New apartments planned above city centre shop

Plans to develop several new apartments in Wrexham city centre could soon be given the go ahead.

An application has been submitted to Wrexham Council proposing that four new apartments are created in 36 Brook Street.

The building was previously home to a Nightingale House charity shop several years ago and is now occupied by a cobblers..

As part of the plans apartments would be be created on the ground, first and second floors.

However space will be retained on the ground floor level for retail use – which will be unaffected by the plans.

The application is the second of its kind to be submitted for the building in the last two years.

Plans to redevelop the vacant property were refused by Wrexham Council’s chief planning and economy officer in 2023 amid concerns that a proposed rear extension would impact neighbouring residential units.

The new application for 36 Brook Street proposes that a one bedroom apartment with an open plan kitchen and living space is created at the rear of the property on the ground floor.

According to the applicants the ground floor apartment will have use of the yard for bike store/bin store and drying area

Retail use will continue to be provided at the front of the premises.

Picture: Planning documents

On the first floor it has been proposed that a small one bedroom apartment and one studio apartment are created whilst a two single bedroom apartment would occupy the second floor.

The plans do not include an extension to the property.

According to the applicants the building is “easily capable of accommodating the proposed new use.”

The applicants add: “The mixed commercial/residential mixed use will be retained, the development proposal entails the reconfiguration of the internal space to create apartments and commercial floorspace, the mixed use proposed does not adversely impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

“The development is considered not to have a significant impact on the privacy or amenity of surrounding neighbours and provides the same standard of amenity enjoyed by occupiers of nearby apartments, thereby according with policies.

“The proposed use will provide a high quality residential environment. It will help meet the Borough’s need for one bed accommodation of this type, to meet the needs of individuals and couples.

“The site lies within the town centre and is connected and accessible to rail services, public transport, education, services and facilities.

“It will provide an excellent residential environment for the proposed residents, with no impact on existing neighbours.

“As such the proposed development results in no significant use change of the building and is in overall compliance with policies of the Development Plan. Accordingly, the Council is respectfully requested to grant planning permission.”

The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.