Controversial village housing plans up for debate

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Hotly contested plans for affordable housing at a site in a border village are set to be debated by councillors.

At Powys County Council’s Planning committee meeting this Thursday, plans by SJ Construction Ltd to build 30 affordable homes at land west of Oakland at Crew Green will come before councillors for a decision.

The firm is working with Barcud Housing Association on the proposal that it claims will contribute towards meeting demand for affordable housing in the area.

The scheme comprises of 12 one-bedroom houses, six two-bedroom houses, 10 three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses.

Following the emergence of the plans in January, Bausley with Criggion Community Council, which covers Crew Green, organised and discussed the application at a public meeting in February attended by up to 50 villagers.

The council pointed out “fundamental flaws” in the application.

They say it is in the wrong place, does not meet local need, is in a village that is unable to absorb a large development, has no local amenities apart from primary school, and that there are no meaningful employment opportunities within at least a five-mile radius.

The community council stated: “In recent years, our community has broadly supported the development of 19 affordable homes to assist people in the locality to have their own home, clearly displaying that the overwhelming rejection of this development cannot be viewed as nimbyism.”

They say that claims made by the developer that there is significant local demand for affordable housing is a “fallacy”.

Local county councillor Lucy Roberts’ Llandrinio ward includes Crew Green and she said: “I am aware that there is very strong feeling locally about this application.

“My worry is that this application will be considered on the basis that Crew Green is currently classed as a large village, when it has already been agreed that for the revised LDP (Local Development Plan) it will be downgraded.”

Michael Lloyd of Berrys, the planning agent for SJ Construction, explained the proposal in a planning statement.

Mr Lloyd said: “Crew Green lies in a strategically important position on a main transport corridor from the West Midlands (of England) into central Wales.

“It is under 10 miles from Welshpool and 11 miles from Shrewsbury, both of which offer a range of services, facilities and employment opportunities.

“No unacceptable adverse impacts have been identified as arising from the proposed development.”

Principal Planning Officer, Richard Edwards, said: “The site forms a logical residential extension to the settlement of Crew Green.

“It is noted that several residential developments have come forward in Crew Green in recent years, however consultation with the Affordable Housing Officer has confirmed that there is still a defined need for affordable housing within the area.”

He added that the council’s Highway Authority had not objected to the scheme.

Mr Edwards said: “Overall, the proposal represents a well-considered and policy-compliant development.

“Accordingly, the recommendation is one of approval, subject to conditions.”