Oakfield Close

Following a lengthy delay in determining an application for the construction of 13 detached houses on an unallocated greenfield site at New Brighton, Mold, Philip was instructed to lodge an appeal to Welsh ministers. The proposed development had attracted significant opposition from local residents, the community council and the ward councillor. It raised a number of complex issues in relation to its effect on the character and appearance of the area, neighbouring living conditions, surface water drainage and access arrangements, as well as the feasibility of dealing with old mine entries and a requirement for education contributions.

Having considered the evidence presented at the appeal hearing, the appointed inspector concluded, on balance, that the proposed development would be acceptable and be in accord with the development plan and national policy. He therefore granted conditional planning permission. A section 106 unilateral undertaking to secure payment of the education contributions had been submitted with the appeal and was also accepted.