Consultation over primary school proposals for Nine Acre underway

Indicative plans of how a new primary school on Nine Acre in Wrexham could look, have been released.

The space on Chester Road is currently used as a training facility by Wrexham AFC, but the club has been working with the local authority to move to a purpose-built training ground next to the former Groves School.

Wrexham Council’s aim to build a school on the field has been a long stated goal, however the identity of the school itself has officially been a mystery, despite the information apparently being described in one recent Part 2 meeting as yet another ‘worst kept secret’ in Wrexham.

In February St Mary’s School, on Lea Road, later announced in its newsletter that it was the school that would be moving to the site if plans are given the go ahead.

Earlier last week a public consultation launched over plans to build the new 315 place primary school with 45 nursery places.

As part of the process a number of planning documents associated with the proposed development have now been released, including a artist’s impression of what the new school could look like.

Also included on the site would be two football pitches, a forest school, hard play area, staff car park, coach car park and a pupil drop off point. Access to and from the site would be provided via Rhosnesni Lane.

Details provided with application’s design and access statement, add: “The proposed school and nursery building has been positioned in the eastern two thirds of the site with the playing fields and car park immediately surrounding it.

“The proposed POS woodland walk area is on the western third of the site and links well to the other open space and community centre off Price’s Lane.”

Last week it was reported that the Nine Acre Campaign Group had raised concerns that the development would be a “nightmare” for residents in the area.

Marcus Jones, a representative for group, said: “We’re mostly concerned about the loss of green space. Whether it is open to the public or not, it’s still a visual amenity.

“And then there is the traffic and pollution issue to deal with of course. It’s going to be a nightmare regardless of how much the council try to dress it up.

“Flooding is another important consideration. The field plays a critical role as a soak away for surface water.”

However within the planning documents, the applicants state that: “The proposal will not cause any detriment to any adjoining land use or neighbours as the proposed development has been carefully designed to overcome any issues of overlooking with the positioning and size of fenestration being carefully considered.

“The playing pitches will generally be used during the weekdays and only during daylight hours. This should not cause any impact upon the amenity of the neighbouring residential dwellings.

“The overall appearance of the proposed development is considered to be compatible with the local area.

“The local area is characterised by two storey dwellings which are set back from the road. The proposed school will be a two storey building which is set back from the roads within a well landscaped site. Careful consideration has been given to ensure that the proposed development integrates into its surroundings.

“It was a key part of the development that development is set back and buffered away from Chester Road. The additional landscaping will also enhance the suburban character of the area which is particularly green.”

The consultation is open until April 9th. You can view the documents in full on the yourvoicewrexham website. You can also ask questions and let Wrexham Council have your views by emailing [email protected].

Pictures: Lawray Architects