Affordable Housing Plans For Disused Chapel Site in Brymbo

A former chapel in Brymbo could be demolished to make way for ‘affordable housing’.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it has been proposed that the former Engedi Chapel on High Street, Brymbo is demolished with the site used for the development of nine affordable apartments.

The building, which was constructed in 1820 as Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, was well used until the late 20th century when ‘dropping congregation numbers finally forced the Chapels closure in 2003’.

The application’s documents state that since its closure the property has fallen into an increasing state of disrepair and it is described as derelict and unsafe.

Explaining the proposed development for the site, the application notes that the current owners of the building have undertaken a number of feasibility assessment on options to renovate over the past eight years. However it was concluded that the only option for the owner to do something with the site was to look to redevelop it.

If the application to redevelop the site is approved by councillors, nine two bedroom apartments will be built.

Details about the proposed apartments are listed in the design and access statement, which notes that their layouts are “typical of modern apartments with a double room, single room, open plan living area, bathroom and soundproof utilities cupboards to ensure washing machines etc do not impact on quality of living in the open plan area”.

Under-croft parking would also be provided on entrance level with a provision of 10 spaces on the site – with nine in the under-croft parking area and one in the open.

The design and access statement concludes: “The existing building exhibit examples of structural concern where cracks in stonework and other masonry walls exists, evidence of extensive water ingress and rot within wooden members of the structures, as well as the invasion of fungus growth in many areas.

“Coupled with the relationship of the existing structure, the adjoining levels (above internal floor areas) and the retaining wall to the rear of the site causing extensive technical difficulties in making a dry and healthy internal environment, this all contributes to the difficulty of undertaking a refurbishment and conversion project within the exiting structure at any reasonable economical undertaking.

“As such, redevelopment of the site is required in order to prevent the continuing deterioration and distress ad infinitum, of this village centre site and once proud structure. Local residents have been engaged with as part of this development process, and the feeling strong that the redevelopment is preferred over continued decay and eventual risk of collapse.

“The proposals herein have been back and forth to the Planning Dept at WCBC over the past year and the recommendations at each point have been taken on board, until we have arrived at the final design proposals. Commercial optimisation of the site in terms of apartment numbers has been sacrificed in order to respond to the requests of the planners in order to ensure that the final properties are supported.

“Local materials are to be recycled and reused in the proposed structure to ensure that a permanent link between the old and new is ingrained into the fabric of the development.”

The application is expected to go before Wrexham’s Planning Committee at a later date.

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