Christmas farm and recreation centre at Christmas Farm, Cefn-y-bedd, Wrexham

“Description of Development NEWID DEFNYDD TIR AR GYFER EI DDEFNYDDIO FEL FFERM GOED NADOLIG A CHANOLFAN HAMDDEN AWYR AGORED I GYNNWYS CANOLFAN CEIRW, PADLFYRDDIO, GWEITHGAREDDAU DWR AC YMESTYN Y LLYN PRESENNOL, CREU LLWYBR RHISGL, CODI ADEILAD I DDARPARU SWYDDFA, STORFA PEIRIANNAU AC OFFER, STORFA WELLT A GOFOD BAE SALWCH/MAMOLAETH AR GYFER CEIRW A CHREU MAES PARCIO, MYNEDIAD A THIRLUNIO SAFLE / CHANGE OF USE OF LAND FOR USE AS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM AND OUTDOOR RECREATION…”

“Proposal The application seeks consent for the change of use of land to a mixed use including a Christmas tree farm and outdoor recreation including the provision of a reindeer centre, paddle boarding, water related activities, engineering operations to extend the existing lake, creation of bark footpath, erection of a cedar clad agricultural building to provide office, machinery and equipment store, hay/straw storage, a sick bay and maternity bay for reindeer, the creation…”

“Site Description The application site comprises approximately 16.6ha of agricultural land located to the south of the B5102 public highway (Llay Road) and to the east of Park Road.”

“Site History P/2022/0681 - use of the site as a Christmas tree farm and outdoor recreation centre to include a ‘reindeer centre’, paddle boarding and water related activities. The application also proposed the erection of a building to provide an office, machine and equipment store, a hay/straw storage area and a sick/maternity bay for reindeer. Refused 06/11/2023 Appeal dismissed 03/12/2024.”

“Given that there a no material differences between the proposed development and the scheme considered by the appeal Inspector in respect of natural environment considerations and that there have been no material changes in circumstances since the appeal decision, subject to suitably worded planning conditions, the proposed development would not give rise to ecological concerns in respect of protected species and protected sites or concerns regarding trees or hedgerows .”

“Conclusion The proposed development would not give rise to visual impact, residential amenity, highway safety or ecological concerns. It therefore accords with the relevant UDP policies, PPW and relevant Technical Advice Notes.”

“Cycle UK: Recommends that planning conditions requiring the installation of cycle parking, compliant with Welsh Government’s Active Travel Guidance and Wrexham’s own Local Planning Guidance. In addition, recommend improvements to the design of the junction to provide safe access from the carriageway to the Shared Foot/Cycleway in line with the Active Travel Act Guidance should be made.”

“Highway Officer: Raises no objection subject to planning conditions requiring the submission of a Construction Traffic Management Plan, Service Delivery Management Plan and a Car Parking Management Plan. A planning condition relating to opening hours is also recommended in the interests of pedestrian safety.”

“Local Members: Cllr Apsley Concerned that this application is coming before the Planning Committee within four months of it being refused at appeal. Concerned as there is no specific policy in the LDP which covers this kind of development. The stagnant water is highly likely to be a health hazard to people like Paddle Boarders. Concerned with highway and pedestrian safety as described by the inspector's report.”

“Concern that during the site visit, many vehicles were observed travelling above the speed limit. • Concern that by late summer the verges and hedgerows would likely be overgrown, further affecting visibility. • Acknowledgement that although significant highway safety improvements were required, the application presented an opportunity to address these issues.”

“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 pedestrian traffic levels were unlikely to be high enough to justify a zebra crossing. • Traffic lights were considered unsuitable in this location due to the need for full visibility for approaching vehicles.”

“RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused as the development does not provide a safe means of pedestrian access and therefore conflicts with policy GDP1 of the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan.”