Former butchers in Gresford to become new takeaway

A former village butchers is set to be converted into a new takeaway after plans were approved this week.

Planning committee members voted in favour of changing the use of 52 Chester Road, in Gresford at a meeting held on Monday (April 8).

The premises, which was previously home to Dickens Butchers, has been vacant since October 2023.

Earlier this year planning agents HDS Architectural Services put forward plans to convert the building into a new pizza shop and takeaway, which could create three full jobs.

Two objections were made by neighbouring residents, who raised concerns about the number of takeaways in the village, an increase in traffic and footfall, cooking odour and an increase in litter.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting planning officer Matthew Phillips said: “In terms of policy then this type of use is within the Gresford local centre in the Local Development Plan.

“The policies that apply to that they don’t preclude A3 uses provided that there’s no adverse impact on the vitality and viability of of the area.

“The national policy does advise that concentration single uses in centers like this can be problematic.

“However I think the report demonstrates that although there is a modest increase in the concentration of this type of use the centre would still retain a mixed but predominantly retail character.”

Gresford Councillor Jeremy Kent welcomed the plans for the site, stating: “Generally the feedback has been positive regarding the reuse of the site to bring a vacant building back into use.

“But it was quite well received from those I’ve spoken to and what I’ve seen online.

“I think the conditions are appropriate to overcome some of the issues that people have raised in terms of ventilation and odour.

“So I think it is supported locally within the community and I’ll move officers recommendations to grant that.”

The application was granted with 11 in favour and three councillors abstaining from the vote.

Picture: Planning documents