A JUDICIAL review could be launched after permission was granted for a controversial 49 house development in Four Crosses.

The application, on land at Plas Foxen, has already been before the planning committee, and an appeal on that is currently pending.

This new application was put forward and, following consideration, outline planning permission was granted last week.

Llandrinio County Cllr Graham Brown, who spoke at length at the meeting, told the County Times residents were considering  the possibility of legal action, and advice was being sought.

During the meeting, he expressed concern that the development was outside the council’s policy, and believed it was trying to be pushed through as they were behind on their housing plan.

Cllr Brown argued there were already 200 houses on the nearby Foxen Manor estate, the local school had no spaces, nor did the doctors’ surgery.

He urged councillors to reject on the grounds it was against council policy.

Other objectors also raised points about flooding, and the proposed site being close to the River Severn.

They questioned whether the application was sustainable, with one saying she was “perplexed” by the application.

Another added there would be a serious risk of flooding, other areas have been outlined for development.

Speaking for the application, Josh Bowker, who put the application forward, said it was a fantastic development, and there would be a host of job opportunities for potential residents in the village.

Peter Richards, on behalf of the applicant, said young families had expressed an interest in the properties at a consultation event that had been held in the village.

He added it would be a boost to housing supply in the area.

Cllr Bob Mills questioned why they were having to vote on it again, having voted against it once already, adding: “I don’t know what  this committee is coming to.”

Some councillors raised issues regarding flooding, reiterating the concerns of residents, however Cllr David Jones said there was no reason to refuse it.

Councillor Gill Thomas said the committee was between a rock and a hard place, and councillors were told by planning officers they had to have a valid planning reason to refuse it.

The application was granted outline permission, after a discussion.