New Ambulance & Fire Station Given The Go Ahead

An application for a new ambulance and fire station was passed unanimously last night by Wrexham’s planning committee.

In what was a very brief and what we believe to be one of the quickest Council meetings we have attended, the committee granted proposals to build a new ambulance and fire station on land south of the Maelor Hospital on Croesnewydd Road.

The application, which was submitted by the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust proposes a new Fire and Ambulance Station and Resource Centre with Training Facility is erected on the site.

Along with the station and its training facilities, parking for staff and visitors, vehicle washing and a retraining area would also be provided.

Speaking at the meeting, planning control manager David Williams said: “This proposal is for a joint ambulance and fire station, proposals which the authority have had a significant amount of discussion with applicants.

“This is a significant development, one we have worked hard with applicants with to get an acceptable solution. The application will help regenerate this part of land.”

One of the main concerns raised in the meeting surrounded the potential flood risks that already exist in the area. However the committee was told that measures would be put in place to help reduce the risk.

Brynyffynnon Councillor, Phil Wynn told the committee he had ‘spoken widely with residents’, adding: “You never know when you are going to have to call on emergency services. For me this is as good as any location for the site.

“The main concern off residents are noise issues and there are concerns during peak hours that services cannot get onto the Ruthin Road.”

The committee were told that the building would be far away enough from the houses in Pentre Bach, so the levels of noise would be reduced. It is also noted in the application that ‘adequate noise assessment in accordance with BS 4142 has been submitted in relation to the intended use of the site. Any noise generated by air handling plant can be adequately controlled by noise rating condition’.

Described as an application that would ‘greatly enhance Wrexham’s provision for now and the future’ Councillor Kevin Hughes said: “My understanding is that Wrexham fire stations is long in need of a financial refurbishment.

“The site will give better arrival times for ambulances and fire vehicles, therefore I propose we accept officers recommendations.”