Plans to transform agricultural land on Wrexham Industrial Estate into ecological space

Plans to convert agricultural land on the Wrexham Industrial Estate into an ecological area could soon be given the go ahead.

The application, submitted by FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), proposes that 4.5 hectares of land off Bryn Lane is converted into wildflower meadows with an orchard space.

The plans, which will debated by planning committee members at a meeting on Monday 5 February, also include the creation of over 13 new wildlife ponds, grass paths and two new ditches.

David Fitzsimon, Wrexham Council’s chief officer for planning and economy, is seeking permission at the meeting to be given delegated authority to approve the plans.

This is subject to the council’s ecology officer and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirming no objection to the amended plans – which are for additional ponds – and to finalise the form and content of appropriately worded conditions.

These would include the submission of further details of planting and the extent of earth/groundworks associated with the development and the submission of a Construction Traffic Management Plan.

Five objections from neighbouring residents were made about the proposals, including fears about the loss of agricultural land, the site falling outside of a settlement boundary and concerns over surface water drainage.

Other objections included concerns for existing wildlife using the site – particularly newts and barn owls – and allowing nature to rewild the site.

In a report due before councillors on Monday, Mr Fitzsimon said that the proposals “would maintain the openness of the land on-site and would not introduce any large retaining structures within the landscape of the open countryside.”

The existing hedgerows around the site would not be removed as part of the planned use of the site.

Mr Fitzsimon adds: “Having regard to Policies SP2, SP14 and DM1 of the adopted Wrexham Local Development Plan, the proposed development is deemed to be acceptable in principle in this location.

“The proposal is also considered to be acceptable in visual terms, and in terms of the impacts upon neighbouring amenity, phosphorous, highway safety, land contamination and the solar Local Search Area.

“Subject to the Council’s Ecology Officer and NRW raising no objections to the amended plans, the proposed development would also not give rise to any ecology concerns.”

The application will be considered by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee at 4pm on Monday 5 February. The meeting will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.