Plans to increase number of homes that can be built on Chirk appeal site

Plans to increase the number of homes that could be built on ‘vacant greenfield’ land in Chirk have been recommended for approval.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee will be asked to consider the application for 24 homes on land north of Station Avenue in Chirk.

Planning permission for up to 22 properties and associated works already exists on the site, after initial proposals for the land were granted on appeal last summer.

Outline plans to build houses on the site had been refused by planning committee members in August 2017 after councillors said the development would result in the loss of two protected trees in the Chirk Conservation Area.

Last year the Local Democracy Service reported that the decision had been overturned by a planning inspector, who said there was ‘no tangible evidence’ to support the claim.

However the local community council has argued that the maximum 22 units should be adhered to.

It also suggests that “while construction is underway some highways conditions should be imposed to minimise disruption on an already congested Station Avenue.”

In his report due before councillors next week, Chief Officer of Planning and Regulatory, Lawrence Isted, states that the application to increase the housing numbers should be granted.

He says: “As the site is within the settlement limit and outline planning permission has already been granted on the site, there can be no objection in principle to its residential development.

“Whilst providing much needed housing in a sustainable location, this proposal offers the opportunity to regenerate and visually enhance the area in accordance with planning policies H2, GDP (a), EC7 and PS2 which seek to ensure that development does not harm the appearance of the townscape, and that it positively contributes to the appearance of the nearby locality and preserves the character of the conservation area.

“On-site parking provision is acceptable for this sustainable location and a safe and satisfactory vehicular access has been proposed. Further, the proposed soft landscaping and replacement tree planting will be of benefit not only to the visual amenities within the development, but to the appearance of the locality as a whole.

“I have considered the impact of the development upon the residential amenities of the occupiers of the existing adjacent properties and concluded that there will be no significant detrimental impact.”

The report will be considered by planning committee members on Monday 1st July at 4pm. The meeting is open to the public and will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.