Former Broncoed Works Site

Flintshire County Council had refused outline planning permission for the residential redevelopment of part of a business park in Mold that was mainly occupied by a very large, old, underused industrial shed, which was divided into a number of separate units, together with associated hardstanding. The Council had resisted the proposal on the grounds that it would result in the unacceptable loss of existing employment land, bearing in mind future requirements, as well as being premature in relation to its then emerging development plan.

Philip appeared at the appeal hearing, alongside the landowners and property advisers (who addressed in detail the issue of employment land loss within the context of existing and proposed supply and demand), and dealt with the overall planning issues.

In allowing the appeal, the inspector appointed by Welsh ministers concluded that, on balance, the residential redevelopment of the site would not unacceptably prejudice the supply of employment land and it would be wrong to reject it on the basis of prematurity, and unacceptable to inhibit development until the emerging development plan was finalised.

Reserved matters approval was subsequently granted for the construction of around 100 residential units on the 2.6ha site.