VANDALISED and decaying, Aston Mead’s empty homes were finally demolished last year.
Now a bold vision for the future of one of Flintshire’s most controversial housing estates has been unveiled.
Plans to build affordable homes at the Deeside site have been submitted to Flintshire Council for detailed planning permission.
These artists impressions, by Powell Dobson architects, feature suggestions made at a consultation event earlier in the year.
Previous housing at Aston Mead was cleared in the wake of abandoned plans to build a seven-lane ‘superhighway’ nearby.
The new development, on land next to the A494 in Aston, would include a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes.
Aston councillor George Hardcastle said he is excited that the project is now moving forward.
He said: “I’m very pleased that local people were given the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
“It’s a long time coming. There are some people that won’t be happy with it but you can’t please everybody.”
Helen Brown, executive member for housing and Aston councillor, added: “There are a one or two issues that we have tried our best to resolve.
“We weren’t happy about the proposed entrance to the site but highways bosses have reassured us that their entrance is the best and only possible solution.
“We would like to see these affordable homes go to people from Aston before anybody else.”
Outline planning permission has already been obtained by the Welsh Assembly Government to develop part of the site for residential use.
Following public consultation, Pennaf Housing Group has now applied for detailed planning permission for 21 homes.
Arwyn Evans, development manager with Pennaf, added: “We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the initial proposals as a result of which we have amended the plans and have now submitted them formally for planning approval.
“There has been a great deal of support for the scheme locally and it was really helpful to have the views of people living nearby before. We have addressed many of the issues raised during consultation and where ever possible have tried to incorporate them into the plans.
“There was some concern that the development would be too close to the existing sheltered housing near the site.
“The new plans are for one less home than the initial proposal and no longer use this land.”
A banked boundary walk will separate the new homes from an area of land next to the A494 Trunk Road, retained for any possible future road development.
Pennaf has also sent the plans to more than 100 people who registered at the consultation event earlier in the year.
The plans will be discussed at County Hall next month with construction work expected to begin in January.