Plans submitted for 159 affordable homes on former factory site

Fresh plans have been submitted to build homes on the site of a former factory in Wrexham almost 15 years after it closed.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association has entered proposals to create 159 affordable houses on the old home of the Air Products plant in Acrefair.

Around 200 people lost their jobs when the facility which was used to manufacture industrial gas related products was shut in December 2009.

The building on Llangollen Road was later demolished and permission was granted to the site’s previous owners for a mixture of houses and commercial units three years later.

However, the scheme did not proceed and plans for 232 properties which were approved in 2018 also failed to materialise.

The delays have led to frustration from local councillors, who are keen to see the site brought back into use.

The St Asaph-based housing association is now looking to press ahead with its own proposals after buying the 17.5 acre plot for £3.5m in 2021.

In documents lodged with Wrexham Council, representatives for Clwyd Alyn said: “The aim is to create a quality, sustainable and desirable place to live that is shaped by the distinct character of the site and the village of Acrefair.

“The brownfield site is situated in a sustainable location with good access to transport routes, employment opportunities, established residential neighbourhoods, and community amenities, services and public open spaces.

“Clwyd Alyn’s vision for all developments is to deliver high quality affordable homes for local people which will achieve a high level of energy efficiency.

“The site is the location of the former Air Products factory located off the A539 Llangollen Road in Acrefair.

“The proposed outline planning application is for the erection of a residential development with all matters reserved.”

The proposals show the development would include a mixture of apartments, bungalows and houses, each with private gardens and parking areas.

Areas of public open space have also been earmarked and most trees on the site are expected to be retained.

Concerns were raised by some residents in the area during a pre-application consultation period over the risk of flooding, traffic congestion and potential land contamination issues.

The housing association said all matters highlighted would be taken into account, with a decision expected on the proposals at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter