“Eyesore” development site set for three year extension over plans to build 20+ flats

Planning permission to build more than 20 ‘apartments’ on a derelict site in Wrexham could be extended to allow work to begin.

The former Ebeneser Chapel on Chester Street was demolished in 2016 after plans to redevelop the site into 23, two bedroom apartments were given the go ahead by councillors.

As part of the plans the block of flats would be built in a ‘V’ shape stepped over three, four and five floors.

The demolition of the building took place in 2017, with Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economic performance and regeneration, stating 12 months later that the development was “due to begin in earnest”.

However such works have yet to begin, with the applicants lodging an application to “extend the time for commencement of development” by another three to five years.

The applicants say that “whilst we fully intend to develop this site within a reasonable timeframe, it has been delayed due to Brexit and covid and the associated business conditions.”

This has been met with objection from local councillors and community council, who have questioned the developer’s “ability to actually redevelop the site”.

Grosvenor councillor Marc Jones, said: “Wrexham has far too many derelict buildings and wasteland as it is, no doubt in part because we have been too lenient with developers who find themselves unable to continue the work for whatever reason.”

The local community council added: “The demolished building has left an eyesore on the main approach into the town centre and works should commence within the original time period to ensure the amenity of the area is improved within the original time frame.”

But in his report, Lawrence Isted, Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, said “there are no planning grounds to refuse the application based on Welsh Government Advice.”

It has been recommended the application is approved subject to the “confirmation of the Section 106 agreement for the previous application, requiring a contribution towards the provision of off-site public open space improvements.”

If granted, within one month a “scheme of temporary fencing along the highway frontage of the site” is also expected be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority

Commenting on plans, Mr Isted said: “The appearance of the site is a cause of concern and the applicant has offered to discuss a more appropriate boundary treatment for the building site once an extension of time is granted.

“It is considered that working with the developer to discharge the conditions and allow development to commence in a slightly longer time frame is the best way to ensure that the site does not remain vacant for a long period.”

The application will be considered for approval at a virtual meeting at 4pm on Monday 7 June. The meeting will be streamed on the Wrexham Council website.