Councillors defer decision on town centre flats due to concerns over size

Plans to create more than 20 new flats above a town centre bar have been deferred amid concerns over bin storage and the size of the proposed accommodation.

The application for the second and third floors of 39 to 41 High Street had been recommended for approval by Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer.

Permission had initially been sought for 23 residential units, but the plans were later revised down to 21.

However concerns were raised by members of Offa Community Council, which objected to the application amid concerns that some of the units are “still inadequate in terms of size and quality”.

At yesterday’s planning meeting the applicant said that town centre accommodation would appeal to mainly “young city centre workers, students and maybe people working in the hospital looking for small, cheap accommodation.”

He said: “I think that councillors with officers were concerned that we would do poor quality units.

“I think if anyone’s seen what we’ve done downstairs in the Frisky Pudding and Belushimo, I would say the quality is excellent. So we would plan to produce excellent units just quite small.”

He added that incorrect plans had initially been put forward about bin storage, however the revised plans have since been resubmitted.

Planning officer David Williams said: “Clearly in terms of the principle of residential use within the town centre is fully supported.

“It has been vacant for several years and the council through the Vibrant and Viable Wales Regeneration Project recognises and supports residential projects of this type in the town centre. It is also one of the key objectives of the the Masterplan to provide opportunities for town centre living.

“This is an ideal location for higher density developments and the building does allow for that type and that scale of development to take place. It is probably more suited to individuals living you know, on their own within the town centre.”

However a number of committee members noted that whilst they welcome plans to convert the upper floors, they could not support the application in its current form.

Offa councillor Alun Jenkins raised concerns about the size of the proposed bin storage for the development, stating that unless adequate provision was provided it could contribute to existing issues on Yorke Street, Church Street and Temple Row.

Cllr Jenkins also made reference to the addendum report that he said was published just hours before the meeting and called for a deferral of the decision to allow for further discussion on bin storage and space standards.

Ruabon councillor Dana Davies also raised questions about the size of the flats, stating that the 21 proposed is too many for the site.

She said: “I am really torn on this application because it does bring a vacant listed building back into use for homes.

“But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t make a comment on on the size of the flats, because they’re going to be tiny. My concern is that sustainable? Is that good quality housing that we want to maximise?”

Cllr Davies proposed that the application is deferred to allow for more information on the storage area, and the size and suitability of the proposals.

The amendment was backed by a majority of councillors and the applications will be considered again at a later date.