Latest news with #FlintshirePeople'sVoice
Leader Live
11 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Planning committee urged to reject 300-home Hawarden plan
Flintshire People's Voice councillor Sam Swash - who represents the Hawarden Mancot ward - has supported residents' campaigning against plans to develop on agricultural land at Ash Lane off Gladstone Way for six years. With Flintshire County Council planning officers recommending approval of the scheme this week, Cllr Swash has asked councillors to back Hawarden residents who have opposed the plans since they were first proposed. "This is the most unpopular housing development in Flintshire's history," said Cllr Swash. "It has led to the largest petition ever submitted to Flintshire County Council, hundreds of placards being erected across the local community and the most objections to a single planning application in the county's recent history." Read more: 300-home Ash Lane, Hawarden development backed for approval Opposition to developing the land began in 2019 when the agricultural fields between Gladstone Way, Ash Lane and Park Avenue on the Hawarden/Mancot border were first included in Flintshire's Local Development Plan. Opponents quickly formed an action group - Stop the Gladstone Estate Development - and a Facebook page to oppose the plans. The land - now owned by Castle Green Homes - continued to be earmarked for development in the county's 2015 Local Development Plan. In March last year the application was submitted to Flintshire County Council's planning department to build 300 homes - including 104 affordable homes - on the site. Of 697 neighbours notified of the plans during consultation, 684 objected to the plans. There were also objections from Hawarden Community Council and Queensferry Community Council with regard the impact on flood risk on the proposed site and the surrounding areas and the pressure the development would place on local services, while Clwyd Badger Group were concerned about the impact on badgers active near the site. Nevertheless officers have recommended approval of the scheme, subject to a Section 106 order which would see Hawarden Village School receive just over £625,000 to make improvements to serve the new estate while Hawarden High School would receive almost £950,000. Cllr Swash believes the weight of local opposition means councillors on Flintshire's Planning Committee should refuse the application when it is considered on Wednesday at Flintshire Council's Ty Dewi Sant headquarters. "For those councillors with a vote on Wednesday, there is no more hiding behind the Local Development Plan," he said. "They must now judge this site on its own merits, or lack of them. "The choice facing them is a simple one - they can vote to stand with the people they're elected to represent, or they can vote to approve a demonstrably reckless plan for the benefit of private housing developers. "The Hawarden community has been completely united in its opposition to these plans for years, and with good reason. This is the council's final opportunity to restore our community's trust in local democracy, by listening to the overwhelming views of the people this development will impact on a daily basis."
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Flint councillor elected county council chair as leader wins vote
She succeeds Cllr Dennis Hutchinson in the role for 2025/26. The council also re-elected Llanfynydd Cllr Dave Hughes as leader of the council at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday in a hotly-contested battle. Cllr Hughes saw off competition from Flintshire People's Voice Cllr Gillian Brockley representing Hawarden Aston, Buckley Mountain Cllr Carol Ellis of the True Independents and Cilcain councillor and Liberal Democrat group leader Andrew Parkhurst. Tributes were paid to outgoing chair Cllr Hutchinson for his firm and fair approach to the role over the past 12 months. Gwernaffield and Gwernymynydd Cllr David Coggins-Cogan said: "It's been a really fun year with you as chair. "I think I would characterise this as the 'naughty table' as I think between us we've had more tellings-off from the chair than any other members of groups in the chamber. "However they've always been taken in good grace because they've always been very fairly applied. There's often a battle between the ruling and opposition groups but there is no doubt in anyone's mind that You yourself have led in an independent and fair manner and you've been a credit to the county, thank you." Buckley Bistre Cllr Mike Peers also paid tribute, saying: "You've done well Dennis. you've been firm but fair in allowing members of the council the opportunity to have their voices heard within the council chamber. "Politics has not come into it with you allowing anyone the opportunity to take part in the debate. Dennis is a friend, a co-ward member and a man of the people." Long-time friend Cllr Chris Bithell added: "I've probably known Dennis longer than most. "You've been wonderful in the chair this year. You've put me in my place on occasion and that's what we expect, that's what you've done. "You're well respected and well liked and that has ben a boon to the council during your year in office. Thank you for all that you've done and to you consort Jeannie too." Seemingly the new chair will have big boots to fill, but Flint Coleshill and Trelawny Cllr Michelle Perfect had no hesitation putting forward Cllr Buckley for the role. "I've known Mell all my life," she said. "However I got to know her properly in 2012 when she was arranging a watch party for the London Olympics as we cheered along to victory taekwondo legend Jade Jones. "What struck me was how Mel brought our community in Flint together. The energy, community spirit, the pride. She made it all happen. "Since then Mel has proven time and time again that she was made for public service, serving the people of Flint and Oakenholt brilliantly. She brings people together, even in tough times and she does it with a quiet strength and community focus. "One of the most powerful things Mel has done, as our town's mayor, was organising the first ever Flint Pride. It was a landmark moment for our town and a celebration of inclusion and community. "But it wasn't easy. Mel faced real challenges at great personal cost but she has never backed down because she believes that standing up for others matters." Cllr Buckley was elected chair of the county council unopposed. It was not the same story when councillors were asked to nominate the leader of the council. Incumbent leader Cllr Dave Hughes, who has led the coalition cabinet since October 2024, faced a number of challenges. He was nominated by Cllr Christine Jones, who praised his 'strong leadership'. "Cllr Hughes has shown strong leadership since taking the position eight months ago," she said. "He has led us through some difficult and challenging times especially with the budgetary constraints we have faced this year." Flintshire People's Voice Cllr Alasdair Ibbotson challenged by nominating his party colleague Cllr Gillian Brockley. "As well as being a crusader for the residents of Hawarden and Aston, Cllr Brockley is a Welsh-speaker and comes into this role with a clear proposal to improve the lives of the people of Flintshire," he said. Northop Cllr Marion Bateman nominated fellow True Independent Cllr Carol Ellis saying: "She would be a very strong leader of this council, which is what we need." Meanwhile Cllr David Coggins-Cogan put forward fellow Lib Dem Cllr Andrew Parkhurst. "Andrew as part of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has already delivered for Flintshire by bringing an extra £1.25m to Flintshire in the last budget round," said Cllr Coggins-Cogan. Despite strong arguments made for most of the opposition candidates, Cllr Hughes was re-elected as leader with 43 votes.
