting policies on roads and phosphates.

Sarah Atherton MP has published a letter she has sent to Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS.

Wrexham.com has long documented the phosphates issues that has impacted development locally.

Phosphates are naturally occurring minerals which can enter rivers via land management practices, sewerage and foul water, causing significant ecological damage.

Environmental regulator Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has introduced phosphate control regulations to protect watercourses in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) across the country.

The Welsh Government said phosphate pollution poses a “serious risk” to health and must be addressed. Wrexham Council have experienced delays in having their local development plans approved because of the tough new rules, and many planning applications have been affected / delayed or not even put forward.

In the letter the civic service last week for city status is referenced, “With this new found status Wrexham now needs to operate as a city; with a planning, transport, and infrastructure system to match.”

Sarah Atherton MP referred to this issue, “On planning, as you already know I have concerns about the Welsh Labour Government’s policy on phosphates which prevents new commercial and residential properties of any type being built. This blanket embargo is throttling growth, development and investment in Wrexham.

“It is also impacting employment and preventing young people from taking their first step on the housing ladder.”

The letter also echos local concerns about a long awaited decision over improvements to some A483 junctions, a topic that has become a regular theme in the Guildhall.

The letter continues, “On infrastructure, it is deeply regrettable that Welsh Labour Government have introduced yet another embargo for Wales and have halted all road schemes unless work is already underway.

“As you will be aware, junctions 3-6 on the A483 are due to upgraded, offering better infrastructure for the Western Gateway into Wrexham. Additionally within the Local Development Plan, two housing developments are relying on this upgrade order to move forward with their plans.”

“This upgrade is essential to every aspect of Wrexham’s future development. I understand that recommendations following the Road Review arc being looked at and as part of this I would be grateful if you could provide assurances that this review will not inhibit the upgrade of the road infrastructure of junctions 3-6 of the A483?”

“As the situation stands you cannot build a new house, build a new business premises or improve the road network due to the Welsh Government’s Road Review and Phosphates Policies.

“Planning and infrastructure run hand in hand and I would urge the Welsh Government to do all they can do to look at both policies, so we can unlock Wrexham’s investment potential.”