AN affordable housing scheme had been recommended for refusal despite claims it will help Flintshire residents to get on the property ladder. Wales and West Housing Association previously applied to create 25 new homes on an overgrown area of land in the village of Mancot, near Hawarden. Representatives said the site off Mancot Lane, which is near Sandycroft Primary School, would be used to accommodate a range of one to four-bedroom houses offered at social rent rates. However, officials from Flintshire Council have called on councillors to turn down permission for the plans ahead of a meeting next week. It follows the local authority’s chief planning officer describing the proposed development of an area of green barrier land as “inappropriate”.