Appeal launched after homes plan for ‘eyesore’ site next to Wrexham business park is rejected

An appeal has been launched after plans to build homes on an “eyesore” parcel of land next to a Wrexham business park were rejected.

An application was submitted at the start of this year to demolish a derelict building near Riverside Business Park, which sits on the edge of the county boundary between Gwersyllt and Cefn y Bedd.

The scheme also proposes to create four semi-detached houses on the site off Mold Road, which planning documents show is believed to have previously been home to a pub known as “the Old Englishman.”

More recently the building was used as a conservatory sales office, but has since closed and fallen into a state of disrepair.

Wrexham Council refused permission for the plans after officers said it was an unsuitable location for residential development.

However, an agent acting on behalf of the applicant said it would help to bring a site which has become a fly-tipping hot spot back into use, providing affordable housing in the process.

In an appeal statement put forward to the Planning Inspectorate, Trevor Mennell said: “The proposed development is small scale in nature and will help tackle the housing crises both local and Welsh assisting in meeting the housing target.

“Wrexham Council appear to be concentrating planning approvals on large sites, against local opposition to satisfy the deficit such as the major housing development of 600 houses on green barrier land off Holt Road on the outskirts of the town and neglecting the smaller sites where there is a local demand.

“My client’s site is currently an eyesore to the community of a disused, falling down building which is also encouraging local fly tipping.

“The proposal will provide a housing asset to the local community which would be affordable in its own right.”

Mr Mennell said the properties would be priced “at the lower end of the market”.

He added the site was considered to be part of the village of Sydallt and sits opposite existing housing.

The document also states that bat boxes can be provided as part of the scheme to address ecology concerns raised by the council.

The appeal will be considered by an inspector appointed by the Welsh Government at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter