Pre-application consultation on Welsh medium school plans in Borras launches

Members of the public are being invited to put forward their views over plans to create a new Welsh medium school in Wrexham.

The local authority has launched this week a pre-application consultation over plans for Borras Park School.

The proposals include the refurbishment and extension of the Borras Park CP’s school’s junior building to accommodate an English medium school and the refurbishment of the existing infants building to create a new Welsh medium primary school.

This will include the creation of 10 additional classrooms within a new two-storey extension to the current junior school building and single storey extension at the front is proposed to house a new childcare unit.

Both schools will also undergo internal remodelling and refurbishment, along with new external works to form new areas of car parking and enhanced play areas.

Wrexham Council are now inviting residents in Borras Park and Rhosnesni, those whose children will attend or are attending Borras Park CP School and anyone who would like to attend the new Welsh medium School in this area are to take part in a pre-application consultation.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: “The purpose of the consultation is to raise awareness of the development within the community, to engage local stakeholders and provide them with the opportunity to review the plans and associated documents so they can provide their views on the proposals prior to the formal planning application being submitted to Wrexham Council.

“The pre-application consultation will run for 28 days and once completed responses will be considered and may form part of the formal plans for the site.

“This will then be the subject of further consultation through a full planning application.”

However the decision to hold the consultation during the coronavirus lockdown has been challenged by Borras councillor Debbie Wallice, who has asked Wrexham Council to revise their decision.

Cllr Wallice said what whilst she welcomes the chance for residents to have their say, she does not believe it is fair or suitable to hold a public consultation during the pandemic.

Posting on the Borras News Facebook page, Cllr Wallice said: “The Housing and Economy Department have proposed a forthcoming Pre Application Consultation (PAC), that will take place under revised conditions as set out by the Coronavirus Covid 19 Response Amendments.

“The consultation is for the residents of Borras Park and Rhosnesni to raise their concerns about the new Welsh medium school.

“As already established, the planning proposals consist of the refurbishment and extension of Borras Park CP’s school’s Junior building to accommodate the English Medium School and the refurbishment of the infants building to create a new Welsh medium primary school.

“Whilst I recognise the need for a consultation – and in normal circumstances, welcome one – I do not believe it is fair, wise or suitable to be holding a public consultation during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“The consultation is intended to start on Monday 22nd June 2020 and it will run until Monday 20th July 2020.

“However, this leaves me with several concerns regarding the effectiveness of such consultation.

“As a result, I have asked Wrexham Council to revise their decision to go ahead with the PAC, in order to wait for a sufficient time in which residents can safely engage with the process.”

You can take part in the pre application consultation here: