Plans for new takeaway in Gresford set for approval

Plans to convert a former butchers in Gresford into a fast food takeaway and delivery shop could be approved next week despite concerns of an “over saturation” of food outlets in the village.

An application for a change of use for 52 Chester Road was submitted in January of this year.

The premises was previously home to Dickens Butchers. However according to planning agents HDS Architectural Services the building was last used in October 2023.

Under the plans the building would be converted into a new pizza shop and takeaway, which could create three full jobs.

The application has been recommended for approval by David Fitzsimon, Wrexham Council’s chief officer for economy and planning, ahead of a planning meeting on Monday (April 8).

However two objections were made by neighbouring residents, who raised concerns about the number of takeaways in the village, an increase in traffic and footfall, cooking odour and an increase in litter.

Gresford Community Council also made comments on the “saturation of the village location with fast food outlets having a negative impact on the amenities of residents.”

The community council has also requested that signage of the takeaway is reasonable and that arrangements are made with the applicant for the management of rubbish and grease from the business.

In his report due before councillors on Monday, Mr Fitzsimon stated that the “proposed development would not result in a concentration of single uses and there is no conflict with the relevant development plan policies.”

He said: “The proposed use would attract footfall, complementing existing uses.

“Including commercial and residential uses, the proposed development would change the percentage of properties used for Class A3 from 19% to 24%.

“It would therefore make a modest difference to the range of uses within the Local Centre, which would retain a mixed but predominately retail in character.

“Having regard to the proposed opening times and the opening times of other nearby businesses premises, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly increase activity in the Local Centre during the afternoon or evenings.

“It would therefore not result in any significant disturbance that would harm the living conditions of occupiers of nearby dwellings.”

Mr Fitzsimon added: “The proposed development would not have a direct impact upon the vitality or viability of the centre or give rise to residential amenity or highway safety concerns.

“Furthermore, it would not have a significant impact on the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC and therefore accords with the relevant national and LDP policies.”

The application will be considered for approval by planning committee members on Monday April 8 at 4pm. The meeting will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.

Picture: Planning Documents