Controversial HMO plans near Wrexham Industrial Estate refused amid widespread opposition

Controversial plans to create a house in multiple occupation (HMO) near Wrexham Industrial Estate have been refused amid widespread opposition.

An application was submitted to convert a family home on the Pentre Maelor estate, which is opposite HMP Berwyn prison, into seven bedsits back in May.

It came after landlord Andrew Shield said there was a large demand for accommodation in the area.

However, residents rallied against the proposals to change the use of the property on Bridgeway West by launching a petition which was signed by 136 people.

The plans went before Wrexham Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Monday, where community councillor Ray Squire told members it had caused the biggest uproar in the community since the prison was built.

He added residents were concerned about the impact on parking on the estate, where bin lorries are already forced to mount grass verges to get past cars.

He said: “This application has caused more concern and opposition than any application since the prison.

“Indeed, members will be aware that a petition has been signed by 136 residents, who have concerns about setting a precedent for converting family homes into HMOs.

“It does not respect the heritage of the estate as many houses have been in the same families for generations.

“Too many people will have small substandard rooms with a lack of communal facilities.

“This is a very narrow road, overcrowded by vehicles and the community council is considering paying for an improvement with the junction with the main entrance to the estate and to provide an extension to the lay-by to alleviate the problems.”

The application was originally meant to be heard by the committee at a meeting last month, but was delayed to give Abenbury Community Council time to respond to the proposals.

In the meantime, an appeal was lodged by Mr Shield as he said the local authority had failed to make a decision within the relevant timescales.

The plans had been backed for approval by the council’s chief planning officer, who said the four parking spaces outlined would help to alleviate problems.

But most councillors present at the meeting at Wrexham’s Guildhall echoed Mr Squire’s reservations.

Ponciau councillor Paul Pemberton said: “I’m concerned about the parking because if there are no parking restrictions there it’s going to be a free for all.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable because who’s going to enforce it? It’s going to be bedlam.”

The committee chose to reject the proposals because of the parking issues by 17 votes with only one abstention.

The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).