Plans for new entrance and improved disabled access at community church granted

Plans for a new entrance and improved disability access at a local community church have been approved.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee unanimously backed the application for a new extension at the front of the Community Church on Prices Lane.

The plans for the building – which is thought to date back to the late 19th century – were submitted last summer. They include the construction of a new entrance and foyer to provide new disabled access and toilet facilities.

At the time the applicants stated that “one of the main issues with the current facility is the lack of compliant accessible access and facilities and this scheme is for the provision of means of access for disabled persons to the public building.”

The plans have received no objections, however concerns about the loss of parking and drop off facilities had been raised by the local community council.

On Monday a representative for the church told the committee that the church “suffers from a lack of disabled facilities in terms of toilets and accessible entrance.”

He said: “The proposed extension will enable us to provide disabled access into the church, accessible toilet facilities and circulation around the building

“The proposed extension is a modern design that is light and airy and naturally ventilated.”

“It will be constructed on a very small car park. Highways and the planning officer identified this as having a dangerous access onto Prices Lane. The previous planning officer encouraged its removal.

“Currently the church has an arrangement with Rhosddu Primary School which allows us to use their car parks and playground for parking when the school is shut. This is when a vast majority of our larger activities take place

“The only concern raised from the community council was to do with loss of parking.

“Initially highways had a similar concern, however we were able to demonstrate that we only have a few planned functions during daytime and we aim to coordinate those with school holidays to use the car park.

“We do have a few unplanned events which tend to be funerals when we can’t use the car parks, but they are very limited in number.”

The plans was welcomed by Stansy councillor I David Bithell, who said: “I fully support the application, it is going to enhance the area.

“I would like to thank them for improving the area and it is going to enhance the area on Prices Lane.”