Apartment and office plans for empty city centre shop set for approval

Plans which could see nine apartments and three offices created above an empty shop in Wrexham city centre have been backed for approval.

Proposals for the upper floors of the former Select fashion store on Hope Street are due to be considered by councillors next week.

North Block Limited, which is behind the scheme, said it would help to support the viability of the main shopping area.

Community leaders have raised concerns over a lack of ventilation and natural light within the building ahead of a meeting of Wrexham Council’s planning committee.

However, the local authority’s chief planning officer has recommended that permission for the application should be granted.

In a report, David Fitzsimon said it was important for buildings in the city centre to be used for residential purposes to regenerate the area.

He said: “Wrexham city centre is the focus for new development and the Local Development Plan (LDP) places significant emphasis on the city as a primary key settlement.

“The city centre is perceived as not performing well and it is important that this decline is reversed.

“In accordance with LDP policies, encouraging people to live in the centre will help grow the city and assist in city centre regeneration.

“The provision of residential accommodation above a commercial property within the city centre will also contribute to the efficient use of the building, the vitality and viability of the shopping centre.”

According to the proposals, external alterations to the front of the building would be limited to a new access doorway and an upgrade to the balustrade on the third floor.

Balconies will be installed at the back of the property to serve six of the nine apartments and the shop itself will be retained as part of the application.

Addressing concerns raised by local councillors, Mr Fitzsimon said: “Each of the proposed studio apartments would be of sufficient floor space to meet modern day living standards.

“All have openings in external elevations to serve the open plan layout and provide natural daylight and ventilation.

“It is considered that the future occupiers would be provided with adequate amenity in terms of safe and convenient access, quiet enjoyment of habitable spaces, privacy and light.”

While no parking spaces are proposed as part of the development, he said it was situated in a location where people could easily access public transport.

The application will be considered when the planning committee meets on Monday (April 8, 2024).

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter