WREXHAM tennis centre has altered its planning application following opposition from local residents over green space. 

Plans were submitted to Wrexham Council in August, seeking permission for a raft of improvements, upgrades and additions at the centre off Plas Coch Road.

These include new padel tennis courts, two additional outdoor courts, more floodlighting and a resurfacing of all outdoor courts.

If approved, the development would mean an extension to the site, which backs onto Ashfield Park, which led to residents becoming increasingly frustrated that further developments would take away more green space at the park. 

Following meetings with Rhosddu councillor Marc Jones, the tennis centre has decided to alter the planning application so that it no longer takes away space at the park. 

"I am very glad the tennis centre have engaged with myself and listened to the concerns of residents," Cllr Jones said. 

"A number of residents still feel raw about how the tennis centre has gone about things in the past. It was seen by many as a step too far. 

"That was the message I took to the tennis centre and they've responded very positively. 

"It means that plans can go ahead, which is a big plus for sporting facilities in Wrexham, overall it's a win-win situation."

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Local resident, Hayley Atakan had led opposition following the initial application in August.

She said: "After speaking with a number of other people, we're happy that they've decided to change it and that we're not losing any more green space. 

"The repairs are fine, we never had an issue with that, it was just about protecting the park. The lights may still cause an issue, but we'll have to wait and see.

"We're a tight-knit community here and when everyone comes together to fight for something, it's very strong."

A statement from the tennis centre trustees said: "An aspiration of the redevelopment project is to improve the wider Ashfield Park site. The centre and council are keen to make it a public space to be proud of.

"The centre recognises that this is an area that has not been properly addressed over recent years and proposes to work with the local councillor and community to set up a “Friends of Ashfield Park” group that will ensure that the space is better managed and maintained collectively for the local community.

"In the long term the plan is still to add two new outdoor courts on the playing field immediately adjacent to the centre at Ashfield Park, but this will not take place without first consulting with the local community. The development of Padel will mean two of our existing outdoor tennis courts will be converted for this purpose, therefore we wish to maintain the existing number of outdoor tennis courts.

"By adding two new outdoor tennis courts longer term, we will maintain our existing court capacity on site, offer improved all weather surfaces for all year round play outdoors whilst preserving our existing capacity to host national and international competitions.

"Keeping 11 outdoor tennis courts will mean we can offer better year-round access to the local community to the tennis centre – a key reason for our redevelopment plans."