your comments
Wil, Wrexham.
For Roger Vinney, Barrington, Somerset. The "save Erddig" group was only a small group to begin with, and they battled on against the odds ending up winning the "floor" vote at the last AGM but losing it with the Chairman casting votes against them entrusted to him by people unable to attend who expected fairness and democracy. The National Trust has become a major property developer by stealth. If all N/T members were really aware of the movement to develop everything in sight there would be a revolution. There are anti concete over groups all over the UK, including Dorset, Bedfordshire, Altrincham and, of course, Erddig, plus Scotland and Northern Ireland. Tara and Carrie of this site worked exceptionally hard in support of the Erddig cause. You must be persistent and never accept defeat, if you dig around locally to you I'm sure you'll find people of a like mind to yourself. NO SURRENDER!
Thu Dec 18 09:01:21 2008
Roger Vinney
You are very lucky to have such support. Here in Barrington, Somerset, just a small group of people are fighting against a road development. Already 13 trees have been felled. All this development is taking place in a conservation area, not only trees but hedgerows will be destroyed. The development is against the recommendation of the inspector's report. No traffic surveys were undertaken and the National Trust under estimated the number of vehicles visiting the court. The National Trust made statements both verbally and in writing that traffic would continue to use their existing entrance they went back on that undertaking when granted planning permission. We would be grateful for any help or information to aid in our fight against these money gabbing vandals.
Thu Dec 11 09:07:42 2008
dilb
Well done Dave - a voice of reason. I agree with everything you have said. Let's hear from some more people in favour of the development. Development in Rhostyllen? BRING IT ON..!
Mon Dec 8 08:30:14 2008
Dave
As I see this:
1. This land has been designated as housing development land for nearly 10 years in the local plan. With a need for new housing this seems a sensible place to build.
2. In reality it is two fields between the main road and a railway line. This demarcates the land from Erddig Park (and reduces the possibility of further development). It is hardly concreting over National Trust parkland.
3. I do not see how the development will 'Swamp' the existing village. If anything it will improve facilities. A new village hall, shop, cafe, green, park, 2 playgrounds, new access routes and pathways to Erddig Park. If anything this seems to be a development that will improve village life not ruin it.
4. It seems the development has been blown out of all proportion by scare-mongering and playing on people's fears about new developments. This is sad, as if this development does not go ahead, I believe, in a few years' time a new one probably will with less respect for the current village. Residents should see this more as an opportunity than a blight on their lives.
Fri Dec 5 08:31:43 2008
Nick, Webteam
The plans have been changed and are going before Wrexham Council today. Take a look at the news story.
Mon Dec 1 10:05:56 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Headline:-"2000 homes plan unviable, recommended maximum 100". This is the medium-sized TOWN, Rhyl. How on earth is the small VILLAGE, Rhostyllen, expected to absorb 223 homes? Come on, WCBC, forget City status, come on Nat./Trust, see sense and abandon this unwanted, unethical and yes unaffordable project. Wish Chris Ruane was our M.P/A.M. whatever. John Marek's former secretary isn't doing much for us.
Mon Nov 17 08:35:48 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
Sue, Wrexham. Don't judge everyone the same, yes there maybe some lazy people who walk their dogs there but most of the people I see there are pensioners with their dogs and for them it may only be as far as they can walk to that nearest countryside that is there. That may be the only bit of pleasure some of them have when they walk in that field and better to be there than stuck in a house all day looking at four walls like some of the elderly that have no choice. These houses will not be affordable, no one will dispute that these houses will be far better quality than the so called affordable ones in the village at present - and some of them are still empty, so there is no way these houses the Trust build will be any cheaper than they are. They may have advertised how much the rents will be but remember they only have to advertise one at the lowest price stated, that doesn't mean to say all the rest will be the same price. The Trust might say they are for local people but take away "local" because they know the locals won't be able to afford them and they are certainly not going to build them and leave them stand empty.
Wed Nov 5 14:54:21 2008
Wil. Wrexham.
Well Sue, get real. This development is a new village of such size as to swamp the original. And have you studied approved local plans? P/P granted to include affordables then amended to exclude them on the pretext of lowering the tone and making the other proprties unmarketable. It's not certain, by a long chalk, that this development will go ahead. There's a possibility that the casting of the block vote by the chairman to overturn the floor vote will be proven illegal. Could I also draw your attention to the referendum, legally held earlier which was open to all residents resulting in an overwhelming vote against the plan plus a vote of no confidence in the local authority. Yes, that's the authority that's been consulted by N/Trust. Smells a little.
Tue Nov 4 08:13:29 2008
Sue, Wrexham
Just wanted to say that personally, I am pleased that the plans for new homes in Rhostyllen have got the green light from the National Trust - despite the negative protestors doing their best to get it scrapped. We are talking about a couple of fields here - that's all. There are more important things than somewhere handy for lazy people to walk their dogs (and not have to clean up the mess). A housing association is involved in this project - so there will be affordable homes. The National Trust will ensure that the new part of the village offers a pleasant environment for residents. I believe that Rhostyllen will be greatly enhanced by this development and I can't see why people are against it.
Mon Nov 3 12:29:12 2008
Chris, Wrexham
On Saturday 1st November this will be discussed and voted on at the National Trust AGM in Liverpool. Please offer your support to overturn this. If the NT have their way, this land will never be green space again.
Mon Oct 27 09:06:46 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
It's all gone quiet on this site. Just what N/Trust and WCBC want. Watch out for WCBC planners permitting this application on the grounds of no objections!
Thu Jul 3 09:13:04 2008
James, Garden Village, Wrexham
Yes, congratulations to Carrie and her fellow Plaid Cymru candidates for their council success. It is only your party that stands up for local people in Wrexham. In my ward I had no choice on the ballot paper - the sitting Lib Dem or a paper Labour candidate. What a choice - the latter party who started to ruin the town with ill-thought development when they controlled the council and the former leading the coalition that continues to allow overdevelopment for the aim of city status (WCBC - NO ONE WANTS IT!) and thinks it acceptable for learner drivers to travel to Whitchurch or Oswestry to take their test because they haven't got it in them to work with the DSA to find a new site in Wrexham but hey we're just locals who just happen to pay council tax. Anyway Carrie, good luck and having seen your picture in last week's Mail, you must be the youngest member of the council. Makes a change from the 60 something pluses that tend to dominate the chamber.
Tue May 13 08:57:54 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Congratulations Carrie, Wrexham, on gaining a seat on WCBC! Congratulations Tara, Rhostyllen, for being elected to your local Community Council! I hope you both find your views listened to more intently when working from within. All the very best to you both, I'm sure you'll be a credit to your constituents. Wil.
Mon May 12 08:35:00 2008
PC Wrexham
Wrexham council and your democratic rights:-
By ordering its staff to remove posters promoting the referendum, Wrexham County Borough Council showed its true colours. It has little regard to you as a voter or the law. In my view it is a foregone conclusion that the planning application will be passed by Wrexham Council planning commitee. I think also that Wrexham County Borough Council should be investigated for its part in an attempt to lower the votes counted by the removal of these posters, in that it deliberately tried to intefere in the democratic vote held in Rhostyllen. The fact that the no voters won is neither here or there. Would they have done it in a general election? I don't think so. Would they do it in the local council elections? Not a chance. So why do it in Rhostyllen? The answer is simply clear, it's because they were afraid that the win would be significant, and that a 100% win would have resulted in a dismissal of the planning application.
Mon Apr 28 08:38:43 2008
Anon
Common sense prevails! More houses for the increasing population. Just like I said at the start of all of this. I guess you will have to find another bandwagon Cymuned.
Fri Mar 14 08:05:47 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
Decision - Deferred. Well, the planning department in Wrecsam have put their foot in it this time! It was pointed out to them that the development contravenes several guidelines from planning policy Wales and also the sustainable development scheme. They ignored all these points but there is worse to come. It was pointed out to them that Wrecsam council has a guideline in place that clearly states 'no new development should have an adverse affect on Welsh identity and or language'. As the development (not based on local need) will increase the population of Rhostyllen by nearly 40% it was inevitable that it would have an adverse affect. The response from the deputy chief planning officer, Mr Bob Dewey, was that the guideline was not applicable in this case because Rhostyllen DOES NOT have a Welsh identity! The residents present responded angrily to these comments but were met by silence from the rest of the planning committee. We are currently in the process of asking the council if they share Mr Dewey's views.
Mon Mar 10 10:55:26 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For MIKE WHITBY, COEDPOETH. Watch this site for information on plans to further develop Wrexham and district as a dormitory for the Merseyside area. Loads of meetings taking place, little local info. Had a long, informative entry to this site refused on rather spurious grounds recently, but I dare the web team to refuse publication of any more FACTUAL submissions which I intend to submit very soon!
Nick, Web Team: You can check our guidelines and house rules here.
Fri Mar 7 09:04:12 2008
PC, Wrexham
As I don't live in Rhostyllen, I won't comment directly on whether there should or should not be housing development on the Erddig land. But the people living in that area have made their views clear and that should be respected by all concerned, especially by WCBC when it considers the issue of planning consent. However, what does concern me is the steady erosion of the green spaces that neatly divide central Wrexham from the various outlying villages. Slowly but surely our council is permitting new development which, in time, will just merge in to one big urban sprawl. Mike Whitby, and others, are quite right in saying that these developments having nothing to do with providing affordable housing for new buyers. It is all about commercial greed - nice fat profits for the developers. Oh, and don't delude yourselves in to believing that either local or national governments believe in democracy - look at Gordon Brown's U-turn on a vote for the EU Lisbon Agreement (EU Constitution by any other name). I hope that the people of Rhostyllen get their wish for the village to remain substantially as it is, if that's what they want. But I'm not holding my breath!
Fri Mar 7 08:37:57 2008
Mike Whitby from Coedpoeth
Congratulations must go to the residents of Rhostyllen for their demonstration of democracy. If councillors go against their wishes, it will prove that we no longer live in a democratic society. Surely, the function of a councillor is to speak on behalf of his or her electorate, and not on behalf of third party self-interests, and hidden political agendas. There are people in positions of power, in 21st century Britain, who wish to concrete over our beautiful country, but not for the benefit of local people. The agenda that they follow is a Marxist ideal to flood Britain with people from all over the world - currently around 500,000 a year are coming to these shores, and apparently, it is more important for our local and national government officials to cater for the needs of these new arrivals, than for local people. The plans for an enormous amount of new houses in and around Wrexham are not intended to be affordable housing for young local families just starting out. If they were, the amount of houses required would be a heck of a lot less than proposed. Also, accommodation could be found for youngsters by forcing errant landlords to refurbish derelict properties, of which there are many in this area. These are extremely wasteful and also a blot on the landscape. Large housing schemes are planned for several areas of Wrexham, and I would hope that people in other areas, such as Coedpoeth, will stand together, as the people of Rhostyllen have done. If we wish to keep our democratic rights we must use them, or else we will lose them. Please take an interest in what the EU and the politicians are doing, because the so-called Treaty of Lisbon (aka the EU Constitution) will remove all of our remaining democratic rights, and Britain will become similar to a third world wasteland. This is infinitely more important than watching Eastenders or Coronation Street! Wake up and take notice.
Wed Mar 5 09:50:26 2008
Nick, Web Team
Plans could get the go-ahead today: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/7273829.stm
Mon Mar 3 12:23:10 2008
Allan from Rhostyllen
Forgetting everything that has happened re the new development. How can anyone in their right mind say that there will be affordable housing on the new development? I live in Trinity Street where new houses/flats have been built. These were supposedly "affordable". 6 months later, none are occupied and, as far as I know, very few have been sold. How is "affordable" defined by our local council? I know of at least 3 young local couples who, although in employment, were unable to afford these specifically built properties. I can't for the life of me see how the new development could make this promise of affordable houses.
Tue Jan 29 09:27:49 2008
Jim Hughes
Hi all, Congratulations to those who worked hard to organise the referendum. This was an outstanding and superb result and knocking the turnout doesn't hold water. The urban myth that has been perpetuated by the local press, local councillor and community councillors is that the development in Erddig is inevitable and there is nothing people could do about it. I think the perpetuation of this myth probably led to the lowish turnout. Lies if repeated enough creates indifference. But the result has put a completely different perspective on this now and there is no way the trust and local planning officers can ignore it.Great result!
Mon Jan 28 09:03:15 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
For Anon, Anonymous, or DF, whichever you're calling yourself today. If we had won the referendum by 100% majority I'm sure you would still find a way to complain. Residents have said they don't want the development, you don't have to agree with that but give a bit of credit to those residents in Esclusham who worked so hard to give their community a voice. Or would you have preferred it if no one had a say? If you're ever in need of work, try Esclusham community council, you'd fit in perfectly + there may be some vacancies coming up soon:)
Mon Jan 28 07:58:50 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Just one "for instance"! What percentage of U.K. residents voted for Gordon Brown to be Prime Minister? The entire population of Esclusham were canvassed by Community Council with leaflets through the door, so all had the same opportunity. Thanks to ALL who felt it important that they use their vote. Could cite many more examples, and the turn-out was 24% not 27%, see Tara's note.
Thu Jan 24 08:42:36 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
Dave Wxm. Yes Dave the people that voted did care that's why they made sure they came out to vote and that's what this is all about. OK only 24% voted but it's the ones that voted are the ones that count. At least out of a possible two and half thousand that could have voted, the ones that didn't vote chose not to and they were given their chance and that is what mattered - they were given their chance to speak when we were previously denied our right to be acknowledged yet alone to be heard.
Thu Jan 24 08:36:34 2008
Anon
WOW. Given that only people with strong opinions generally vote on these things, you only just scraped a win. Not that it matters anyway. It's still a bandwagon for Cymuned to jump on & just reinforces my opinion that some people are just born with a bag of chips on their shoulders...
Thu Jan 24 08:35:36 2008
Joe
A majority of less than 200 is pretty poor considering it is much more likely that the "no" voters would go out and vote as opposed to those who were in favour/not bothered. This development will still happen whether we like it or not.
Wed Jan 23 16:38:49 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
For Dave. The turn out was not far off what it was for the last council election. Considering the polls were only open from 4-9 I think that is a good turn out. A lot of people cared enough to go out and vote. Considering residents have not even been able to have a public meeting about the plans the turn out was very good and the result was clear. Let's hope the National Trust and Planning department do not go against the wishes of local people. In spite of the obstacles put up by the council at every step, people have shown their opposition.
Wed Jan 23 16:30:35 2008
Dave, Wrexham
27% doesn't exactly indicate the people of Rhostyllen really care! I still hope it goes ahead...
Wed Jan 23 11:20:08 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Result of "No to 223 houses on Erddig" referendum:-
Question 1. Are you in favour of the development?
Yes: - 209
No:- 385
Question 2. Do you have confidence in Esclusham Community Council?
Yes:- 221
No:- 307
In spite of the efforts of Esclusham C.C., WCBC, whose employees were yesterday removing "No to Erddig" posters, and the National Trust, Rhostyllen residents won the day. The "No" campaigners were prepared to accept the democratic decision indicated by the referendum, whatever it may have been, let's hope the organisations above are big enough to accept this result and abandon this ill-conceived proposal. The people of Rhostyllen have passed a vote of no confidence in the present Community Council, they now await the relevant resignations. Democracy rules! Or does it? Wil.
Wed Jan 23 10:10:29 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
WE WON! Majority vote against the development and majority vote no confidence in Esclusham Community Council. :)
Wed Jan 23 07:53:10 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
Referendum results:
612 voted = 24%
for development =209
against development = 385
confidence in council = 221
no confidence in council = 307
Normal election voters would be between 30 - 40%
Wed Jan 23 07:52:56 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
Well talk about stooping low, all the signs that have been put up this morning have been removed by council workers and were caught in the act by members of the public. After speaking to the council workers they returned the property and even said how uncomfortable they felt about removing them but they agreed in what we were doing.
Tue Jan 22 15:15:30 2008
Owain, Queens Park
'DF' - Blatant lies? What are you on about? Locals don't want a commuter estate, that doesn't make it about nationality at all. What exactly are you hinting at by the way? Wrexham is Welsh, I don't want to see it turn into an extension of Chester. Most people in Wrexham have had enough of developments that are not for local people. Just read the paper, people are up in arms about the new LDP which is proposing much the same thing across the county. There are campaign groups springing up everywhere because we've ALL had enough. As far as I am aware, it is residents of Rhostyllen that organised this referendum and why the hell not? Good on them, it is about time someone did something. What is your problem? You seem to be grasping at straws a bit by picking on duplicate signatures on a petition, why is the campaign bothering you to this extent? Do you work for Redrow or something?
As for 'John Wrexham'. How can you call a referendum undemocratic!? Your argument suggests that ALL elections that take place are undemocratic and unfair. Give the campaigners a break, they can't change the UK law, they have to work with what's there. It seems to be a fair way to decide to me.
Tue Jan 22 08:25:24 2008
Nick, Web Team
Just checking you know that residents can vote today. See BBC Local News
Tue Jan 22 08:04:28 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
John Wxm, actually people are complaining but you just don't know it, people that live by there are complaining because when they bought their houses it states on their deeds that that piece of land was for light industrial use only and that was because of the mine workings underneath it, the ground was declared too soft. Now there are houses there and people are faced with the mess in their gardens from the clay and water running through their gardens and a big fence right outside their window that was once open fields but you probably dont know about that in all fairness because you don't live in the village, just like I wouldn't know what going on in your part of where you live.
DF. I'd like to know what you have been told and from which group of residents and I ask this because up till a couple of days ago a group of residents that were supporting the community council are no longer supporting them and are now also in favour of a no vote. We want to keep this as a village community not turn it into a town.
Mon Jan 21 15:33:46 2008
Anonymous
I dont work for any of them thanks, roll on Tuesday. I for one think your campaign is an utter farce! It bears no grounding in fact and is merely the concoction of fantasists, resistant to change & of a small minded disposition.
Mon Jan 21 15:30:29 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
DF. The campaign is based on nationality only to the extent that Westminster gov't has ordered WCBC to prioritise affordable, i.e. Council, housing in favour of very recent immigrants from whichever direction, ask your local rep. Any known duplicated petition signatures are erased.
John, Wrexham. People are moving to Wrexham for comparatively cheap housing. I repeat, try negotiating the Post House roundabout any working day morning 07.15 to 10.15, and they're certainly not heading for Wrexham! I know, I had to find different ways of accessing the A55, i.e. via Penyffordd. Opposition (yes, there was) to the Little Chef site was rejected, but proposed development over the road was refused after objections from various sources. So much for Redrow and Gower. Finally, ALL residents are legally obliged to register, be they home-owners, tenants, lodgers or whatever. Please read all my entries, don't just "cherry-pick", you'll find I'm as democratic as the next. People of Rhostyllen, whatever your view GO AND VOTE, it's YOUR village.
Mon Jan 21 15:26:48 2008
Phil, Wrexham
John, Wrexham – spot on mate! Cymuned will jump on any old bandwagon.
Mon Jan 21 15:23:46 2008
DF
Finally people are starting to realise the campaign to prevent the new development is based on nationality rather than anything else. Just do a little digging and you will find blatant lies by some of the main people leading this campaign.
Rhostyllen says no? Rhostyllen says no to the lies of the protestors. Even your "petition" is open to abuse ie there are many occasions where the same person has posted more than once
Mon Jan 21 09:38:56 2008
John, Wrexham
Wil from Wrexham seems to think only Eastern Europeans move to Wrexham. I know plenty of people who have moved to Wrexham to get work in Wrexham who are not from Eastern Europe. As for Rhostyllen knowing its housing needs - Rhostyllen is not an island as far as I am aware. It cannot exist in isolation and therefore its residents cannot have the sole say over this development. I notice no one is complaining about the development closer to the Little Chef - are those houses just for locals?? It would be interesting to know why Cymuned got involved in this housing development. Are the National Trust an easier target than Redrow, Gower Homes etc? The latter build far more homes not for locals in a year than the National Trust ever will. This referendum is far from being a democratic solution as it is allows 'those who have' ie house owners to have a veto over 'those who have not' ie tenants because owner occupiers are far more likely to be on the electoral register than those in the rented sector.
Mon Jan 21 08:43:15 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
Ni hao ma? We have already heard opposing points of view. They have always been from the National Trust and community council in Esclusham. Which do you work for?
Mon Jan 21 08:41:26 2008
Wil, Wrexham
WOW! Hasn't the proposed Rhostyllen referendum stirred things up! JOSH, Bonjour, Guten Morgen, Beunos Dias, Yasu, Ti kanis? Kala? O! sori, ac Bore Da hefyd! Had I the appropriate keyboards I could greet you in the languages of countries east of the above. Narrow-minded? Not with the experience gained in travelling half the globe, aren't I lucky? Only a COUPLE more cars from 223 dwellings? Try telling that to Wrexham Planning, they calculate one car per each bedroom of proposed dwelling. There will be no new road, not at at least 8 £millions per mile and one and a half miles needed to by-pass the village. COEDPOETH. Actually it is happening there too and the locals are equally annoyed at the prospect of disproportionate expansion. Watch this space for Coedpoeth's objections ANONYMOUS.
Mon Jan 21 08:15:56 2008
TARA RHOSTYLLEN
The community council are putting leaflets and letters through peoples doors stating that Cymuned only want houses for Welsh people. This is a load of rubbish, they are a communities group here to help a community where our council isn't prepared to help. They also state about outside activists, now for one thing if they have a problem with Cymuned that's up to them, but as they have already been told there is only one member of Cymuned who attends the RRC meetings.
Mon Jan 21 08:06:19 2008
Anonymous
Get ready for an opposing point of view. You don't represent the village of Rhostyllen; I doubt most of you live in it. Here are some of my views. Having being bombarded with this campaign to stop the building of new hoses in this village, I feel there are a few points that I must bring to your attention. I doubt any of you are not a first time buyer! Nor I assume are the vast majority of those coerced in to signing this petition. If you had to start again from scratch I’m sure you would appreciate the struggle to get on to the property ladder. I am lucky in that I earn a wage that combined with my partner's allowed me to buy a house in the village, not that I am a new comer. My family has lived here for 4 generations. Many of my friends and peers are not so lucky. They have been quoted as having to borrow up to 7 times their salary, just to purchase a house. How is anyone expected to repay this kind of debt? I take the point that these houses maybe even more expensive than the current housing in the village however more housing will have a knock on effect & will reduce the price of houses as a whole. FACT! Its called supply and demand? Other flaccid points you raise include 'No Local Need' – Incorrect, please inform me of what you base this claim on? 'No Genuine Consultation' – Absolute lies! I have had leaflets concerning this development, as far as I can see all proper channels where followed. 'Loss of Green Space' – this is not a green belt site! It is hardly an area of outstanding natural beauty. Where would you like the houses to be built? 'Traffic' - I’m sorry, but is there not a high volume of traffic along the road at present? Are they not planning to introduce traffic lights? Is there not a road around the outside of the planed development? In my opinion the impact will be minimal. If anything the improved infrastructure would make the road a safer place! 'Services and Amenities' - This development will bring a much needed boost to the local shops, restaurants and business. As well as bringing other amenities up to scratch. 'DIVIDED COMMUNITY, SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS' – WOW! This is an incredible statement! Are you upset that people may want to live there and commute? When was the last time you left Wrexham? This is normal life. No one lives, works and shops in one village.
Fri Jan 18 07:49:45 2008
Josh
Bonjour (sorry if the foriegn language offends you, would you rather I said it in Welsh? Just out of interest, how many of you are actually Welsh speakers?) Can I just say that this campaign of yours seems to me like its complete c**p! You all seem a bit narrow minded and scared of change. How exactly is all of this really going to affect you other than having a couple more cars on the road (which if they're building a new road, isn't that much of a problem!) and some different faces around the village, or is it the fact that they're 'outsiders'? After all, we can't be having people from Manchester and Liverpool here, heaven forbid! I know a lot people who live up there, in fact a friend of mine not long moved there from Wrexham. Can I just ask, are you going to try and ostracize him because he's not a local person? It just all seems a bit petty really, would you be kicking off as much fuss if it was happening up in Coedpoeth? Personally, I think you wouldn't give 2 hoots! Someone on here hit the nail on the head, "its fine, just as long as it's not on my back door". I've had my say now, and got it off my chest. Though reading all the comments here made me angry, cheers.
Fri Jan 18 07:46:00 2008
TARA RHOSTYLLEN
Leaflets are now being distributed around the village, These leaflets are for notifying you ONLY about the poll thats going to take. If you have a leaflet posted through your door don't think because you have one leaflet only one person can vote - it is for ALL who are on the electoral register in the household. DONT WASTE YOUR VOTE - USE IT. If you see us delivering leaflets you are more than welcome to speak to us. We have also noted that after distributing posters around to publicise the poll they have been taken down without a trace, even though the county borough council are allowing this referendum to take place - it is up to us to publicise it well enough so that people get to know about it but how can we do that if they are being taken down as fast as we put them up? If anyone sees who is taking them down please contact us. I suppose it's just another stunt to try and make this referendum as least popular as possible to keep the number of votes down. We will remember.
Fri Jan 18 07:42:51 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Come on folks, Tara has done the spade work to get this referendum for you. Read the entries on this site to find out the truth, especially Tara's dated May 9th 2007. Make your mind up and go along and vote, it's your village, protect it!
Mon Jan 14 08:53:01 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
The Referendum has now been confirmed to take place on 22nd January in the Parish Hall Rhostyllen. Polling times between 4pm and 9pm.The people have won their right to have their say. We've done the ground work it's all up to you now folks, USE your vote.
Fri Jan 11 10:05:36 2008
Carrie, Wrecsam
Finally the people of Rhostyllen will get their say. Residents have held a community meeting in Rhostyllen and have used a little known law from the local Government Act to secure a referendum for the community of Esclusham. With a majority vote, residents have voted for the following 2 questions to be put to the whole community:
1. Are you for the proposed development by the National trust of 223 houses on Erddig ground or any other development within the community not based on local need? YES or No
2. We propose a vote of no confidence in Esclusham community council. Do you have confidence in this c! ouncil. YES or NO
It has been confirmed today by the electoral department that this referendum will go ahead within the next 2 or 3 weeks. We will be announcing the date soon. According to Assembly guidelines, the planning department should consider the result of this referendum when making their decision. Time to let the people have their say, whether the community council or the National Trust like it or not.Iwan Huws from the National Trust said on the Dragons Eye programme that this development will be decided by the democratic process. Well it doesn't get much more democratic than this, will they be true to their word?
Fri Jan 4 09:33:37 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
The Erddig development is due to go to planning in February, hopefully by then Wrexham planning will turn it down but in the meantime there are things going on to try and draw the attention of the planners to how many people in this village are against it. Hopefully the people of Rhostyllen will get the chance to have their say, fairly, and it will be noted when the planning committee sit and decide what to do. Keep scanning the papers Wil and a happy new year to you.
Thu Jan 3 09:24:36 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Article in Sunday Times 16/12/2007. Taylor Wimpey halts land deals. "Taylor Wimpey has halted acquisition of development land amid growing fears about the health of the housing market...decided to freeze purchases in mid-October and has been out of the market since mid-November...rivals Barrat and Persimmon are also said to have slowed down acquisitions of land...slowing economic growth and lack of affordable housing are likely to mean that the market stagnates next year."! Will the National Trust take this opportunity to bow out gracefully and with dignity from the proposed development at Erddig? Will contact N/T H/Q and Llandudno branch with copies of entire article and see what kind of response may be forthcoming. Belated compliments of the season to Tara, Carrie and all supporters of "Not on Erddig" campaign, cheers, Wil.
Wed Jan 2 10:02:13 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
When the National Trust (N/T) acquired the Erddig estate Squire Yorke conceded the Coed-y-Glyn development land because he was being badgered for cash, which he didn't have, in addition to giving the entire estate to the N/T for FREE. If he had cash why did he have to see out his days in a terraced house in Ruabon? In addition to the cash for the Coed-y-Glyn land, N/T had a huge amount from NCB to compensate for alleged subsidence, it was enough to renew EVERY window in the Hall, which they did.
T. Roberts, Wrexham. Yes, it is all money-making, the N/T is selling land off all over UK, land they had for free. I don't know what the entrance charge to Erddig is but there were 103,869 visitors to the Hall in the 2006/7 financial year. (N/T financial report) Most of the persons running the Hall are volunteers (same ref.) The "affordable housing" was added as a temporary sop to the planners, just wait, if they get the go-ahead they will soon be seeking an amendment pleading that the development is not viable with the "affordable" part of the development, or that it "lowers the tone".
Reminder:-N/T has £895 millions, yes £895 MILLION invested, returning tax-free dividends because of their charitable status. N/T is seeking planning for a large development just outside Wimborne, Dorset, it has built an estate on freely donated land at Stamford Brook, Altrincham. It is carrying out the same destruction of greenfield sites in Scotland, Ireland and other parts of UK about which we will not hear until Erddig is sorted one way or another, then look out ALL N/T sites. Study carried out by Sunday Times last week indicates Wrexham as location of FALLING house prices. Could this be due to excessive residential development of our area? Will this affect Erddig? For the sake of hard-working Tara and her group I hope so. Happy Christmas folks! Wil.
Mon Dec 17 08:29:57 2007
T Roberts, Wrexham
Many years ago when the hall was given to the trust by Phillip York, the trust sold ground off then for housing, ( Coed y Glyn ). They also felled lots of mature Beech and Oak trees on the estate. So how long do we carry on letting them sell land off every time they want to? Affordable Housing! I don't think so, it's a joke. They tell us it's to help with the upkeep of the estate, so what's happened to the gate money they have from x thousand visitors that visit Erddig? It's all about money making and nothing to do with affordable housing.
Fri Dec 14 08:19:48 2007
Andy R Wrexham
The National Trust works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We do this in a range of ways, through practical caring and conservation, through learning and discovery, and through encouraging millions of people to visit and enjoy their national heritage. - nationaltrust.org.uk
What a load of rubbish!
Fri Dec 7 10:14:37 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
Well said Tara, the community council in Rhostyllen/Esclusham have behaved shockingly. They should be investigated over this entire fiasco.You're exactly right, it is about time the residents of Rhostyllen had their say isn't it. We'll have to see what we can do about that won't we! It should be an interesting few weeks :)
Fri Dec 7 10:12:13 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
BYPASS - that's a joke. This is not for the benefit of Rhostyllen in general, this is for the residents on Wrexham Road only - sorry, I need to clarify. What I should say is for the Rhostyllen Village Campaign group who are saying they are representing Rhostyllen village but unfortunately folks they are campaigning for this bypass to be put in solely for their benefit only so they can have a quieter road so they can get their cars out of the drive, sorry reverse out which they shouldn't be doing anyway onto a main road. They are not bothered about anyone else's concerns that have been raised and are not taking them on board either when they are having their closed door meetings with the community council. The community council will only allow people into the Parish Hall meetings if they are in this particular campaign group and if you are going along with them in favour of something, however, if you're a resident of Rhostyllen and you want to attend and you don't want this development then sorry that's tough because they'll kick you out of their meetings because you are not or haven't been invited (which you are not likely to be anyway) because they are not interested if you don't want this development. Ask the people of Rhostyllen what they want not just the favourites ALL of them, every one. LET ALL THE PEOPLE OF RHOSTYLLEN HAVE THEIR SAY. Community council you are there to serve this community.
Thu Dec 6 08:44:28 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
Just as a further comment after reflecting on an assertion, (we're getting a by-pass) by a very small group in favour of the proposed development. Do you think WCBC and/or the National Trust are going to stump up £millions to build a minimum one mile motorway standard (which it would have to be) by-pass, just so that you can break the law by reversing out of your drive(s) on to a major road. Are you going to live on Mercury now or later?
Wed Dec 5 07:58:14 2007
Rhostyllen resident
This housing has no benefit to the Rhostyllen residents, 'affordable housing' yeah right, for who exactly? I highly doubt for us average Joes on the minimum wage. Don't trust the National Trust - that hits the nail right on the head, this goes away from what the trust stands for, throwing away some of the last patches of greenland given to them for money! How is our village expected to cope with this development - the school? The shops? If the trust intend to build a school and shops on the estate how is this a development of Rhostyllen? It is an extra village! I'm afraid this project is for nothing more than money!
Mon Dec 3 14:32:42 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
For HT (Wrexham). Thank you for that information. It is one of the first responses we have seen from the Trust, they have been refusing to comment to the local press. They seem to basically be saying it is OK to develop on greenfield sites as long as it is the National Trust making the money out of it! Good luck with that argument. It's just ridiculous.
Tue Nov 6 09:31:47 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
The National Trust issued a statement this weekend saying they will block the Government's plans to build on green beltland. The Trust's chairman Sir William Proby has stated that they will buy up land out of their £350m operating budget to protect greenfield from housing development. Hmmm, what do they think they are doing at Erddig then? The statement of 'we have to go ahead with this development because we need the money' is starting to look very silly indeed. As does their 'new' policy of protecting open green spaces by whatever means necessary. We have put word for word exactly the same concerns to the National Trust about the Erddig development as they themselves have issued in this statement. But of course, we don't know what we are talking about do we? We look forward to the next statement from the National Trust announcing that the planned development at Erddig has been scrapped. Please visit the website rhostyllen.com for the latest news.
Mon Nov 5 08:55:19 2007
HT, Wrexham
The matter of the Rhostyllen development was raised at today's National Trust AGM. Also a comment and reply on the website of the AGM. I made the comments following the rather hypocritical comments of the Trust chairman this morning on the BBC Today programme. He claimed that the Trust would be considering the purchase of green field sites in order to protect the countryside from housing development. What a silly comment! Go to AGM for details.
Mon Nov 5 08:28:44 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
For Anonymous - They would build on the whole estate if they could get away with it, money talks. It's not about what is right or wrong these days it all about greed and money and who pays the best price and they certainly have enough money in the bank to cover costs for the Hall as you can see from the previous post so they should be using that money for that purpose.
Fri Oct 5 08:08:14 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
For:-Anonymous, 1st.Oct.2007.No, the N/Trust do not, AT PRESENT, note AT PRESENT, intend building on the whole Erddig estate, however there is more "endowment" land available which will urbanise even more greenfield sites so that Rhostyllen could stretch as far as Marchwiel. You found this site so why not go to www.rhostyllen.com and find out the truth about the intentions of the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, remembering of course the "Natural Beauty" part of this organisation's title. Just one more small piece of information:- This alleged charitable organisation has investments, according to its published balance sheet for 2006/7, of no less than £895,510,000, yes £895 million. Some investment eh? The return on that amount makes one wonder why they are touting for yet more donations. Have fun Anonymous, the N/Trust are, they're taking the **** and it's the villagers of Rhostyllen who are suffering for it. Don't forget www.rhostyllen.com
Cheers, Wil.
Tue Oct 2 09:47:55 2007
Anonymous
Anyone would think that the National Trust are building on the whole of the estate. What happens if this money is important to keep up the house, contents and land around it? For local people, of course
Mon Oct 1 08:50:58 2007
Stephen Parkinson, Rhostyllen
National Trust houses on Erddig - NO NO NO.
Mon Sep 10 09:18:12 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
For Sam T Wxm - No there are more. One is Hafod farm and land that once went with the buildings and there is a piece futher down towards Hafod Banks. I have seen this on plans from the trust of a previous employee of theirs so it's quite possible there is more elsewhere too.
Thu Sep 6 09:57:52 2007
Sam T. Wrexham
Philip Yorke earmarked this land, along with the some just the other side of the Clwyedog that he was happy to be built on, for the maintenance and support of his house and estate. This is the last piece, the rest is unalienable.
Wed Sep 5 15:15:51 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
In response to Phil, Manchester. Councillor Pritchard does know about this and is ALSO on the community council and although he has said to a number of people that he is against this development, they have to work with the best options they have but judging by what is said at the council meetings I've attended it sounds as though they are all for it.
Tue Sep 4 16:32:17 2007
Phil - Manchester
First of all, I am shocked that the community council has stoped the meeting taking place in Rhostyllen Parish Hall. I thought that was what the hall was there for. This smacks of 'vested interest'. Has anyone contacted Cllr Mark Pritchard?Secondly, this is purely a nostalgic thing. Last Saturday, I was walking my dog in Wythenshawe Park. It has a beautiful Tudor mansion at its heart. However, it is close to one of the largest housing estates in Europe. New housing developments are popping up on various bits of park land and the erosion of parkland around the house is now almost complete. I fear the same fate for Erddig. My last point is that Erddig was given to the National Trust to be preserved - house and land. It is not the NT's to sell off piecemeal or any other way. Only they and big builders will profit from this. The community of Rhostyllen and wider Wrexham will be left to pick up the costs of increased infrastructure.
Tue Sep 4 09:29:21 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
For Nic on the Web team. Yes, the Trust have responded to our objections and they say they have had no complaints until now really and that is only off 2 groups meaning Cymuned and Rhostyllen Residents Committee. What planet are these people on? Do you mean to tell me that they don't read the articles on the internet or in our local papers and they would be lying if they said they didn't read them because I know different. So, they do know lots of people are against them but I suppose if they play dumb they can be given the benefit of the doubt and they can get away with more. They know exactly what a lot of people think of them because of this. They have their people scouring the papers etc every day looking to see what's in the press etc to see what they are up against. It's just a pity that the Local BBC News hadn't asked either Cymuned or RRC for their comments about the statement the Trust had made.
Mon Sep 3 10:09:29 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
Yes, interesting response! The original press release was massive, it was pretty obvious that the only reason the NT asked campaigners to attend a meeting was to fill in the gaps of this pre-prepared press release! Genuine as always. The Trust say they need £15 million to maintain Erddig, we asked the Trust what they needed it for. They readily admitted that they could not name one specific bit of work that needs doing and that the Hall was in fact, 'fine' at present. If something does need repair in the future, why do they not campaign for money like other charities have to? And where do they get the figure of £15 million from!? They have managed well for the last 35 years without having a pot of £15 million in reserve. They state that the day to day running costs are met by admission fees etc. Remember as well that most of the people who work for the Trust are volunteers! The Trust gets money from Objective One funding, Cadw, the Countryside Commission and the Welsh Assembly. Where has all that money gone? I think this definitely needs looking into. Do they seriously expect the people of Rhostyllen and Wrecsam to put up with a development that will make their daily lives a nightmare, for some repairs that may or may not come up in the future? They also say that the majority of local people are in favour of this development, not quite sure what they are basing that on, local people have been denied a public meeting for starters! The online petition seems to say that plenty of people don't agree with them. They also admitted that the consultation had not been good enough (they blamed the community council in Rhostyllen for that though). Another interesting admission was that the decision to sell the land at this time was to take advantage of the huge increase in house prices in recent years. To sum up - don't trust the National Trust!
Mon Sep 3 10:05:22 2007
Nick, Web Team
The National Trust has responded to protests over plans to build more than 200 homes on part of the Erddig estate at Wrexham, according to BBC Local News.
Fri Aug 31 08:24:56 2007
Wil, Wrexham
Response to previous entry. The people of Rhostyllen DO know the housing needs of the locality, that's one of the reasons they're opposing the proposed Erddig development. They, and most other thinking people, know how things can change between original plan and actual development. Profit is the only aim, and there's no profit in empty open spaces or "affordable" housing. There seems to be no profit in factory building even. A very recently built factory on the Technology Park has been demolished. Is it to allow extension of the adjacent housing development? Also, planning permission is being sought, if not already granted, to demolish two small industrial estates in Summerhill and replace them with houses. It's a long time since I heard of people, other than Eastern Europeans, moving here to work, especially having regard to the above. By accident or, more likely, by design, Wrexham IS now a dormitory town for Merseyside, Manchester and the Midlands. How else can the mass exodus, mainly in a northerly direction each morning, be explained? Try negotiating the Chester Post House roundabout between 7.30 and 10 any morning of the working week. It's as if the entire population of Wrexham is heading north. That is, of course, with the exception of those lucky(?) enough to have a job in one of the many duplicated retail outlets in the town. Rhostyllen residents meeting 7.30pm Wed. 29th Aug. Old Court House, Ruabon. Banned by local council from holding meeting in Rhostyllen. I wonder if there may be a conflict of interest somewhere?
Wed Aug 29 13:07:10 2007
John Gammond, Wrexham
It is a real pity that this National Trust development is bearing the brunt of people's dissatisfaction with modern housing developments. I don't know the housing needs of Rhostyllen, but the National Trust plans are probably the only new housing that actually includes new community facilities and landscaped open space. I can understand people's demand for housing for locals. However, does that mean all those who move here to work are to be second class citizens?
Wed Aug 29 08:16:28 2007
Shirley Woodrow
If the building of this village goes ahead we in Rhostyllen will just become a part of Wrexham instead of being a village. I don't want to live in a town, if I did I would have gone to live there so we have got to try and stop this before that happens.
Tue Aug 28 14:54:41 2007
Secretary for Rhostyllen Residents' Committee
Public meeting now CANCELLED unfortunately due to community council's decision not to allow us the use of the parish hall - YET AGAIN, sorry folks.
Wed Aug 22 09:46:18 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
We are happy to announce the launch of the 'Not on Erddig' campaign website - Rhostyllen.com. Please visit the site and fill in the online petition and send off your objections. We finally have a public meeting arranged in Rhostyllen itself! Please come along and share your views: Public meeting, Saturday 25th August 3pm, Rhostyllen Parish Hall.
Tue Aug 21 10:16:28 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
This message really is for the National Trust Members reading this. If you believe that the National Trust are wrong in trying to build on part of the Erddig estate, which is part of our heritage, bearing in mind you subscribe to them and your money is used to help maintain property and the land that is there for you to enjoy, if you're not happy about losing something that you are paying towards then please write to the Trust and tell them and remind them when your subscription is due for renewal. Or are you happy to carry on paying every year to see less of the heritage that will be left once they've finished selling off everything they possibly can? The sight seeing will get less over the years as, if they can get away with it, they will sell as much as possible to get as much money as they can but will they have as many members in years to come once they've sold off all the nice countryside that helps attract so many people to Erddig Hall now? Think about it.
Mon Aug 20 11:01:54 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
For Wil in Wrexham. Well Wil did you know about the old Bersham bank? Yes there is planning in the pipeline to remove that and for another large housing development to go there as well and apparently there is another development ear marked for somewhere else in the village too but don't know where yet and I've been told that by a council official so you can see what this place will end up looking like and it certainly won't be a village and it won't be local people living there either.
Mon Aug 20 10:59:07 2007
Wil, Wrexham
For Tara, Rhostyllen. I submitted an entry to this site which made similar points to yours but it was, not for the first time, edited out. There isn't a need for a choice between developers, the choice is between developing and not developing, and, goodness knows, there seems to be more than enough expansion of Rhostyllen. Soon there'll be no break between Rhostyllen and Bersham and Legacy. That would almost complete the urban strip, think about it, from Acton to Trevor. Is this part of the City status plan? Re National Trust (N/T). Watched repeat of a T/V programme last night about N/T in Studland Bay. "Change everything in sight" manager appointed by N/T, upsets the whole village then ups sticks to go to a job in New Zealand in, rather appropriately I thought, waste management. On this and other sites I have commented on the shortage of decently paid jobs in our area so that local people can afford to buy some of the hundreds, yes hundreds, of houses being built. Now I see a very recently built factory on the Technology Park, conveniently adjacent to the extensive Ruthin Road development, has been demolished, plus planning applications have been submitted to redevelop two industrial estates in Summerhill into housing. Back to Rhostyllen, surely the old Glanrafon/Bersham colliery site would be an ideal location for a medium-sized factory with decent jobs? Or would that be asking too much of our City-status seeking council?
Wed Aug 8 10:13:33 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
Paul Williams, there is no need to build any houses here at all, there have been houses that have been built and stood empty for 12 months and there are houses being built now further up in the village. There is no local need for that many houses anyway it's stupid. They might build a better class of houses but how long will they stand empty for cause no one round here will be able to afford them?As regards the school, they are planning to extend it but it's under negotiation but they'll make the playground smaller to put a larger amount of children in it. Does that make sense yet alone the disruption it will cause for the children and the space they will lose while they're building it. Don't they realise the effect it will have on their education? My little girl starts school this Septemberand I don't want her to learn half of what she should be learning because of the disruption to classes etc and I'm most surprised with the headmaster for not sticking up for his children's standard of education. The more children in class the less quality they have. Traffic issues are never ending but that's just a few of the issues. It looks like the Trust's profit comes before people's lives affected by it and health and safety and we will fight them all the way to stop all development, we want no more.
Mon Aug 6 10:49:36 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
Phil and Wil thank you, it's nice to see others have the same opinion as most of our community do, no that land doesn't need to be built on at all it's nice enough as it is - countryside. The Trust shouldn't be allowed to sell off any land that was given to them, it's supposed to be for the people to enjoy, we have had enough development around us already and the Trust are not the ones who have to live with it are they. Most of these people have probably got a nice house in the countryside. How would they feel if their nice view of the countryside was going to be affected by developement by them? Would they just sit back and say that's OK? No way, they'd create the same as we do. So for the do gooders in the National Trust headquarters - when you make plans to develop anyone's area and take their countryside away from them think how you would like it if it were done to you and if you think you wouldn't like it then don't do it to us either!
Mon Aug 6 10:46:00 2007
Paul Williams, Ceredigion
I'd rather see the National Trust build sustainable houses than a housing developer. Wrecsam needs houses and this NIBBY attitude is normal of the middle classes many, I am sure, are not from Wrexham and just bought a nice house in the Welsh countryside. Maybe the Trust needs to sell the land to a property developer who will cram as many houses in as possible without the care the Trsut is obviously taking.
Tue Jul 31 09:32:58 2007
Phil from Manchester
I'm originally from Rhostyllen, so I accept there may be a bit of NIMBY in this post. However, the land between Rhostyllen / Johnstown and Erddig has always been glorious open farm and parkland. The only exception being Bersham Colliery. As a child (not that long ago!) our family and friends and other people from Rhostyllen used to walk the fields to Erddig for picnics by the "cup and saucer" and Erddig Hall.My point is, the land is currently there for people to enjoy. It is beautiful and a natural asset.If the county borough needs new houses there are less atractive area which could be built on. Even the site of Bersham colliery. The redevelopment of the steelworks site in Brymbo is a wonderful example of regeneration of wasteland. After the regrettable demise of the steelworks the resultant derelict site needed improving, the housing has done that and brought new life. In my opinion, the Erddig land does not need building on. It cannot be improved on.Another thought occurs to me - if The National Trust profit from the sale of this land, what contribution will they make to the affected communities who will have to cope with increased demand for schools and other local services.It's a bad move!
Mon Jul 30 16:05:02 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
Quotes from article in "thundering" national Sunday newspaper 22nd July 2007. "The National Trust Act of 1907 introduced into property law the concept of "inalienability", under which the organisation, founded 12 years earlier, was allowed to own property, but NOT TO SELL IT ON". (my capitals, Wil.) "The trust, says Ivo Dawnay, its director of communications, wants to listen more to its members and move "from being an organisation that is sometimes perceived as living behind its own walls to one that is much more ready to articulate and represent LOCAL INTERESTS, OPINIONS AND VIEWPOINTS".(my capitals again, Wil.) Food for thought and counteraction? Perhaps the National Trust, and Wrexham Council planning department, would benefit from a reminder of the above. Cheers, Rhostyllen, Nil Carborundum, (don't let them grind you down) Wil.
Mon Jul 23 14:37:03 2007
Tara, Rhostyllen
Well I'm glad to see that the people of Rhostyllen are starting to see through the Trust. The more you look into things the more you find out WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT to try and stop this development. If you're not happy with this development come to our meetings when you see them advertised, the more people that complain the better the chance. Write to your local councillor and complain and to the planning office and if you want to, complain to the trust 'cause they need to have their blinkers taken off too and their hearing aids put in 'cause they're not listening to a word anyone is saying to them, they are completely ignoring everyone. Come on Mr Hogg come down from your offices and speak to the people who don't want the development and listen to what they have to say. Don't you think that's only fair? 'Cause we're the ones who'll have to live with it, NOT YOU.
Thu Jul 12 10:09:38 2007
Roger Vinney from Somerset
The National Trust is now just a property devloper. I live in Barrington in Somerset. They want to build a business park here in the grounds of Barrington Court. Good luck with your fight.
Thu Jul 12 09:29:58 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
The public meeting about this development has been arraged for Wednesday 4th July at 7.30pm at The Old Court House (Upstairs), Ruabon. It is on the High Street next to Caroline's the bakery. I would urge everyone with concerns about this development and the housing situation in the Wrecsam area to attend.
Mon Jul 2 09:01:38 2007
Tara from Rhostyllen
Well, I think the only houses that will be affordable if the trust build on that land by me are the original village houses because the money their houses will sell for will make ours look too basic. We will be sort of looked down at-you know 'oh, they're off the other side of the village in the common houses' - not that they are because I live in an ordinary council house but that's what it would be like. So these new fancy houses would certainly devalue the others.
National Trust - add this to your publicity. Oh, I forgot, you don t like bad publicity do you but you didn't publicise in your booklet you sent out to people the down sides of your developement like the traffic congestion and amenities behind over stretched and longer waiting lists in doctors. The land was to be preserved for the people to enjoy. I don't think the people who live on the main street will be happy to lose their lovely view of the fields they see when they open their curtains in the morning.
Mon Jun 25 09:35:20 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
In reply to 'can people just give such projects a chance'. Annual housing completions Wrecsam County Borough 1996 - 2006 - 4378 new houses.
Number of units with valid planning permission as of April last year - 4001.
So that is 8379 homes that either have or will be built in the County. Many more on the way I'm sure. How many sites come under the affordable housing policy?
The answer is 4.
Add to this the fact that affordable housing does not necessarily mean local housing and you may start to see where some of our frustrations are coming from. I think we have had it in our backyard for quite long enough! Improve Rhostyllen? By increasing the amount of traffic on an already over congested road? By adding numbers to a school that is already being pushed to the limit? By completely changing the character of the place by increasing it by over one third and filling it with people from outside the area?
You think Wrecsam is seeing its best period socially for decades? I beg to differ. The social tensions in the town are bigger than they ever have been. Yet you say WE are the ones who are shortsighted! Dyna ddigon.
Mon Jun 18 08:49:24 2007
Dave, London & Wrexham
I think most people opposed to the development are being a bit shortsighted. Whilst I understand this will be in 'Your Village' it's hardly going to be detrimental to the area. I'm sure it will improve Rhostyllen. People must begin to realise that things change and new homes NEED to be built. This 'not in my backyard' attitude will get us nowhere. Wrexham itself is currently seeing its best period econmically and socially in decades. Why do people moan about a greater number of people creating a greater drain on services? When in fact these people moving in are tax-payers who will pay for the services for an area. This development, from the plans I have seen, is one of few sensitive and high quailty developments that would improve the village. Public spaces and amenities will be created because of this. Please, can people give such projects a chance?
Tue Jun 12 13:27:34 2007
Carrie, Wrecsam
I am currently organising the campaign against this development. The campaign is only in existence because of local concerns. Yet, Rhostyllen Community Council refuse to let local residents have their say at a public meeting! Even though the National Trust have had a public meeting in the Parish Hall and also put on other displays there. This is the type of undemocratic process we are working against. I have just read the comment by Wil, I completetly agree with you, it is the same story across Wrecsam in regards to housing. Our town is being completely destroyed by speculative development, with local concerns being brushed aside. Anyone with concerns about this development can get involved with the campaign (or be kept up to date) by signing up for the weekly email at homes4locals.com. If you live anywhere in Wrecsam this development affects you. It's about time local concerns where taken on board. We deserve the chance to have our say about what happens in our communities.
Mon Jun 11 09:04:47 2007
Rohelendus, Wrexham
Those who are concerned about this issue and are against this development, should contact all members of the Planning Committee, well in advance. Then continue to lobby with council members who are not on that committee. The decision of whether or not to grant consent lies not only by the recommendation of the Planning Officers in the Planning Department, but more so with the Councillors YOU voted in. Hold them accountable. A list of these councillors is available.
Address for Planning Committee Members: www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/council/committees_new/planning.htm
Address for all Councillors: wrexham.gov.uk/english/council/councillors_new/by_name.htm
Mon Jun 4 15:21:17 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
Emyr Thomas from Hawarden. Probably the same "get out" system that allowed OUR (that's a laugh) council to over-ride the covenant that should have protected Eagles Meadow (remember the monthly Horse Fair and the original, and best, weekly general market?) and St George's Crescent? Any developer has only to submit plans for houses and they are granted regardless of objection. Wrexham has become not only Merseyside's rubbish dump but its commuter suburb too.
Wed May 30 15:28:00 2007
Dan / Wrexham
I think we all have to face it that there are so many people out there and not enough homes. I do believe that the more homes built in Wrexham is a good thing, first of all let's face it, Wrexham is getting bigger with all the construction. It will bring new jobs and people into the area and is also good for the local stores. It is a pity that The National Trust are looking into selling for development.
Tue May 29 10:34:25 2007
Gwyn Jones, Holywell
If this plan goes ahead I will not be renewing my family membership. It goes against all that the Trust stands for.
Fri May 25 15:42:43 2007
Emyr Thomas from Hawarden
What's happened to the claim that the land owned by the National Trust is protected by law for perpituity from development? Or is there a convenient 'get out' clause!
Tue May 22 10:00:19 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
Brymbo Steelworks demolished, houses built, some I know to be occupied by commuting Merseysiders. Johnstown Pallet factory demolished, houses built, apartments being built. Wrexham Technology Park factory, not that long built, demolished, houses being built through to Ruthin Road. Wrexham is fast becoming a dormitory town for Merseyside, Manchester and the Midlands. Now the National Trust wants to build even more houses, I thought their responsibility was to preserve our heritage and in any case I thought the Yorkes had requested that no houses be built on the legacy they left us. Where are the factories being built for locals to earn a decent wage to allow them to buy their share of these houses? Don't mention the "new" shops, there aren't that many of them. It's just the town centre shops moving out and creating ghostly Regent/Hope/Lord streets. Look around you, folks, the heart is being ripped out of OUR town. Don't believe it? Walk through these streets and count the boarded-up premises, you'll be surprised, I was.
Thu May 10 16:31:28 2007
James from Wrexham
Although I don't live in Rhostyllen, I do not believe the proposed urban village will have any benefit to the village of Rhostyllen at all. The properties will be marketed at Oswestry and Shrewsbury commuters who will have no affinity for the community of Rhostyllen and will more than likely spend their disposable income outside of the locality. Take the re-development of the former Brymbo steelworkks site, how does that benefit the village? It simply tidies up an old industrial site but does not breath new life or bring any economic benefit into the village. I have just returned to Wrexham after 2 and a half years away and I am alarmed at the increasing number of soulless commuter estates that have cropped up on the fringes of established communities. This rapid housebuilding is all for a pathetic attempt to gain city status which nobody I know wants.
Wed May 9 16:33:56 2007
Nick, Web Team
Wrexham Council say they are still awaiting detailed plans from the developers
Wed May 9 14:06:58 2007
T N GREEN
We local people don't want these houses built on land which is our heritage we want to keep our village as it is. Our school is not big enough to take on loads more children. I'm a big believer that farms and the land should be kept as it is not for building on or for barn conversions as once they have gone forever. The National Trust may be well spoken of by a lot of people but they have another side to them that people don't get to hear about. Do the people know that the farmer that lost that land was given 30 acres from another to replace what they'd lost at the cost of another farmer's livelihood. They served notice to close a farm which was home to 25-30 horse. All the stables were full. Most of the horses were owned by children who enjoyed riding in the countryside and their time was spent on the farm every single day doing what they loved and the stables were providing a service to people in the surrounding villages, including Rhostyllen, Ruabon, Rhos, Penycae, and Wrexham. These stables kept a man in work and was all he had. Before agreeing with the trusts plans for building on the land in Rhostyllen think about the people that have already lost out that you didn't know about and what else we will lose if these plans get the go ahead.
Wed May 9 14:05:05 2007
