Cefn-y-Bedd: Plans to build 30 homes on site of derelict garden centre set to get nod

Plans for a new housing development at the site of a former garden centre on the Flintshire-Wrexham border look set to be given the green light.

Kingscrown Land & Commercial submitted a planning application to Flintshire County Council for a residential development on the site of the now-derelict Spectrum Garden Centre in Cefn-y-Bedd.

The proposed development consists of 20 one-bedroom cottage flats, 3 two-bedroom houses, and 7 four-bedroom houses, with associated landscaping and vehicle access.

The site, which covers an area of around 2.25 acres next to the A541 Wrexham Road, has stood dilapidated for a number of years and has become a target for vandals.

An application to knock down the building and replace it with 14 homes was submitted in 2020, but it wasn’t progressed.

A design and access statement, submitted on behalf of the developer by architect Ainsley Gommon, says: “The project aim is to create a modern, well-equipped housing scheme on a brownfield site that is sensitive to context, meeting the needs of families and couples looking for affordable homes.”

“The housing mix offered responds to the demands of individuals and smaller families seeking good quality housing in the area, particularly addressing a local shortage of small to medium-sized 1 to 3 bedroom homes.”

The design and access statement notes: “The new dwellings will be domestic in scale and appearance, attractive and energy efficient, responding sensitively to the local built form using a palette of building materials compatible with the vernacular.”

A report which will go before councillors next week highlights concerns about the speed on Wrexham Road, which passes the site and how safe it is, especially with vehicles entering and exiting the site.

The report states: “The Highways Authority doesn’t object to these concerns. It’s worth noting that the site was previously a garden centre with its own traffic. Any decisions about changing the road’s speed limit would be up to the Highways Authority and separate from this planning application.”

As part of the planning agreement, education contributions from the developer, amounting to £36,938.00, are set to be directed to Castell Allun High School.

Additionally, for the enhancement of the Wyndham Drive Play Area, public open space contributions have been determined at £733 for each apartment or affordable housing unit.

In his report, Chief Planning Officer Andrew Farrow said: “This proposal represents an appropriate reuse of derelict and unsightly brownfield land on the edge of a sustainable settlement.”

“The proposal would provide affordable dwellings that are needed in the local vicinity and appropriately mitigates all other material planning constraints on the site.”

“The proposal is considered to accord with the relevant development plan policies in the Flintshire LDP (local development plan) and it is recommended that the proposal is approved.”

Approval would be subject to a number of conditions and planning obligations.

Before any site works commence, the design of the site access requires approval from the County Council.

Additionally, a detailed design for this access must receive the green light before the beginning of its construction.

Furthermore, during the construction phase, stringent visibility requirements for the proposed access must be consistently upheld and maintained.

Flintshire Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at their meeting on October 25.