After such an enjoyable day that many of you have had on the Vounog, I just want to update you on the future of this natural and brilliant village amenity.
Most of you will be aware that there is a planning application for housing from the top of the field to the public footpath opposite Park lane by the conker tree. This has been turned down by Flintshire, but has gone to appeal that is to be considered at a public inquiry with the Planning Inspectorate. This was due to have been heard last April, but delayed due to Covid where we are still waiting for a new date.
As councillors and many residents, we have all put our representations in to oppose this development, and on this occasion, Flintshires planning department are fighting this appeal as well.
Mr & Mrs Wrench and their families, who are the former land owners and now lease holders, have been fantastic for well over fifty years that I know about in allowing residents to use this field during the snow, and have also been very supportive in ensuring the public rights of way are well maintained. They have been a real credit to this village for many many years.
It is therefore extremely important that we do not lose this land to more housing, and with your support, we will fight all the way to resist any housing development on there.
Very Important info on Planning.
Many of you will also be aware that there is a Local Development Plan (LDP) being put together for the County, and my representation compiled with the Community Council is for land to the East of Vounog Hill, including the sledging field, and land West of the bypass be re-categorised as green barrier.
There is to be a inquiry run by the Inspectorate that starts on 22nd February, and in support of our case for this request, I am trying to organise an online and written petition to present to the inquiry when we are called.
The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate the general discontent of most village residents, about the amount of houses that have been built in the village, and that we have provide more than our fair share of housing for Flintshire over the past five to ten years. This concern is also shared by many who have just moved here!
It is now broadly felt that we deserve to remain an established village where our country surroundings and important farm land is protected long term. We also want to demonstrate what an important amenity the land on the edge of the village is as a winter recreation on the Vounog, and retain what is left of our country setting that is important for the health and well being of residents.
I hope to have details of this petition ready early this week, so please keep checking social media, the Council website and village notice boards and businesses for details.
I will also do my best to keep you informed on all matters to do with the above, but please feel free to contact me if you have any queries.
Cllr David Williams.
Community and County.
