Former town centre adult shop set for conversion to flats

Plans to convert a former adult shop in Wrexham town centre into apartments could be given the go ahead next week.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee will be asked to approve plans to turn the first and second floors of the ‘The Private Shop’ on Yorke street into four apartments.

In November 2018 Wrexham.com reported that plans to convert the building from retail into residential have been submitted – with an application rejected by Wrexham Council’s head of environment and planning in October 2018.

Plans to convert the building into a 14 bedroom HMO (house in multiple occupation) were also submitted to the local authority in summer 2017.

However after Wrexham Council failed to make a decision on the proposals within the necessary timescale, it was refused on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate in February 2018 due to concerns over a lack of space for residents.

The new application has now been recommended for approval by Lawrence Isted, the head of environment and planning at Wrexham Council.

In a report due before planning committee members next week, Mr Isted states that he has “no objections in principle to the proposal to provide four self-contained flats.”

He adds: “Care is needed however, to ensure the character and appearance of the building and the wider impact on the Conservation Area is not adversely affected.

“The applicants are proposing to replace original windows but in the first instance the applicant would need to demonstrate that these historic features are beyond repair. Where replacements can be justified then the properties detailing of the original features should be emulated.

“I am awaiting confirmation of the applicant’s intentions with regard to the windows. The applicants are proposing to replace the existing windows but in the first instance will need to demonstrate that the windows are beyond repair.

“Subject to the above comments regarding removal of the existing windows, I recommend accordingly.”

The application will be considered by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee at 4pm on Monday 4th February. As usual the meeting will be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.