Factory land prepared for housing

Engineering group Air Products is marketing its former factory site in Wrexham to housebuilders after securing outline planning permission.

The buyer will get consent to build 230 new homes, 25% of which will be affordable, one hectare of retail and commercial space, and eight acres of public space alongside the existing sports and social club.

The planning application was drawn up by Turley Associates and e*SCAPE Urbanists developed the illustrative masterplan supporting the application.

Justin Cove, associate director of Turley Associates' Manchester office, said: "This site had been allocated for mixed-use development in the emerging Wrexham Local Development Plan. Since its original consultation release we have had a close working relationship with the council and the local community to ensure that our proposals respond to their projected needs and the planning brief that had been produced for the site. The resolution to grant permission is a terrific result and will regenerate this historical brownfield site and bring much needed homes and jobs to the area."

The site is to be marketed by Manchester-based property agents Preston O'Herlihy who will look for a developer to bring forward the site proposals. Brendan O'Herlihy said: "The proposal is on a large and attractive site and has generated considerable early interest. Marketing of the site is about to commence and we will be looking for a development partner to bring forward high quality residential development and commercial uses that respond to community need and the local setting."

Air Products closed the site in 2009.