Planning Committee

(Members’ declarations of personal interests in respect of this item are set out under Minute 46 above) The Head of Development Management introduced the report which was for a variation of Condition 01 of Planning Permission P/2016/0337 to extend time period for commencement of development. Concern expressed over the length of time this site had remained derelict and unkempt. Following a brief debate, Members were minded to grant the application. RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23 Note: The time limit in condition 14 amended from three months to two.

The Chair welcomed Emily Armstrong (F.I. Real Estate Management) to the Meeting, who spoke in favour of the application. The Head of Development Management introduced the report and in doing so informed the Committee that there were outstanding technical matters, some of which were in progress but that they could be resolved and dealt with by delegated authority. Councillor Michael Morris (Local Member) spoke in relation to the application and raised the following: · Concerns in relation to the decision for the application being delegated to officers as this application was not just a discharge of conditions · Clarification sought on the landscaping and concerns relating to the scale and height of the building. · Recognition that a considerable amount of work was being awaited from the Highways Department. · There were currently tree preservation orders on some of the trees on the site · Concerns expressed that several matters remained unresolved. A discussion ensued and the following points were raised: · Concerns relating to the scale and height of the building, and whether such height was necessary. · Confirmation that over the latter years there was a trend for buildings to be higher. · A Member raised their concern over the possible prospect of job losses in relation to this application and therefore confirmed that they would be abstaining from the vote. The Chief Officer Economy and Planning reminded Committee Members that this application was being brought to them today was because it was an outline planning application and if they did decide to delegate to Officers, reassurance was given that Officers would ensure that the matters of outstanding detail would be acceptable. Members were in agreement that investments in Wrexham that bring jobs into the City are to be encouraged. Members were minded to defer the application and asked that it come back to Committee at a later date. RESOLVED – That the application be DEFERRED.

The Head of Management introduced the report which was for a variation of Conditions 02 and 09 of Planning Permission P/2019/0913 to amend approved plans (Plots 6 and 7). Following a brief debate, Members were minded to grant the application subject to Section 106 Agreement RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23 and subject to a Section 106 Agreement.

The Head of Development Management introduced the report which was for the construction of a manufacturing facility with associated car parking and landscaping. The Committee were assured that the applicant would address any ecology issues. Assurances were sought that the tree proposed for removal would be replaced. RESOLVED – That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer Economy and Planning to grant planning permission, subject to the Council’s Ecology Officer and NRW confirming no objection to the amended plans; and to finalise and form the content of appropriately worded conditions, as set out in report COEP/65/23.

The Head of Development Management introduced the report seeking approval for the provision of three covered paddle tennis courts, resurfacing of existing tennis courts, LED floodlights, side entrance, roof alterations and canopy, replacement windows and doors, solar panels and electric parking stations. The Local Member (Councillor Marc Jones) spoke in relation to the application and following the positive news that there would not be a loss of open space, he advised that he was in support of the proposals. Members were pleased that there would be facilities to accommodate a new sport in Wrexham. RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23.

The Chair welcomed Stephen Peel (Local Resident) to the Meeting, who spoke against the application. Mr Alex Loven (Networld Sport) was also welcomed, and he spoke in favour the application. The Head of Development Management introduced the report which was a hybrid application seeking: full planning permission for demolition of existing buildings and the severable and phased erection of Class B1C/B2/B8 development with ancillary class B1A floor space and associated infrastructure (including substation and access); outline planning permission for the severable and phased construction of Class B1C/B2/B8 development with ancillary Class B1A floor space; retail, drive-thru, hotel, petrol station (classes A1/A3/C1/SUI Generis); and associated infrastructure (all matters reserved). He also reminded Committee Members that this was a key strategic site in the Local Development Plan. Councillor Michael Morris (Local Member) spoke in relation to the application and in doing so reminded Members that this was a new application outside of the Wrexham Industrial Estate and if the LDP was not adopted then this application would be put at risk. He also raised concerns in relation to points in the report that would require further work and consultation as well as the fact that the proposals deviated from those in the original master plan considered as part of the LDP process. During the discussion, a number of Members expressed their support for the application and were in agreement with the Chief Officer Planning and Environment who stated that the aim was to encourage investors and send the positive message that Wrexham was open for business. Concern was expressed that many objections and policy issues remained unresolved. An amendment put forward to accept the Officer’s recommendation was not carried and as a result Members resolved to defer the application and ask that it be brought back to Committee at a later date with further information. RESOLVED – That the application be DEFERRED.

The Chair welcomed Tracy Benyon to the Meeting who spoke against the application. Also welcomed was Alex Aresti (Omega Care Group) who spoke in favour of the application. The Chair reminded Members that this was a planning issue only for change of use from Class 3 to Class 2. The Head of Development Management drew Members’ attention to information in the addendum. He informed Members of the following: · Up to six residents could reside together where care was provided. · The two parking spaces currently meet the parking requirements. A discussion ensued and Members raised the following: · Support was expressed for the application, particularly as it was in a residential development. · Further support was given to the application as it was felt the home would support the wellbeing of children. · Recognition that care closer to home was beneficial for young people and this house would provide a homely environment. RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23.

The Head of Development Management introduced the report which was for single storey side and rear extensions, single storey garage extension to side The Local Member (Councillor Jeremy Kent) spoke in support of the application. RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23.

The Head of Development Management introduced the report. The digital poster was one of three posters that would attract interest of passing pedestrians. It would be in a conservation area, however there were currently mixed styles of street furniture in the area and the signs would not present a risk to pedestrian or highway safety, and would not prevent vehicular access. The Local Member (Councillor Marc Jones) spoke in relation to the application and raised the following points: · The proposed digital poster would not add anything to the conservation area. · The signs would be powered by electricity and may not be energy efficient. A Committee Member expressed their support for the digital poster stating the potential for them to promote businesses, football and sporting events and tourism in the area. RESOLVED – That the application be REFUSED. Note: The proposed sign would have a detrimental impact on the character of the Conservation Area and therefore conflicts with policy EC7 of the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan and policy SP15 of the Wrexham Local Development Plan.

RESOLVED – That permission be GRANTED in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in COEP/65/23.

The Head of Service, Development Management introduced the report. A debate ensued and the following points were noted: · Officers currently had a high number of cases. · Following the staffing situations within the department, the aim was to recruit and retain members of staff. · Acknowledgement that training and preparation for the installation of the new ICT system had also taken up Officer time. The Chair of the Committee expressed his appreciation to the Department and staff and this sentiment was echoed by other Committee Members. RESOLVED – That the information in the report of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning as set out in (COEP/46/23) be NOTED.