New HMO planned above city centre takeaway

An application has been lodged to create a new house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Wrexham city centre.

Agents Planning Angel Ltd (PAL) have submitted the plans to Wrexham Council proposing the change of use for space above Perfect Pizza, a hot food takeaway, at 3 King Street.

The first floor is currently made up of vacant rooms which are currently used for storage for the takeaway.

As part of the plans a section of the upper floor would be converted into a four bedroom HMO, with ensuite facilities, a shared kitchen/dining area and stairs/lobby leading to the entrance to the rear at the ground floor.

If approved the HMO would facilitate up to six people.

The ground floor takeaway will be retained and is unaffected by the plans.

According to the applicants the space on King Street “lends itself to being easily internally divided, the rooms conform to minimum room size standards and take into account the layout of the building and the existing fenestration.”

They continue onto say: “The town centre currently has very few residential properties directly within it, yet town centre living can be an attractive and sustainable option for a wide range of people including young professionals, students and an ageing population.

“With a number of vacant and underused buildings in the town centre there are opportunities for alternative uses.

“A diverse town centre population can help bring life into the town, create passive surveillance, support exiting businesses, an evening economy and new town centre uses that can help add vibrancy to the town.

“King Street is outside the retail core, the masterplan recognises that the loss of retail space or active ground floor frontages would not be considered detrimental to the vitality and viability of the town centre and alternative uses could be supported – especially when it is acknowledged that these weaker areas may no longer be attractive destinations for such uses.”

The proposed interior (Picture planning documents)

No parking provision or outdoor space is proposed for the site.

However the applicant states that the “location allows good access to nearby services and amenities and can therefore be deemed a sustainable location that would not require dedicated parking spaces for each occupant.”

Cycle storage will be accommodated within the lobby of the building or in the rear yard area.

In terms of a lack of outdoor space at the HMO, it is noted that the likes of Llwyn Isaf, Bellevue Park and leisure facilities are within walking distance.

The applicant concludes: “The residential use will entail the reconfiguration of the internal space to create the HMO, utilising the vacant space above the hot food takeaway.

“The proposed change of use to residential does not adversely impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

“The proposed use will provide a 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 needing to live and work in the city.

“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.

“The proposal development is of an appropriate density and design and would not give rise to visual or residential amenity, or highway safety concerns. It therefore accords with the relevant LDP policies.

“As such the proposed development to change from A3 to C4 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.