THE rejection of appeals against the turning down of plans for a housing development and a new road in Meliden have been met with delight that the community’s voice has been listened to.

The applications, made by Penrhyn Homes, involved the construction of 133 homes on Mindale Farm on Ffordd Hendre, as well as a new road, of roughly 400m in length, from Ffordd Talargoch (A547) to land at the farm.

Denbighshire County Council rejected both plans, and Penrhyn Homes’ appeal against both decisions have now also been dismissed by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

The decision to reject the appeals was made by Richard Jenkins, the appointed planning inspector.

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Former councillor and mayor Bob Paterson, of the Mindale Opposition Group, had staunchly opposed the plans for new homes throughout, and shared his relief at the news with the Journal.

Mr Paterson said: “Throughout the time since the first application was made by Penrhyn Homes to build 133 properties on the Mindale site, concern has been raised by many about the run-off of surface water and how the application could have a major impact on properties to the north.

“At last, it seems that we have seen an inspector accepting of this fact stating that the developers have not demonstrated that there proposal did not show that there would not be a risk of flooding off-site.

“For the second application, which is the access road, he comments on the road being outside the boundaries of Meliden, an incursion into an agricultural field, and would be a prominent urbanising feature when viewed from the visually sensitive summit at Graig Fawr, all concerns voiced previously.

“My conclusion is that, taking the inspector’s decision and reasons, how can this site remain as a part of the current, and proposed new, Local Development Plan?

“I am so pleased to see that the needs of the village and its people have been prioritised over the profits of a developer.”

Since an initial proposal for the homes was made public in 2016, it has been rejected, dismissed by appeal, revised and rejected again.

When Penrhyn Homes made a second application, including proposals for the new access road to the site from the A547, it was again refused against the advice of the officers.

Among the main objections from residents was that the extra traffic would heighten problems on the A547, where motorists often have to wait a long time to emerge, especially at peak periods.

The MS and MP for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth and James Davies respectively, both added that they were both pleased with the outcome and that residents’ voices had been heard.

Gareth Davies MS said: “I welcome the news that PEDW has turned down this appeal.

“Whilst I’m aware that there is a need and demand for more housing for local people, any future developments must consider the impact on existing communities and infrastructure.

“This proposed build in Meliden raised concerns from myself and many residents about increased traffic issues and flooding worries, so I am pleased that local voices have been heard and impacted on this decision.”

James Davies MP added: “The community in Meliden put up a vehement fight against this application and also the arrangements for the appeal process.

“It will come as a relief to many that the planning inspector has recognised very real concerns, focussing on flood risk.

“Very many thanks to all who took the trouble to make their views known.”

Julie Matthews, Labour councillor for Prestatyn Meliden ward, said that the decision to reject both appeals showed that “common sense has prevailed”.

Cllr Matthews said: “I am delighted that the planning inspector has held up the Denbighshire Planning Committee’s original decision to reject the application of Penrhyn Homes to build a large number of houses on this site in the village.

“From the beginning, the people of Meliden had a number of legitimate concerns about the impact of the development in terms of traffic increasing, risk of flooding, pressure on local infrastructure and the effect on the local environment.

“I am really pleased that on this occasion the community has been listened to and common sense has prevailed.”

Gerry Frobisher, former mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden on three occasions, added: "The application came before Prestatyn Town Council in 2016, too. I was part of the planning committee and also chairman some of the years between 2016 and 2021.

"Each time it came to the town, it was a unanimous refusal.

"When it came back after the first appeal was rejected, as the town councillor for Meliden at the time, I gave an almost 10-minute report against both the housing development and the proposed new road.

"Again, the town refused both applications. The town's refusal was reported back to Denbighshire County Council and formed a major part of their refusal to both applications. 

"This is extremely good news for the village and the community as a whole.

"It has taken many people many years to win this matter and goes a long way in keeping the small village atmosphere and community spirit.

"I must thank Bob Paterson for his years of commitment in fighting against the whole development.

"His research and information has greatly assisted Prestatyn town council and Denbighshire County Council in their decision to refuse the applications.

"A great day for the future of Meliden."

Attempts were also made to contact Penrhyn Homes.