Approval for estate homes scheme

An artist's impression of how the houses might look

A controversial scheme to build more than 200 houses on land attached to a country home has been given approval.

The National Trust proposals for Erddig Hall, near Wrexham, had attracted fierce criticism.

Wrexham Council's planning committee agreed to the development going ahead but imposed some conditions including the provision of affordable housing.

The National Trust welcomed the decision saying it will ensure the long-term future of the property.

Ahead of the decision, the trust said the scheme was key to the future care of the property.

Wrexham Council had already granted outline permission for the 223-home scheme over 21 acres.

Alternative transport

Plans also include a community hall, tearoom, shops, parks and a playground.

Fifty of the homes will be sold for social housing to Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd.

The trust has said revenue from the sale will help safeguard the future of the 18th Century Erddig Hall and about 1,000 acres of adjoining land.

Planning officers said they believe "scale of this development would not have an adverse impact" upon the village of Rhostyllen, while the designs of the new homes would reflect the type of existing buildings in the area.

Amended plans before councillors included minimising vehicles on the site, although councillors have been told promoting alternative transport will have to make up for a shortfall in parking.

There will be three separate crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

A series of conditions have been attached to the recommendation.

Conserving our heritage

But the plan has been subject to fierce opposition from local campaigners.

One of them, Marc Jones, has said: "Instead of conserving our heritage they are concreting over it."

At the start of last month, National Trust members voted against a motion at their annual general meeting calling for the project to be abandoned.

In a statement after the meeting, the trust said it was pleased the scheme had been granted planning permission and it was clear the council regarded it as a "high quality development providing affordable housing and local services".

"The funds from the development will be used to ensure the long-term future of Erddig, a popular destination and green space used by many local people."