Wrexham Councillors Urge Welsh Government to Withdraw Controversial Housing Plan
Councillors in Wrexham have formally called on the Welsh Government to withdraw from a contentious local housing plan, following legal challenges and community opposition.
The motion comes after the authority was initially ordered by a judge to adopt the Local Development Plan (LDP) following a judicial review brought by developers, despite having rejected the plan twice. However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this decision, confirming that councillors are not legally required to implement the plan.
A Welsh Government spokesperson stated that officials are “considering options” regarding the next steps.
LDPs are designed to guide local development decisions while addressing the unique needs and opportunities of each area. In Wrexham, councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion urging the Welsh Government to withdraw the emerging LDP “as a matter of urgency,” with 35 councillors supporting the motion, none opposing, and 12 abstaining.
Councillor Marc Jones highlighted the key points of contention: “We want to work with the government to take this forward. There are significant issues to resolve, particularly concerning the two major strategic sites on either side of the town. If the LDP had been adopted, these sites alone would account for more than 3,100 new houses. Protecting greenfield sites has been central to the opposition, both within the community and the council.”
The Welsh Government acknowledged the request, stating: “We note the request for Welsh ministers to withdraw the emerging Local Development Plan. We are in the process of considering options and cannot comment further at this time.”
The debate over Wrexham’s LDP underscores ongoing tensions in Welsh housing policy, particularly balancing the need for new homes with community concerns and environmental protection. Councillors emphasise that local engagement and careful planning are critical to ensuring sustainable development across the county.
