Major expansion plans for Wrexham Industrial Estate look set for approval

Major plans to expand Wrexham Industrial Estate will help to meet a shortage of available units and create new jobs, it’s been claimed after they were backed for approval.

First Investment Real Estate Management entered proposals to create new industrial units at sites on Clywedog Road North and South back in December.

The firm is already the biggest landlord on Wales’ largest industrial estate and the two applications form part of a wider series of applications, which it says will boost the area’s economy.

Both have now been recommended to go ahead by planning officers from Wrexham Council.

In a report set to go before councillors next week, the authority’s business and investment lead said it would help both new and existing businesses on the estate.

Rebecca Morgan said: “The First Investment proposition represents a significant investment for the Wrexham Industrial Estate creating jobs and opportunities.

“Ultimately this investment will provide the conditions required for growth for many businesses located on or looking to invest in the industrial estate.

“Land and units are currently in short supply, however demand remains strong for this location.

“A lack of suitable units is hindering the growth of the estate, therefore this commitment being made by FI to re-invest in their current stock and create new stock is very positive.

“This investment shows the confidence in Wrexham Industrial Estate as a location for significant investment.”

An outline plan of the scheme shows a total of eleven units would be built on the site off Clywedog Road North, covering an area of more than 3,000 square metres.

Meanwhile, several other units would also be built on land measuring around 9,000 square metres on land opposite Wilkinson Business Park on Clywedog Road South.

A number of concerns have been raised regarding the second site, including road safety issues put forward by the council’s highways department, which said it could not support the proposal.

However, the authority’s chief planning officer has recommended both applications for approval.

Lawrence Isted said: “First Investments Real Estate Management has 100 per cent of its property occupied with continued queries from prospective occupiers or existing occupiers wishing to expand.

“With no existing buildings available to offer, the applicant’s opportunities to offer accommodation are limited to the development of land parcels within their control.

“The diminishing rate of readily available units on Wrexham Industrial Estate is supported by the latest Employment Land Review in support of the deposit Local Development Plan.

“On this basis, I am satisfied that the applicant has adequately demonstrated that there is a general need for additional land on Wrexham Industrial Estate to be developed for uses beyond B1 office uses.”

Mr Isted added that there would only be a low risk to road users from the development.

He recommended approval subject to the company entering a legal agreement with the authority to protect the surrounding habitat.

The proposals will be considered by the council’s planning committee at a meeting on Monday.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).