The current applications to Welsh Government, Planning & Environment Decisions – Developments of National Significance (DNS) within this area are listed and details are available to be seen, these are decided nationally – https://planningcasework.service.gov.wales/dnsapplications
Planning
DNS CAS-03547-X3S2B5 – Butterfly Solar Farm In Progress
South of Wrexham, east of Rhosllanerchrugog
Development of a ground mounted photovoltaic solar array with an export capacity of approximately 99.9MW, battery energy storage system and associated ancillary development including an electricity connection to a National Grid substation.
North Wales Daily Post 31st January 2025 article about public engagement events
P/2024/0155 Legacy Energy Storage System ESS Project
Proposal is by Innova – for a 400 MW Battery ESS. Fields to the east of the Legacy National Grid substation, west of the A483 and north of Bronwylfa Road, Rhostyllen
Installation and operation of an Energy Storage System (ESS), including battery storage units (the size of shipping containers) cable connections, landscaping and infrastructure.
Members of the local community have a campaign group with significant concerns about the proposal including that it would cover 5.5 hectares of greenfield, Grade 2 agriculture land, of the potential risks to natural habitat and residents, to heritage in the area including Offas Dyke, centuries old trees and hedgerows, and have negative impact on the countryside. There are serious concerns about fire safety.
There will be CPRW Clwyd Branch response to Wrexham County Borough Council.
P/2023/0593 Land at Lower Berse Farm, Bersham, Wrexham, LL14 4HP
Proposal by Redrow Homes – Outline application for erection of 1520 dwellings (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved) provision of land for a primary school
The application has been relodged for 1450 dwellings
There have been many reasons for objections incl from Woodland Trust ; potential for effect on the River Dee (and Bala Lake) SAC (Special area of Conservation) ; loss of agricultural land ; NRW (Natural Resources Wales) has a number of concerns, needing the applicant to provide more information on protection of groundwater, land contamination and protected sites ; and others
P/2021/0077 Cae Mor Farm, Llwyn Mawr, Pontfadog, Llangollen
Erection of an organic free range egg production unit and all associated works
An update on this 2021 application which was opposed by local residents incl CPRW Clwyd Branch member Alison Pick, who sadly passed away in late 2023. Alison employed landscape and environmental consultants Richards, Moorehead & Laing Ltd to assess this application on her behalf. CPRW Clwyd Branch sent objection to the application in 2021 which included that CPRW also has significant concern about the expansion of intensive poultry units in Wales, contributing to ammonia emissions, nitrate and phosphate pollution, effect on rivers and on flora and fauna.
In August 2024 NRW responded to further information provided by the applicant, with their continuing concerns about proposed manure management and contaminated water. The applicant’s proposal of ‘betterment’ was to carry manure off site, which would rely on having adequate arrangements to do this.
The application remains pending.
Local Development Plan (LDP)
On 20th December 2024, a cross party group of Wrexham County Borough Councillors won a case in the High Court which ruled that Councillors in voting for a LDP, would be able to have a say in upholding their communities. The Wrexham LDP 2013 – 2028 had been finally adopted in November 2023 following a number of attempts and Judicial review, with councillors having been informed that they had to vote for it. A LDP is the basis for planning and land use decisions. Housing developers submit applications based on land identified in a LDP.
Developments of National Significance (DNS)
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW)
These are decided nationally.
DNS/3253253 – Plas Power Estate Solar Farm, Ruthin Road, Wrexham, LL11 3BS
Proposal by Lightsource BP for solar panels and batteries over 136 hectares in Coedpoeth.
Application is in progress.
DNS CAS-03463 R2W9C2 – Kronospan – Low Carbon CHP (Combined Heat and Power)
Land within the existing Kronospan Facility, Maesgwyn Farm, Chirk, LL14 5NT
Application is in progress.
CPRW Clwyd Branch discuss DNS and Wrexham CBC, Flintshire CC and Denbighshire CC applications for their potential impacts. CPRW aims are protection of the landscape and nature, farming, rural communities, climate change and energy, clean water and air.
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