DEVELOPERS building a new housing estate around Llay Royal British Legion are still waiting to see if permission is granted for nine additional homes.
SG Estates submitted an application to change plans for a retail development on Watts Dyke and Llay New Road that would have provided amenities for the estate into an extra nine homes.
But Wrexham County Borough Council’s Planning Committee could not come to a decision and has arranged a site visit to assess the proposals in person.
In a statement of support for the scheme to the committee Dan Griffin, operations manager of SG Estates, said: “This land, originally owned by the Royal British Legion, was sold to a commercial developer. In 2018 permission was granted for a retail unit.
“However, the proposed deal with a national supermarket chain fell through due to a perceived lack of demand for commercial use in this location.
“The land was then marketed for over two years without success. In January 2024 SG Estates agreed to purchase the site while also progressing the development of 50 dwellings to the west and south of the British Legion buildings.
“If our application is successful, our statutory planning obligations and voluntary contributions across both schemed will deliver over £59,000 towards off-site playing fields and parks and £384,000 towards education provision.
“We have also provided significant benefit to the British Legion, delivering a brand-new 55-space car park and a newly relocated war memorial costing in total £250,000.
“We are also building a state-of-the-art £100,000 boxing facility, replacing a semi-derelict unit for the historic, nationally renowned Llay Boxing Club.
“We agreed to supply and fit secure external doors for the legion at no cost to them and we are paying for the use of the legion’s facilities during the construction period, providing it with valuable, ongoing income.”
He added that the nine additional homes would be sold to a housing association to provide affordable housing for local families through a registered social landlord.
The 50 homes already under construction on the site are all allocated as affordable housing.
Officers recommended approval of the plans, but some councillors on the planning committee needed more information.
“I’m concerned from a safeguarding point of view as there is only one pedestrian access, behind the nine homes, to the estate’s only area of green space,” said Cllr Dana Davies.
“As a mum I’m worried that there is only one pathway through what is going to be a busy access in and out.
“Also where are these properties going to have their bins emptied, because there is no turning point.”
Officers confirmed the plans do include two bin collection points on Watts Dyke.
Councillors agreed to hold a site visit on Friday, September 12 to inspect the site before making a decision.
