Extension to Wrexham food processing factory will create 100 new jobs, says council official

Plans to extend a Wrexham food processing factory will result in the creation of 100 new jobs, a senior council official has said.

Rowan Foods wants to add an additional 2,646 square metres to its base on the town’s industrial estate.

The proposals would see a cold store extension, first floor offices and a workshop built at the plant, which processes food for several major UK supermarkets.

A new access point would also be created linking onto Ash Road South, with 37 extra car parking spaces.

The application has been backed for approval by Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, who highlighted the economic benefits of the scheme.

In a report to councillors, Lawrence Isted said: “The development will create a significant number of jobs (100) and will support the development of a major local employer in the food sector with 897 current employees.

“It will clearly bring economic benefits to the area both during the construction project and in the long-term.

“The proposal represents a sustainable extension to an established food business on the industrial estate and complies with adopted policies.

“There would be some loss of ecological mitigation land but the mitigation measures proposed are sufficient to offset any potential harm to biodiversity.

“The proposal is acceptable subject to conditions.”

No objections have been received regarding the plans, but members of Abenbury Community Council have asked the authority to consider the ongoing lack of facilities on the industrial estate for HGV drivers.

They said the issue was causing problems for members of the Abenbury community.

The proposals will be considered by members of the county borough council’s planning committee at a virtual meeting on Monday, 2 November.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter