A controversial planning application near Gobowen has been approved for a second time.

Applicants James and Eileen McNally had already received permission to build 13 homes on land adjacent to Willow Bank in Hengoed.

But after it lapsed in February 2018 following delays in providing the affordable homes contribution, they had to resubmit the proposal.

The development includes four two-bedroom properties, which would be affordable homes, as well as seven three-bedroom and two four-bedroom properties.

The original application in 2012 proposed five affordable homes and eight on the open market.

Case officer Mark Perry explained that although Severnside Housing Association had given its support to delivering those homes, it was later Wrekin Housing Trust that planned to develop them.

He continued: “The trust then removed their commitment to providing the affordable dwellings as they were unable to secure the necessary funding. They could not get the funding because inadequate housing need had been identified in Hengoed specifically.

“Although the council’s Affordable Housing team did confirm that there is a need in the wider parish which includes Gobowen and Selattyn, however this did not assist in securing the funding.”

The decision to reduce the affordable housing contribution was confirmed in October 2017, but the applicants were unable to begin work on the development before the February deadline.

The parish council was neutral to the proposal, however it received 10 letters of objection.

Concerns raised included lack of parking, the increased traffic, lack of services in Hengoed, and the impact it would have on the community.

Mr Perry added: “This full application has been submitted by the applicant after they failed to commence the development before the previous planning permission expired.

“Ultimately, this new application is for the same development that had planning permission up until it expired at the beginning of February.”