Drainage and sports facilities at Darland School and Sports Centre, Rossett, Wrexham

What was proposed

The application proposed a new drainage system, irrigation tanks, pump housing, shipping containers, two swales and landscaping works.

“Proposal The application proposes engineering operations to install a new drainage system, the siting of shipping containers and landscaping works.”

“The proposed works are summarised as follows: • Installation of permanent irrigation tanks and pump housing; • Provision of shipping container storage buildings; • Construction of two swales (attenuation ponds) to attenuate surface water run-off from the site; • Hard and soft landscaping works involving reinforced hedgerows, low management grassland, permeable maintenance access routes, and stock fencing.”

Officer report

The site

The site is open grassland marked for football pitches, enclosed by hedgerows, beside a school, Gamford Lane, farmland and housing under construction.

“Site Description The site is situated to the south-east of Darland High School. The site is enclosed by established hedgerows and consists of open grass land marked out for football pitches.”

“The north-east boundary of the site is defined by Gamford Lane, which also serves as a vehicular access point. To the south-east, the site adjoins agricultural land, while to the south-west it borders a still under construction housing development.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission was granted for a new training facility in March 2025, while applications concerning landscaping and access conditions followed.

“Site History P/2025/0767 - DISCHARGE OF CONDITIONS 8 (TRAFFIC AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN), 9 (TRAVEL PLAN) AND 10 (CAR PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN) OF PLANNING PERMISSION P/2024/1293 - Pending…”

“P/2025/0505 - DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 7 (LANDSCAPING) OF PLANNING PERMISSION P/2024/1293 - Granted 19/08/2025”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The Community Council, local member and residents raised concerns about amenity, tanks, groundwater, drainage, flooding, noise, odour, dust and visual impact, while several specialists raised no objection subject to controls.

“Consultation Responses Community Council: Objects and raises the following concerns: • Impact on residential amenity (visual and noise); • Borehole and groundwater concerns – impact on water table, nearby properties and water abstraction and water management; • Drainage, swales and maintenance – risk of stagnant water, visual impact, absence of a Drainage and SuDs management plan; • Construction and Environmental Protection – dust; • Community engagement process – lack of…”

“Responses to Publicity: 6 objections received, the main points raised are: • The position of the water tanks, pumps and borehole in the proposed compound. The tanks are very close to fence lines and pose a significant visual impact and loss of enjoyment to properties. • Asking that the position is reviewed and the tanks are located closer to the access road where the visual impact and associated noise from operation would be greatly reduced.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee against the application, another spoke in favour, and the local member raised parking, swales and drainage concerns.

The votes

Members rejected a proposed site visit and rejected a proposal to add a noise impact assessment condition.

“A site visit was proposed and seconded and was put to the vote. The vote was lost. A further recommendation was proposed and seconded that the recommendations be agreed with the inclusion of an additional condition that a noise impact assessment be requested. This was put to the vote but was lost.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised delegated approval subject to amended plans, container screening and colour, and consultation with local representatives and nearby homes before the decision.

“RESOLVED – That the Interim Chief Officer Economy and Planning be given delegated authority to grant planning permission subject to the following: (a) The submission of an amended elevation plan and condition 02 amended to refer to the amended elevation plan, as well as the amended site layout plan previously submitted.”

“(c) Consultation with the Community Council, Local Members and adjacent residential properties takes place prior to the decision being made.”

Minutes