Controversial plans for HMO on Wrexham housing estate set to go before councillors again

CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a family home near Wrexham Industrial Estate into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) are set to go before councillors for a second time next week.
An application to change of use of a property on the Pentre Maelor estate, which is close to HMP Berwyn prison, was deferred earlier this month to allow Abenbury Community Council to make representations.
A petition signed by 136 residents was previously submitted to Wrexham Council amid concerns the proposals to accommodate seven people would “disrespect” the heritage of the estate and could lead to sewage overflowing.
Ahead of Monday’s planning committee meeting, the community council has also raised strong objections over parking issues in the area.
In a submission to the local authority, its members said: “Wrexham Council will be aware of the problems of parking on the street.
“The environment department have regularly had problems with refuse vehicles having to drive over the grassed areas to get past parked cars.
“The community council is also in discussion with the highways department regarding making alterations, at Abenbury’s expense, to the road to improve the parking issue.
“The estate layout never assumed the current number of cars and can certainly not cope with, potentially an additional seven cars.
“Provision is shown for four spaces, which with the refuse bins is tight and unlikely in reality ever to be used.
“The council feels strongly that this is inadequate for the proposed development.”
The plans seek permission for the construction of a single-storey extension to the rear of the property on Bridgeway West.
In his application, landlord Andrew Shields said the scheme would meet the demand for living space in the area.
Despite the objections, the proposals have also been backed by the council’s chief planning officer Lawrence Isted.
In his report to the committee, he said: “I have considered the concerns expressed by nearby residents and impact on residential amenity.
“I am conscious that excessive noise would be addressed by Public Protection and enforcement of the HMO licence at the property.
“I am aware of the concerns regarding the drains and a building regulations application will also be required which will consider fire safety, any new drainage, structural alterations and ventilation and light.
“Provision of four parking spaces on the site will help ease additional congestion.”
Mr Shields has separately lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate over the length of time the council has taken to decide on the application.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter