109 homes on Rhyl housing estate approved

COUNCILLORS unanimously approved a further 109 homes on a Rhyl housing estate, despite one claiming a surrounding road is “one of the most dangerous in the county”.
At last week’s meeting members of Denbighshire council’s planning committee unanimously gave the thumbs up to what will be the fifth stage of development at Parc Aberkinsey.
The scheme, put forward by Anwyl Construction, was amended from one submitted unsuccessfully in 2018 for 96 properties.
The new proposal, which is inside the development plan area, allows for 11 affordable homes – 10% of the total in this phase – with eight out of 10 properties three or four bedroomed.
There were 15 resident objections, with the main concerns being around surface water retention and schools and local services like doctors being unable to cope with the influx of new people.
In addition residents pointed to traffic problems already witnessed in the area and the extra burden on highways.
There was also concern about local wildlife being displaced by the new estate.
Cllr Brian Jones (Rhyl South-East ward) said Pen-y-Maes had become “one of the most dangerous roads in the county” and said “there are grave concerns about that at the moment”.
He added: “It’s one of the most dangerous roads and there’s more data to back that up.
“With reference to the route of vehicles, we have some more data on that.
“The details and data when it’s put to a meeting like this looks hunky dory, but it’s not – that needs attention – there are concerns.”
He said there were already houses on Parc Aberkinsey with flooding issues caused by surface water and he said “this development could kick up more issues”.
Cllr Brian Blakeley (Rhyl South-East ward) said the new housing would “double the amount of cars” on Pen-y-Maes Avenue and Dyserth bends and “children would need schooling” in already full schools.
He also said there was “not enough health care” in the area but “we have been told there’s no problem with that”.
He said: “I don’t believe that. We need to find a way for our highways to cope with this new development.
“It needs to be looked at before this development goes ahead.”
Anwyl had already agreed to sell land at cost to Denbighshire county council for a new school and community centre, something Rhyl town council wanted settled before a decision was made to approve the development.
However it emerged the county council had not exercised its right on that land yet.
Rhyl town council also objected to the development unless traffic problems on Pen-y-Maes and Dyserth bends had been settled – and wanted better access to bus services for those living on the estate.
Anwyl will pay £465,000 in section 106 compensation to allow for 26 extra school places it was estimated would be needed for the new homes and a further £36,248.50 towards open space provision.
Despite the reservations of several committee members they voted the plans through by 18 votes to nil.