Decision on plans for 20 apartments in Wrexham city centre put on hold

A decision over plans to create 20 apartments in Wrexham city centre has been placed on hold.

It follows concerns being raised over how proposals to build accommodation on the upper floors of a building on Regent Street will impact the shops below.

The property covers an area above the Waterstones book shop and was previously home to the UnDegUn art gallery and a JJB Sports store.

An application by the JSM Company Group to create one and two-bedroom apartments on the first and second floors of the building was due to be decided by councillors on Monday (March 4th, 2024).

However, members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee were told an objection had been received at the end of last week which needed to be considered further.

Speaking at their latest meeting, planning officer Matthew Phillips said: “We received a representation on this application relatively late in the day on Friday.

“The issues that were raised are summarised in the addendum report.

“I think in fairness to both the applicant and also to the objector, that we need a little bit more time to consider those and to bring forward a response.

“We may need to speak to the applicant to get some further information as well, if necessary.”

Although the objector was not named in the new report, they raised concerns over the loss of part of the second floor which is currently used by a shop located on the ground floor of the building.

They said the plans would harm the viability of the retail unit, which would outweigh the benefits of the proposals.

The scheme was recommended for approval by officers ahead of yesterday’s meeting.

It came after the council’s chief planning officer said it would boost the local economy, adding that any ground floor shops would be unaffected.

In his report, David Fitzsimon said: “Wrexham city centre is the focus for new development and the local development plan (LDP) places significant emphasis on the city as a primary key settlement.

“The city centre is perceived as not performing well and it is important that this decline is reversed.

“In accordance with LDP (local development plan) policies, supported by the Wrexham Town Centre Master Plan, encouraging people to live in the centre will help grow the city and assist in city centre regeneration.”

Some community leaders previously warned residents in the apartments could be impacted by noise from the Rockin’ Chair music venue, which backs onto the site.

Questions were also raised over a lack of proposals for bin facilities and car parking spaces within the application.

Mr Phillips said the application would be brought back to the committee at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter