Plans for Former Butcher’s Shop in Gresford to Become Fast Food Takeaway Near Approval

PLANS to turn a former butcher’s shop in Gresford into a fast food takeaway look set to receive the green light.
An application to convert the old Dickens Butcher’s Shop on Chester Road in the village is due to be considered by councillors next week.
The shop is currently empty with few changes said to be required to the inside of the building.
If approved, the takeaway proposed by applicant Ahmedali Ibrahim would also provide a delivery service, with the current parking and access arrangements described as “adequate” to serve the business.
Some concerns have been raised by two neighbours and members of Gresford Community Council that there are already enough takeaways in the village.
However, the application has been recommended for approval by Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, who said there was no limit which could be imposed on the number of food outlets.
In a report, David Fitzsimon said: “The application site is a retail premises last used as a butcher’s. It has been vacant for approximately eight months.
“Policy supports retail, leisure and commercial proposals in accordance with the retail hierarchy where they are appropriate in scale for the particular centre.
“Policy does not preclude A3 (restaurant and café) uses from such areas, neither does it set specific parameters about the number of A3 uses that are regarded as being suitable or unsuitable.
“The proposed use would attract footfall, complementing existing uses.
“It would make a modest difference to the range of uses within the local centre, which would remain mixed but predominately retail in character.”
Other issues raised by neighbours include that the proposals would lead to an increase in traffic and litter in the area, as well as odours caused by cooking.
Mr Fitzsimon said these problems had been addressed in the application.
He said: “The proposed development is unlikely to significantly increase activity in the local centre during the afternoon or evenings.
“It would therefore not result in any significant disturbance that would harm the living conditions of occupiers of nearby dwellings.
“An extraction flue is proposed which would minimise the risk of nuisance from cooking odours.
“A suitably worded condition could require that a bin be provided outside the premises to help minimise risk of littering.”
The proposals will be considered by members of the council’s planning committee when they meet on Monday (April 8, 2024).

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter