New housing plans raise wildlife and traffic concerns for small village

Richard Evans Local Democracy Reporter

People living in a quiet village fear plans for 13 new homes will “completely ruin” their community.

Roberts Homes Ltd has applied to Denbighshire County Council’s planning department, seeking permission for 13 residential homes at agricultural land adjacent to Paradwys, Graigfechan.

Residents have written to the council objecting to the plans.

“Gone forever”

Pamela Janette Brian wrote: “This will completely ruin this beautiful village we have now with its beautiful views and landscape.

“It would make the roads in and out of the village more congested – more traffic, more fumes.

“The peace and quiet would be gone forever.

“I also think it will reduce the cost (prices) of the existing houses.”

Mal Ingham also sent a letter to Denbighshire and was worried about increased traffic.

“Graigfechan has for many years now suffered from extensive traffic issues both in volume and speed,” the letter reads.

“More houses can only exacerbate this issue.

“Also has the environmental impact been taken into account?

“The land behind the proposed development is home to many species of wildlife from otters, badgers, and bats to name but a few.”

Planning statement

In a planning statement, the developer said: “The site is allocated for housing and situated in a highly sustainable location within a well-established village and within close proximity to the local town centre of Ruthin, providing a wide variety of local amenities and public transport routes.

“The dwelling typologies have been conceived to meet local need and provide aspirational new properties that will satisfy market requirements and service a broad mix of residents, including family homes.

“The density is in-line with planning policy and contributes to the local authority’s housing supply demand.

“The properties have been designed sympathetically using a long-established material palette within the Denbighshire area.”

If granted planning permission, the Ruthin-based developer wants to include a road and parking at the 0.71 hectares of land.

The homes will feature UPVC windows, white walls, and tiled roofs.

The plans will likely be debated at a future Denbighshire planning committee meeting at the council’s Ruthin County Hall HQ.