Extension plans for local mental health charity given the go ahead

Plans to extend a building which is home to a local mental health charity have been given the go ahead.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee gave their support to an application from Advance Brighter Futures, which was seeking permission to demolish a conservatory and create a two-storey extension at its base on Belmont Road.

It will allow the organisation, which provides mental heath support services, to have extra consultancy rooms.

At this week’s meeting planning officer Matthew Phillips explained that the demolition of the conservatory and the new extension would increase the number of meeting rooms on the site by two.

He said: “It does have a contemporary design which does contrast to the traditional appearance. However the rear of the building isn’t prominent in the wider conservation area.

“I would point out that the conservation area is not always to secure buildings that look old, but it is to preserve and enhance the conservation area.

“There have been amendments to address the impacts in terms of neighbours and I’m content it meets the standards.”

Cllr Alun Jenkins, who represents the Offa ward, said that initial proposals put forward “were not acceptable” and that he was “grateful to Advance Brighter Futures, the planning department and conservation officers for bringing everyone together and getting the amended plan submitted”.

It was also noted that whilst the parking at the site is below the maximum number required there would be some alterations to the car park and that many users access the site by foot.

The plans were approved unanimously by members of the committee.