A controversial appeal regarding an essential field on the green barrier and crucial to prevent flooding for the surrounding homes, has been authorized to be built on. COVID-19 was used to usher the flawed proposal through behind closed doors. This crowd funding is to fight for the community, local school, Wrexham hospital and all other infrastructure that will suffer from this development. The money raised will allow us to start a Judicial Review. The deadline is the end of March.

There has been an unfair, biased hearing in which all arguments have not been heard and considered. The inspectors’ report has not taken into consideration all written representations. Thus, proving that written representation is not viable during an appeal procedure.

This planning application was originally and justifiably rejected upon by vote by members of the planning committee. On the date of the appeal, those objectors ’voices were silenced (as they had not been informed) and only the officers, who recommended to grant, were aware of the changed procedure. The inspector did not consult any of the members of the planning committee, he has only taken into consideration the Appellants Evidence and that of the Council. We cannot be sure if the Inspector actually looked at all the evidence from the Interested Persons (Objectors).

A former highway officer, member of the original planning committee that justifiably refused this planning application was bullied in to not objecting to this application. This was witnessed during the first hearing; the minutes should include this incident witnessed by over 40 people. A councillor raised and questioned the incident directly to the planning committee. The highway officer did object and is no longer on the committee.

The inspector has made his assessment of the highway when Wales were in lockdown. The schools were closed and there was limited works' traffic as people were instructed to work from home, therefore his assessment is severely flawed.

In the inspectorate report there are numerous references to the LDP. However, reference to the emerging LDP carries little or no weight in the present circumstances whilst the Deposit LDP has not been adopted and the decision should be made under the UDP and PPW10. The proposed development lies outside defined settlement limits in the UDP and represents inappropriate development for sites within Green Barriers. To allow the development would conflict with Wrexham Unitary Development Plan policies PS1 and EC1 as mentioned on the report itself.

Furthermore, in the same report, there are references to the, yet to be approved, LDP and the “urgent housing need in Wrexham” where the same LDP has not confirmed the need for additional housing.

The recent flooding at New Broughton is evidence of drainage and sewage issues which was one of the reasons alongside highway issues that the community were strongly objecting to the development. A senior councillor has said the recent flood damage could cost millions to repair. Granting planning permission for this development has gone against the fundamental UDP general development principles; “i) Ensure that development does not result in, or is subject to, flooding, soil erosion, landslides or contamination, either on or off the site…) Secure the development of sustainable communities, through the promotion of the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area.”

The inspectorate report states, “there is no indication from the relevant authorities that expansion of local schools would be impractical.” The nearby, Ysgol Penrhyn School is at maximum capacity and is the only school in Wrexham that has 3 services at lunchtime. The site cannot be extended and due to its location, on a bend before the humpback bridge, already has traffic chaos each weekday morning and afternoon and is a danger for drivers and pedestrians using the road. School governors, staff and parents are concerned about future pupil numbers and more importantly pupil Health and Safety. Money that was promised to the school, to enhance its facilities, when Gatewen Village was built has failed to materialise.

A few years ago, Gatewen village, the new estate next to the development proposed, were refused the original 400 houses they applied for and were only permitted to build 250 due to the traffic congestion at Berse road/ Gatewen road junction, now the planning inspectorate dismissed that information despite no improvements being made to the infrastructure. Since then, the roundabouts by the Ramada hotel have had a massive input of more traffic with the opening of the new emergency services station and also a new Moneypenny call centre employing hundreds of people.

Regarding the costs application in relation to Appeal, although the applicant submitted an application they failed to submit details and despite the invitation of the inspector to submit the same, the applicant has not done so. If Glyndwr University is trying to raise money for their campus, why would they not follow through for an award of costs?

This land was gifted by the council and the Wrexham wider community to Glyndwr University. Today, Glyndwr will be harming that very same community.

Wales is currently fighting a pandemic. People in the community are caring for loved ones, grieving for relatives who have passed away with COVID-19. Families are trying to survive due to unemployment because of the pandemic. Parents have been home-schooling their children and working at the same time and dealing with other hurdles thrown at them during this difficult time. However, the Welsh planning inspectorate has taken advantage of the situation to rush the process, cut corners and made a decision without the required transparency on a controversial appeal. Due to the breakdown in communication during this process with all parties and upon reading the report we can conclude that the inspectorate could not take into consideration the concerns of the committee and community and that therefore, the process was flawed in reaching a fair, unbiased conclusion.

Thank you all in advance for your support.

Appeal: APP/H6955/A/19/3238474