132kV cable installation at Kronospan Ltd, Chirk, Wrexham

What was proposed

The application sought two 132kV circuits, two fibre cables and two cable-sealing platforms, mostly following existing highways.

“Proposal The application seeking planning permission is for the installation of two 132kV circuits and two fibre cables between the existing Legacy to Oswestry 132kV overhead line and a [proposed 132kV substation at the Kronospan site.”

Officer report

The site

The site covers about 11.34 hectares of highway verge and agricultural land near the existing facility, railway and canal.

“Site Description The application site comprises an area of approximately 11.34 hectares of both public highway verge and agricultural land mainly to the east of the existing Kronospan facility. The B5070 public highway (Holyhead Road) abuts the facility on the site’s eastern boundary, whilst the Shrewsbury – Wrexham railway line and the Llangollen Canal lie to the west of the site.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

The site has planning history since the 1970s, including an earlier application for a substation and associated works that remained pending.

“Site History The Kronospan site has an extensive planning history extending back to the early 1970s. The most relevant site history is:”

“P/2022/1080 - Construction of new access roads, lorry park, weighbridge and building, car park, facilities block, roundwood storage areas, 132 KV substation and ancillary works - pending a Section 106 agreement.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions covering traffic, environmental protection, archaeology, trees, drainage and construction management.

“As a result of further information and clarification from the applicants and subject to the provision of a revised swept-path drawing for Compound 2, and subject to the inclusion of suitable conditions to manage the construction stage aspects and that the details, methodology and timescales for the trenching and drilling aspects of the scheme can be managed through the Section 50 licence application (New Roads and Street Works Act 1991), no objections are raised.”

“Ecology Officer: Raises no objections subject to condition to secure an updated Construction Environmental Management Plan, to include measures for the protection of the environment during construction, including protected species and their habitats (Bats and otters). No issues are raised in consideration of surface and foul water drainage, the applicants having identified avoidance and mitigation measures for…”

Officer report

What residents said

Two objections raised concerns about odour, dust, noise, public highways and construction impacts.

“Publicity Undertaken: Site notices (6). Press notice. Neighbour notification.”

“Responses to Publicity: Two letters of objections have been received raising concerns with regards to odour dust and noise, along with impacts on public highways during the installation of the underground cables.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour, while the local member raised concerns about community disruption and requested stronger working-hour restrictions.

What members discussed

Members discussed energy-network resilience, temporary visual effects, road closures, construction management, communication and an amendment to one condition.

“The Officer presented the report and a discussed ensued. The following points were highlighted during the debate: • Members were advised that the applicant was a major energy user and that additional infrastructure was required to improve the resilience of the energy supply network. Officers confirmed that the proposal complied with relevant planning policies. • Visual impact of the development would be temporary and largely confined to the construction period.”

“This document is also available in Welsh This Committee’s meetings are webcast and can be viewed by visiting the webcast library at: https://wrexham.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcasts • Officers advised that a Construction Management Plan would be required, which would include the proposed programme of works and measures to minimise disruption.”

Minutes