Social club set for demolition to make way for new housing

Plans to demolish a social club in Wrexham to build houses in its place have been recommended to go ahead.

An application was submitted in September 2023 to create nine new homes on the site of Bersham Sports and Social Club.

The proposals to knock the building down were put forward by Rossett-based property rental company Trailwalk Limited.

In documents entered with Wrexham Council, the firm claimed the club on Bersham Road was struggling to remain profitable.

They also said the development would help to bridge a shortfall of new homes in the county borough.

The application has now been backed for approval by the local authority’s chief planning officer ahead of a crunch meeting next week.

It comes despite some residents raising concerns over the loss of the community facility.

However, David Fitzsimon said the proposals would be acceptable as evidence had been provided to show it was no longer viable.

In a report to councillors, he said: “The application is accompanied by financial evidence demonstrating that the existing facility has been in difficulty for some time.

“Business rates relief during the Covid pandemic appears to have assisted.

“However, increases in the cost of gas, electric and general products, together with the cost of business rates, have had a profound effect on the continued viability of the sports and social club.

“The Esclusham Bowling Club and the adjacent Rhostyllen Parish Hall are within a ten minute walk the site.

“The Black Lion public house is a short distance from the application site.

“Having regard to the above, it is considered that the policy requirements are satisfied.”

A total of 11 representations were received from neighbours regarding the application.

Concerns raised included that it would cause an increase in traffic, while one person said it would lead to Bersham becoming “one big housing estate”.

However, Mr Fitzsimon added: “The proposed development is considered to be appropriate for the location and would not give rise to residential amenity, highway safety, ecology or flood risk concerns.

“It therefore accords with relevant national and local planning policies.”

Mr Fitzsimon has asked councillors for delegated authority to approve the scheme.

Permission would be conditional on the company submitting further information to address highways concerns and entering into a Section 106
legal agreement to provide money for local schools.

The proposals will be considered by members of Wrexham’s planning committee at a meeting on Monday (June 3, 2024).

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter