A PROPOSED housing development in Penyffordd would “cripple the village”, a “furious” councillor has said. Cllr Cindy Hinds, who represents Penyffordd, said she is “absolutely disgusted” with Redrow’s proposed housing development on Chester Road. If approved, the development will see 190 houses being built on land just off Chester Road, some of which would include affordable homes for first time buyers. Redrow, who will submit an application in coming weeks, say the development would provide added open space to the area and would provide a neighbourhood equipped play area. However, Cllr Hinds said she has received more than 30 emails from angry residents who are completely against the plans. “There are so many reasons why our village could not take such a development,” she said. “First of all, the local school can’t take it, the drainage system can’t take it, and there is no bus service in the village. “Older people can’t get to their surgery in Buckley as it is without taking at least two buses, and it’s none existent to Hope. “How can we have another 190 homes in our village when the drains are already so full and causing problems for residents? “It’s absolutely disgusting. “It will cripple this village and the local schools which are already full at the moment, especially the infants’ department. “Primary and junior schools already have around 35 pupils per class which shouldn’t be. “It’s just unbelievable.” A local resident from Oakland Way, Penyffordd, a two year old Redrow housing estate, said he has a number of concerns regarding the development. The resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I am already concerned about the volume of traffic coming along A5104 and Chester Road and that will increase further. “Both are already busy single carriageway roads and are too high speed and dangerous – I have lived on the new Redrow estate for two years and have seen a number of serious crashes. “When I moved here I was already of the view that there was very few shopping, leisure, and other facilities here for the size of Penyffordd and Penymynydd. “If the village is to increase further, will Redrow be providing or co-funding something for the community, such as a new family pub or convenience store?” He said the junction of A5104 and Chester Road is already an unnecessarily dangerous junction and would expect either traffic lights or a roundabout to be required. “My experience of the traffic aspects of a new Redrow development is not a good one,” he added. “Cars plough down Oakland Way at high speed and I bought my house believing we were going to be living on a cul de sac, safe for children. “Whatever the traffic solutions they have determined with the council, I think they should be very transparent with house buyers and the wider community of Penyffordd.” Cllr Hinds said: “We have to get together and really show our feelings that we strongly object to it.” A spokesman for Redrow Homes said: “We recently agreed to purchase a new parcel of land adjacent to our existing Heritage Park development off Chester Road, Penyffordd. “Given the strong demand for housing locally, and how well our previous development was received, we believe this is a key site to help boost housing numbers in Flintshire and provide much-needed new homes. “The land has potential to deliver around 190 properties, including affordable homes, for first time buyers and families. In addition, it would also provide additional open space and a new play area. “We are currently welcoming feedback from the local community about the type of place the development should be and would be happy to meet local councillors to take on board their views. We are due to submit a planning application in the coming weeks and look forward to working closely with planners at Flintshire County Council.” Residents can submit their views to Redrow at chesterroad. penyffordd@redrow.co.uk
A councillor and residents of Redrow Homes , Flintshire , have protested against the planned development of more than 30 new houses by Buckley , adjacent to its existing development; a move that they consider would place an unnecessary strain on local schools and other resources. Redrow, which is expected to submit a planning application within two years , said it welcomes feedback from the local community to help shape their plans.