McDonalds for Plas Coch

[Councillor X]

Hows about this then from last week Born Acorn?

Cafe next to new Marks and Spencer store gets go-ahead despite concerns from Betsi health chiefs
There were fears raised over an additional eating place in the area

Bosses from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board told planners: “The site is close to a number of educational settings within a 0.7 miles / 15min walk of the site. Increased access to unhealthy food retail outlets can be associated with increased weight and there are already two other restaurants at the retail park, selling predominantly food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar.”

But a report for the Wrexham planning committee stated: “The proposed development would not be a fast/hot food takeaway. A suitably worded condition could be imposed to ensure hot food is not sold for consumption off the premises.

If at first you don’t succeed …..

[Owain Glyndwr]

And so it came to pass ….. looks like any sort of development gets greenlighted if they keep persisting.

[zinger]

Or if there is enough money involved.

[thetown]

I think a few people will be having a free Mcdonalds for life.

[WrexhamUser]

The outcome was inevitable after the council realised they were in an awkward situation!

Imagine this scenario:

The council refuses McDonald’s permission to build based on traffic and infrastructure issues around Plas Coch.

At a later date, Wrexham Football Club wants to expand the stadium further despite the unresolved parking issues, poor access, and having to close a significant A-road into the city every matchday.

It would have put the council in a difficult position. If they said no to McDonald’s with fewer demands on the highway and infrastructure, the council would also have to admit the infrastructure in that area is equally inappropriate for further developing the football stadium. Consequently, the council would need to hold the same position and refuse the football club any additional planning permission. Ouch!

I suggest it was easier to influence councillors to make the ‘right’ decision and change their opposition to McDonald’s based on Highway grounds than to deal with these issues later!

[Author]

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