Plans for almost 40 new apartments at former Wrexham nightclub site look set to be refused

Plans to transform a former Wrexham nightclub and a derelict area of land nearby by creating almost 40 new apartments look set to be refused.

An application to convert the first and second floors of a property on the corner of Brook Street into ten apartments was submitted in October 2018.

It would also see a new four-storey building housing 28 apartments constructed on a connecting plot on Bridge Street.

The site has been empty since a number of shops were bought and demolished by the Welsh Development Agency in partnership with Wrexham Council in the early 2000s.

The proposals are set to be considered by councillors at a meeting next week, as the company behind the development has claimed it will greatly improve the appearance of the area.

However, the local authority’s chief planning officer has recommended the scheme should be rejected because of the risk of flooding, despite acknowledging the potential benefits.

Source: Lingar Homes

In a report, Lawrence Isted said: “The introduction of residential development has the potential to be beneficial to the town centre, with occupiers of the site likely to be reliant upon the services available within walking distance.

“The site is also sustainably located and therefore ideally placed to promote travel by means other than private car.

“It is acknowledged that there are a number of factors that weight heavily in favour of the site, particularly in respect of contribution to the housing supply and bringing vacant floor space and previously developed land back into use.

“These very considerable benefits do not however justify the granting of permission for a development that is at unacceptable risk of flooding. “

Local councillor Alun Jenkins is among those who have objected to the proposals.

In his response to the plans, the Liberal Democrat claimed the use of the site would be “overly intensive”.

He also said there would be a shortfall of parking spaces with only 19 outlined for the development.

In their application, the developer said there was a need for additional housing in the area, which should be given “considerable weight” in deciding it.

Source: Lingar Homes

They said: “The upper floors of the Central Buildings have been vacant for several years, the proposal, therefore, provides a means of finding a new, sustainable, use for the vacant accommodation.

“The remainder of the site has also been vacant and overgrown for some years and would greatly benefit from redevelopment.

“The proposals will maintain the external appearance of Central Buildings, indeed, the renovations proposed will result in its appearance being enhanced.

“The appearance of the vacant site on Bridge Street will also be significantly enhanced through the construction of an attractive new building of appropriate scale in relation to existing properties.”

But Mr Isted said it would go against Welsh Government planning advice, which advises that development should only go ahead in a flood risk zone if significant defences are in place.

The scheme will be considered by planning committee members at a virtual meeting on Monday, July 27.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter