Apartment plans on former community centre site set for approval

Plans to build 19 new apartments on the site of a former community centre could soon be approved.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee have been asked to back the proposed redevelopment of land at Kingsley Circle on Eaton Drive in Caia Park.

The plans include building a three storey block which would be made up of 19 apartments.

According to the application the development would be 10 metres high nearest Eaton Drive and 12 metres at its highest point.

There would also be a communal garden area for residents within the new development.

Four representations have been made from local residents who have objected to the plans amid fears over traffic generation, the loss of natural daylight, existing properties being overlooked and crime and antisocial behaviour.

Wrexham Council’s highways department have not raised any concerns over the proposed development but have recommended that the “proposed internal access way within the development site is wide enough for a refuse vehicle to enter and manoeuvre within the site.”

Addressing concerns about the loss of privacy Wrexham Council’s chief officer of economy and planning, David Fitzsimon said that the “principal and rear elevations of the building would face to the north-west and south-east respectively, avoiding any direct overlooking into the properties to the east and west of the site.”

In his report, which can be viewed in full here, Mr Fitzsimon continued onto say: “There would be no windows serving primary habitable rooms within the south-west facing elevations and none above ground floor level in the north-east facing elevation.

“Small secondary windows serving kitchens in those elevations would be fitted with obscure glazing.

“As a result, the proposed development would not unacceptably reduce the levels of privacy currently enjoyed by the occupiers of neighbouring dwellings.

“Having regard to the ground level differences between the proposed development and the nearest dwelling in Eaton Drive, a minimum separation distance of 15 metres would be required to accord with LPGN21 advice.

“The actual distance would be 18 metres. This would ensure the development would not be unduly over bearing and would not result in an unacceptable reduction in the levels of natural light available to this property.”

He adds: “The applicant is proposing a 100% affordable housing development, however a suitably worded condition would be needed to ensure the development accords with the requirements of draft LDP policy H2.”

The plans have been recommended for approval subject to a financial contribution of £19,000 towards the improvement and maintenance of open space the north of the application site being secured by the council.

If this is not complete within six months then the plans could be refused over the provision of public open space.

The application will be considered for approval by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee at 4pm on Monday 6 November. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Wrexham Council website.

Picture: Planning documents