A Denbighshire councillor called out “false allegations made with impunity” against him during a planning meeting for a futuristic multi-level home in a disused Dyserth quarry.
Independent county councillor David Gwyn Williams (Dyserth ward) made the comments during deliberations over the property at Wednesday’s planning meeting.
He had been asked to refer the matter to the committee over resident objections to soak away of surface water on the stone site, at the former quarry off the village’s High Street.
Cllr Williams said he had no objections personally to the development but soak away was “a concern” for some residents.
However speaking before the vote was taken he thanked members for their support in highlighting the issue, before speaking about personal attacks on councillors.
He said: “I know it’s not a planning matter but I find it disconcerting that people can cast aspersions and make allegations about councillors with impunity.
“My name was brought into this that I should have declared an interest. I won’t go into detail but it was a false allegation.
“I had no apology, I didn’t ask for one and I didn’t expect one, but I find it rather disconcerting that people can cast these aspersions with impunity and I just want to put that on record as a general matter.”
Chair of the planning committee Joe Welch (Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch ward) said Cllr Williams’ had raised a “very valid point”.
The application proposed was a four-storey home built into the side of the former limestone quarry, with roof garden, garage, pool and separate lodge – on behalf of applicants Jamie and Nicola Bonner.
The space age design using timber, aluminium and glass, will also satisfy those interested in ecology, with large area of the quarry site left as natural habitats and green tech at the forefront of design.
The planning statement revealed: “The house will incorporate renewable energy technologies in the form of a ground source heat pump and photovoltaic panels.
“It will also incorporate rainwater harvesting and is intended to meet Passivhaus standards.
“Wastewater will be dealt with using a Klargester treatment plant.”
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty said the curtilages of the dwelling should be clearly marked.
Welsh Water said a foul water drainage scheme for the site should be submitted to planners before the development commences and “no surface water and/or land drainage shall be allowed to connect directly or indirectly with the public sewerage network”.
Officers recommended granting the proposal subject to the necessary planning conditions.
Committee members approved the plans by 18 votes to nil.
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