Former Cefn Mawr bank set to be turned into apartments despite concerns over lack of parking

Plans to turn a former village bank into residential accommodation could be given the go ahead next week.

The former HSBC building on Well Street in Cefn Mawr has sat for several years after a decision was made to close the bank.

However under plans submitted to Wrexham Council by CB Architectural Design it has proposed that the four storey building is converted seven apartments, along with an extension to the property.

This would consist of one bedroom in the basement and two on the ground, first and second floors.

The plans have been now been recommended for approval by Wrexham Council’s Chief Planning Officer, Lawrence Isted, ahead of a planning meeting on Monday 7 December.

However concerns have been raised by the Cefn Mawr Community Council and councillor Derek Wright about the potential impact the development could have on parking in the area.

In a submission to the local authority, the local community council said: “Whilst it is recognised the visual improvement the conversion would create to the village, council objected to the application on the grounds of the number of proposed apartments to the size of the building and the complete lack of parking provision.

“The application states there are four bus stops nearby on Well Street, this is not the case buses do not travel through the centre of Well Street any longer.

“The public car park opposite the site is already insufficient for the needs of local businesses, also, the surgery with only an average of fifteen car parking spaces.

“The car park can not accommodate any extra vehicles which may arise from another seven apartments.”

Similar concerns were also raised by three members of the community who objected to the plans.

Addressing the comments, Mr Isted said the residential accomodation had similar parking demand as the former bank use.

He said: “Parking along Well street is restricted by double yellow lines. There is an existing car park on the opposite side of the road providing up to 20 spaces, for general public use.

“There is no existing parking provision for the bank. Based on LPGN16 requirements, the existing bank (a Class A2 use) would require a maximum of 11 spaces.

“The proposed residential use (Class c3) would also require a maximum of 11 spaces.

“Therefore the proposed development has the same parking demand as the existing use. It is recognised that the parking demand for the bank would be during daytime hours.

“The site is considered to be in a sustainable location, and in view of the lack of parking provision, the proposed 1 bedroom apartments are more likely to appeal to people who do not own a car. Cycle parking is proposed within the ground floor.

“Taking the above points into consideration, there are no reasons to refuse permission on highway grounds.”

He added: “The proposal will bring a vacant building within the Conservation Area back into use and is acceptable under the terms of adopted policies and guidance.”

The application will go before the planning committee at 4pm on Monday 7 December. The virtual meeting is also expected to be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.