Plans for refurb and change of use of former town solicitors backed by councillors

Plans for a refurbishment and change of use of a former town centre solicitors have been approved.

Members of the council’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposals for 31 High Street at a meeting on Monday night.

The property itself was listed in 1994 due to being a part of an “important group of commercial buildings on the High Street”.

It had previously been home to Thomas Andrew and Partners – however the building has been vacant for some time.

Last summer Wrexham.com reported that plans had been put forward to refurbish the property and change the use into Class A1 (retail) and Class A3 (restaurants and cafes).

Documents presented to committee members earlier this week also kept in the option to retain Class A2 use for potential occupiers.

A separate application to turn the first and second floors of the building into flats was also submitted last year.

Mr Moir, who is behind the planned redevelopment of the building, said: “In 2019 we purchased both 30 and 31 High Street and Overton Arcade, although they are magnificent Grade II listed buildings, they had fallen into disrepair and lack of use.

“The proposals relates to ground floor of 31. When I was a child the High Street used to have banks, solicitor and estate agents, but it’s become more of a social area than it used to be and that is what we are trying to achieve in the area that is the ground floor.

“In consultation with the lead members his reservations which were raised before, he now feels we have answered the various comments he has made. So we would like you to approve this as soon as possible.”

There had been concerns from the local community council about bin storage and the access to the first and second floors.

However in his report Lawrence Isted, chief planning officer, said: “The plans show adequate provision for bin storage to the rear. It is likely bins would be brought out for collection via Overton Arcade.

“I have not been provided with any evidence to suggest that this would give rise to a safety or other concerns.

“The principle of development is considered to be acceptable and a development of the type proposed is considered could sit comfortably in this location without detriment to visual or residential amenities.”