Cafe plans for Wrexham’s new M&S foodcourt given the go ahead

Plans for a café / restaurant to complement the forthcoming M&S food court in Wrexham have been given the go-ahead.

Wrexham Council’s planning committee met to discuss an application submitted by planning consultants Quod to change the use of a unit on Plas Coch retail park from retail to food and drink or leisure.

A report produced by planning officers for the committee stated: “This unit previously formed part of Unit H which housed non-food retail along with a gym and ancillary café.

“A large part of the building has recently changed to food retail. This application would provide for the remainder of the unit to be used for café/restaurant or leisure purposes.”

Planning officer Matthew Phillips noted that some concerns had been raised by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board about the number of fast-food and takeaway outlets in the area.

But as Mr Phillips explained to councillors, this outlet is not going to be a takeaway and the application was recommended for approval.

He added: “On balance there isn’t any adverse impact in terms of police or amenity. It doesn’t put anything at risk in terms of healthy eating.”

Mr Phillips added there were no parking or traffic issues either.

Stansty Cllr I David Bithell (Ind) asked about opening times, adding that he was concerned it would attract cars late at night.

Mr Phillips answered that all access to the unit is via the retail park and there is some distance between it and residential properties.

Grosvenor Cllr Marc Jones (Plaid) said he fully supported the application.

“I’m the local member for this ward”, he said.

“My understanding is that it’s going to be a café / restaurant as part of the M&S development.

“If that’s the case then I’ve got absolutely no objections.”

He added: “I’m a bit surprised to see Betsi Cadwaladr wading in about healthy options when they had nothing to say about the Mcdonald’s proposal nearby.”

The proposed Mcdonald’s drive-thru earmarked for the retail park was rejected on appeal earlier this year.

Hermitage Cllr Graham Rogers proposed the committee grant the application, which was backed by councillors when put to the vote.

By Rory Sheehan – BBC Local Democracy Reporter