Posted: Fri 24th Jul 2020

Housing plans for former scrapyard set for refusal despite local support for the “brownfield” development

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Friday, Jul 24th, 2020

Outline plans to build upto 15 new homes on a former scrapyard site in Wrexham look set to be rejected next week.

The application, which has been submitted by Blueprint Architectural Services Ltd on behalf of its client proposes the development is built on the Legacy Car Dismantlers and Scrap Yard on Llwyneinion Road.

It is the second time that plans to build on the land have been submitted, with an application for seven properties recommended for refusal by the council’s chief planning officer last due to the development being in an “unsustainable location”.

There were also concerns that it would introduce an “urban development into a primarily rural location”.

However the plans have been recommended for refusal by the local authority’s chief planning officer Lawrence Isted

The recommendation goes against the views of Esclusham and Rhos Community Councils, which both fully support the application.

In their comments on the plans, Rhos Community Council say: “The area, when being used as a scrap yard, was a constant target for anti-social behaviour and as the area is bordering the Community of Rhosllannerchrugog, this impacts on the community and the local residents.

“It is recognised that more housing is needed, and this site would provide an essential 15 dwellings that would serve both neighbouring communities.

“It is further noted that the site still has its original designated use as a scrap yard, and it would not be welcomed if the land reverted back to that use and the anti-social element returns.”

But in his report Mr Isted says the development would “introduce a form of development more appropriate in an urban or suburban rather than a rural setting.”

It is also noted that the “condition of the site and concern about anti-social behaviour are not, by themselves, valid reasons to grant planning permission.”

Mr Isted adds: “Indeed the proposals are fundamentally at odds with the character of the wider locality.

“This is not a matter that could be addressed at reserved matters stage by a layout that differs from the plan above.

“I acknowledge that there would be a benefit from the removal of the scrapyard use however given the conflict with planning policy discussed above, I do not consider this is sufficient justification to permit a form of development that is also fundamentally at odds with the character of the locality.”

As a result the plans have been recommended for refusal due to the development being outside of a settlement limit and on open countryside.

However, the report adds: “Should members resolve to grant planning permission, the Council is required by the Circular to give notice of its intentions to the Welsh Government who then have a statutory period of 21 days to determine whether to call the application in or not.

“A decision must not be issued until the Council has received confirmation from the Welsh Government that the application will not be called in or if the period of 21 days expires with no direction being received from the Welsh Government.”

The application will be considered by planning committee members at a virtual meeting on Monday.



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