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Posted: Wed 15th Jan 2025
Wrexham Council will not challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal to dismiss proposals in the Local Development Plan to open up swathes of countryside either side of the city.The decision not to continue the battle in the Supreme Court comes after officers and councillors – who were on opposite sides of the case – sat down and agreed to move forward in light of the ruling.The case dates back to April and June 2023, when a cross-party majority of Wrexham councillors rejected controversial LDP plans proposing two new ‘super-estates’ on Cefn Road and Ruthin Road totalling 3,100 new houses.Developers attempt to force the plans through via judicial review and then the High Court and were successful – until Plaid Cymru councillor Marc Jones, backed by 28 fellow councillors, challenged Mr Justice Eyre’s ruling in the court of appeal.In December last year three Court of Appeal judges including the Senior President of Tribunals in London quashed that ruling despite Cllr Jones facing the legal might of KCs representing the Welsh Government, Wrexham Council and six major housing developers.The decision ends the idea of the super-estates, but leaves the council in need of a new LDP structure to map out it’s development plans.LDPs are a legal necessity for councils to allow them to determine planning applications. They provide an opportunity for councils to consult communities on the suitability of land for development at an early stage and to ensure councils meet strategic local and national development requirements.In a joint statement, councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council and Alwyn Jones, Interim Chief Executive, said:“Wrexham Council acknowledges and accepts the judgement made by the Court of Appeal on December 20 with regards to Wrexham’s LDP.“We do not intend applying for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. At this stage the Planning Committee due on February 3 will take place, subject to any legal changes in the meantime.”
By Alec Doyle – BBC Local Democracy Reporter
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