Plans entered for new convenience store on Llay Royal British Legion site

PLANS to build a new convenience store on land next to a Royal British Legion (RBL) club have been put forward.

Outline proposals to put 51 new homes, a 4,000 square foot retail unit and boxing club next to the social club in Llay were approved by councillors last year.

The application by the RBL headquarters in London came despite objections from local club members that it could lead to its closure.

Full permission is now being sought for the shop scheme to move forward by developers Thistlewood Properties.

In a letter to Wrexham Council accompanying the submissions, planning consultant Steve Edgeller said: “Following the approval of outline planning permission in 2019, we have pleasure in submitting an application for full planning permission for the retail element of the site.

“The proposed retail store has been located on the approximate footprint of the retail unit shown on the approved illustrative site layout plan contained in the outline application and reflects the approved vehicular access arrangements on the plan.

“It comprises a single storey brick and render building with a tiled, pitched roof.

“A new pedestrian access is proposed directly onto Llay New Road, with a small section of the existing hedge removed.”

The proposals include plans for 15 parking spaces and an external ATM.

A decision will be made by the local authority at a later date.

In a separate development, the area of the RBL site earmarked for houses has been put up for sale.

A listing was posted on the website of property consultants Lamb and Swift encouraging offers for the three acres of land.

It states: “The existing site extends to approximately 5.12 acres, which includes a Royal British Legion Club, with associated playing field and car park.

“Our client, The Royal British Legion, have obtained outline approval to an application for 51 dwellings on the site that measure approximately three acres, which is the parcel of land we are instructed to dispose of.

“The freehold will be transferred upon completion. All house sales, save for any affordable units, will be sold freehold.”

They added that offers should be submitted before April 3.

Permission was granted for the housing scheme last March despite concerns from councillors that it would put extra pressure on the village’s health services.

Llay councillor Rob Walsh told the planning committee that capacity at the local GP surgery had hit crisis point and urged them to reject the application.

But it was back by the majority of committee members at the end of the debate.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter