WREXHAM: Houses plan for former factory site

Wrexham Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the proposals for 21 three to four-bedroom houses on the old Air Products site off Llangollen Road.

The site has stood vacant for more than a decade since the factory was closed, which at the time resulted in 200 job losses, while this planning application has been in the pipeline for two years.

According to a planning officer’s report, just one objection has been made to the plans on the grounds that there are not adequate amenities in the area, such as a village shop, to accommodate new residential development and impact on traffic.

The report says: “The proposed development would comprise of 21 two storey dwellings. The site layout would provide for strong built frontages to Llangollen Road and within the site.

“The use of different house types provide for a varied street scene. The site layout provides for natural surveillance of the internal road, footways and open space.

“Existing development within the vicinity is largely two-storey in scale but of varying architectural styles and layout. The development would be keeping with this and would significantly enhance the appearance of the site and the immediate locality.”

Although Wrexham Council does not have a Local Development Plan in place, officers say this development complies with the draft plan deemed sound by Welsh Government inspectors earlier this year.

The planning officer’s report also suggests it will help improve the appearance of one of the main routes to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site.

It adds: “The former Air Products site is one of the largest previously developed sites in the County Borough.

“The redevelopment of the site will make an important contribution to meeting the housing required in the draft LDP whilst also enhancing the appearance of a key route on the approaches to the World Heritage Site.

An aerial view of the site (Image: Wrexham Council planning documents)

“The proposed development would secure the regeneration of previously developed land and enhance the appearance of an important gateway to the World Heritage Site.

“The development would not give rise to residential amenity, highway safety or ecology.”

A recommendation has been made to councillors by the planning department that they grant the proposal.

Members will have their say on the proposed development when the planning committee meets on Monday (November 6).

Another part of the old Air Products site is being developed for affordable homes by the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association.