RESIDENTS have been left 'disappointed' after plans for a new affordable housing scheme were given the go ahead.

Wates Residential has been granted permission to build of 33 houses and eight flats on land at Nant Y Gro, Gronant as part of Flintshire Council's strategic housing and regeneration (SHARP) programme.

The scheme was criticised by residents of the village, largely due to traffic issues on Gronant Hill and the lack of infrastructure.

Following the decision Alun Jones, who lives on Gronant Hill, told the Leader: "Residents are obviously very disappointed that the views of people who live in the village and have first hand experience of the infrastructure and road issues have been ignored.

"It is also very distressing to know that no regard was given to the many pensioners who will live around the family development both in council and private homes and will be subjected to the noise, traffic and pollution caused by such a large construction project."

Mr Jones also said he feels the planning system could be changed in the interest of transparency.

He explained: "Flintshire Council owns the field that the development is being built on so are the client.

"Flintshire Council provided pre-planning advice for the development to their construction company Wates Residential.

"The planning application was submitted to Flintshire Council and it was Flintshire Council who provided a recommendation and guidance to the Flintshire planning meeting on July 18.

"I am sure this is not an isolated incident across Wales that the council who own the land and are the client are also the authority guiding the decision making process

Perhaps Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, should consider in the interest of transparent, fair and open government that where a council is both client and part of the decision making process it would be more appropriate for the application to be submitted to a neighbouring council for them to investigate the merits and suitability of the project."

Andrew Farrow, Flintshire Council’s chief officer for planning, environment and economy, said: “From a planning aspect, the note indicates that the local residents are disappointed that the views of residents and the community council have been ignored.

"Clearly the objections were noted for the planning committee to consider. Notwithstanding the objections raised, the proposal complied with policy and the planning committee resolved to approve the application.”