June 2025
See article about DNS (Developments of National Significance) in this CPRW Clwyd Branch June 2025 magazine and on CPRW website https://cprw.org.uk/
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
DNS CAS-03547-X3S2B5 – Butterfly Solar Farm Awaiting information
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.
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.
Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC)
Planning
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.
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
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. Therefore, the Wrexham LDP 2013 – 2028 is currently unadopted. A recent article in Wrexham.com –https://wrexham.com/news/welsh-government-say-wrexham-council-should-proceed-and-adopt-ldp-despite-expected-high-court-quashing-270269.html
CPRW Actions:
Monitor progress of applications, Committee discussion in Branch meetings and via email, decide response and coordinate comments.
Please contact CPRW Clwyd Branch if you wish your comments to be included for any of the applications https://cprw.org.uk/we-are-the-welsh-countryside-charity/get-involved/
More members / voices are always needed, you would be most welcome.
If there is a group set up about any of the applications, CPRW would be happy to join.
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