FLINTSHIRE Council has opened a planning enforcement case on an "unauthorised development".

The development is taking place on land off Mancot Lane in Mancot without planning permission. The nature of the development is unknown, but hardstanding is reportedly being placed down on what was a field. 

(Image: UGC)

The council's planning policies does allow for retrospective applications to be submitted after work on the development has taken place. Nevertheless, the council said applicants do so at their own risk. 

County councillor for the Mancot area, Ant Turton, said: "Speculation is high in the village regarding the ongoing works that are taking place on the fields off Mancot Lane. I have been contacted by several concerned residents and been down to speak to the contractor undertaking the work.

"I was informed that the site is being hard-cored over but that's all they knew. Work has been reportedly commencing at 6am and carrying on until early evening.

"With no actual planning application put forward, that I am aware of, it's currently hard to know exactly the plans for the fields. Any solid structures there will not help the current flooding issues we have on these fields and in the surrounding areas."

A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: “The council has an open enforcement case on this site in relation to unauthorised development works. Planning regulations allows for the submission of retrospective applications.

"Whilst we would always advise that applicants submit their application and obtain the relevant permissions before they begin any work, the legislation does allow for applications to be submitted after work has commenced.

"However, this is entirely at the develop/landowner’s risk as it by no means suggests that planning permission will be forthcoming.”