Vehicle repair and welding at Central Garage, King Street, Acrefair, Wrexham

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective change of use from a bus depot to car repairs, welding and associated works.

“CHANGE OF USE OF BUS DEPOT TO MIXED CLASS B1/B2 (CAR REPAIRS AND WELDING) AND ALL ASSOCIATED WORKS”

“Proposal The application is in retrospect and is for the change of use from a bus depot to a mixed B1/B2 use for car repairs and welding, and all associated works. The main issues relate to the design and visual impact, impact upon neighbours, highway safety and net biodiversity benefit.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

Central Garage is within a mixed-use area containing homes and light industrial uses, and already has an established bus depot use.

“Site Description The site is Central Garage which is located off King Street within Cefn Mawr. The site already has extant use as a bus depot. The development site is located within a mixed-use area, primarily comprising of residential dwellings and light industrial uses.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions concerned the temporary bus depot, covered coach parking, site layout, vehicle numbers and operating conditions.

“Site History CB01695 - Renewal of temporary planning permission code Nos. 6/23217 &”

“P/2000/1024 - Extension to covered parking for 9 No. coaches, site layout modifications, increase in vehicles to 10 No. (5 No. only after 2100 hrs) (Variation to permission Code No. CB01695 - Condition Nos. 1 and 2) - Refused 08/01/2001”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in principle and would not significantly worsen residential amenity or highway safety, subject to conditions.

“Neighbours also raised health and safety concerns i.e. air pollution, fumes, odours and hazardous materials. However, the Public Protection Officer has not raised a concern about this and given the previous use of the site, this proposal would not lead to an intensification of the site and is not considered to present any further impacts upon residential amenity than the previous use.”

“Conclusion The change of use would not result in a significantly different impact upon residential amenity or highway safety than the previous use a bus depot. Therefore, subject to conditions the proposed development accords with the relevant UDP policies.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The community council and residents objected over noise, insulation, disturbance, fumes, traffic, parking, pollution and effects on nearby homes.

“Consultation Responses Community Council: Object based on the following concerns: 1. The proposal does not reflect the wishes of local residents 2. Insufficient detail regarding noise levels and noise impact - The Council is concerned that the application does not provide sufficient detail or robust evidence in relation to likely noise levels, how noise has been assessed, and the potential impact on surrounding properties. 3.”

“Responses to Publicity: 12 objections received, concerns including: • The proposal is industrial in nature and inappropriate in a residential street surrounded by homes and bungalows. • Noise and disturbance from engines, tools, welding, revving vehicles and traffic will significantly harm the peace and residential amenity of neighbours.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee against the application, the agent spoke in favour, and the local member raised noise concerns and requested a site visit.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the site’s history, comparable activity, traffic, nearby homes, noise controls and concerns about Sunday and Bank Holiday working.

“Members were advised that the site had historically operated as a depot and that the proposed use was considered broadly comparable in terms of activity. It was noted that the proposal was not expected to result in a significant increase in traffic generation and that additional controls would be available to manage noise impacts. • Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the site to residential properties…”

“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 and the need to ensure appropriate protection for neighbouring residential amenity. • Members also expressed concern regarding the proposed operating hours, with comments made that Sunday and Bank Holiday working could have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residents.”

Minutes

Why it was deferred

The committee deferred the application for detailed noise management and mitigation information, further consultation and consideration of additional hours and noise conditions.

“To enable the submission of detailed scheme of noise management and mitigation, further consultation with Public Protection and consideration of additional conditions in terms of hours and noise levels in addition to condition 3 in respect to secure a noise management plan.”

Minutes