WREXHAM’S MP has set out her objections to plans by the town’s university to put 74 houses on an area of open space.

Glyndwr University previously applied to build on Dean Road field in Rhosnesni.

Permission for the proposals was rejected by councillors last summer because of concerns over traffic and the loss of recreation land.

The institute has since appealed to the Planning Inspectorate as it looks to raise money towards campus improvements worth £60 million by selling the site to developers.

However, Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton has taken the side of local campaigners who have voiced strong opposition to the scheme.

In a letter to inspectors, she said the field should be protected due to the positive impact it had on the community.

The Conservative politician said: “Although the land is the property of Glyndwr University, it has been used by, and accessible to, the community for around 50 years.

“It has been used by organised sports teams for hockey, football and rugby, well as by local individuals for running, walking and picnics.

“Green spaces such as this bring a number of benefits to local communities including physical health benefits – encouraging exercise, if only walking, among local people, as well as reducing air pollution.

“Research by Fields in Trust suggests that parks and green spaces save the NHS £111m per annum, based solely on a reduction in GP visits.

“It has been well documented that green spaces and wildlife have a positive effect on the mental wellbeing of those living near them, when compared with bricks-and-mortar developments.”

Ms Atherton argued that the loss of the site would lead to a deficiency of green space in the area.

The university has promised to provide a replacement football pitch on the land.

But she said it would not make up for the overall reduction in places for people to take part in other types of exercise.

She added that it would also have an impact on traffic on nearby Holt Road, as well as putting pressure on GP surgeries.

Ms Atherton said: “Although any new development invariably puts a strain on local infrastructure, this particular development will push the current infrastructure past capacity.

“Roads will not be able to facilitate the new demand. The draft Local Development Plan recognises that Holt Road is currently at capacity, but the proposed development has its access and egress on Holt Road.

“GP surgeries are already struggling with existing demand, with some constituents telling me they are waiting weeks for appointments.

“Again, to increase the burden placed on local surgeries with no plan to increase provision, would be irresponsible.”

Glyndwr has also lodged an appeal regarding a separate housing application in New Broughton, but wants inspectors to deal with them both via a joint inquiry.

In documents submitted as part of the process, the director of a real estate firm acting on the university’s behalf said it would help to improve its main campus at Plas Coch.

Andrew Smith from Narvo Asset Management said: “The appellant considers that a public inquiry would be the most appropriate appeal procedure in this case.

“The proposals are for a relatively large housing scheme, and the evidence will need to explore the interaction between the extant and emerging development plans as well as the housing land supply position.

“The transport evidence is likely to be of a highly technical nature.

“Whilst each individual site has specific issues there is merit in seeking to co-join this appeal with an application on an additional parcel of land owned by Glyndwr University

“Both sites are owned by the appellant and their disposal is part of an on-going programme to generate capital receipts which will be spent by Glyndwr University on redeveloping and improving the operational estate of the university.”