Plans for flats above former building society could be approved next week

Plans to convert office space above a former building society in Wrexham could be given the go ahead next week.

The proposals for Nationwide on High Street were submitted in November 2020.

The company relocated from its branch on the corner of the town’s High Street to a larger unit on Regent Street at the start of last year. Since then the property has stood empty.

As part of the plans for the building it has been proposed that the upper floors are converted into six flats. The ground floor would be retained for commercial use.

The application has been recommended for approval by Lawrence Isted chief planning officer at Wrexham Council, who says the development would “sit comfortably in this location.”

However concerns have been raised by the local community council, which states that while some commercial use is retained, there are concerns around bin storage, parking provision and the lack of toilet facilities on the ground floor.

The community council has also called for more information on the quality and size of the flats”.

In his report, Mr Isted said: “The proposal as considered can accommodate the number of flats proposed without resulting in any adverse impacts to residential amenities.

“The use of the first, second and third floors of the building as class C3 as considered would result in improved natural surveillance of High Street and Hope Street, particularly during evening hours.

“Site constraints would result in no private amenity space being provided as part of the proposal, however the sites town centre location is within walking distance to Bellevue Park and the Public Open Space in front of the GuildHall.

“The agent has confirmed that bin storage would be to the rear of the building, in an area where the applicant has a right of access over the rear yard/alley, along with all other neighbouring properties. It is understood that this is where bin collection will be undertaken.

“Wrexham Public Protection raises no objection subject to conditions to secure submission of a Noise Survey and mitigation/attenuation measures to ensure impacts to the occupants of the proposed flats is acceptable.

“No parking provision proposed as part of this application. Whilst the Highway Authority have not provided comment to date, given the town centre sustainable location, the lack of parking provision is considered to be acceptable.”

The application will be considered by planning committee members at a virtual meeting on Monday 1 February.