HOW wins appeal for Wrexham warehouse

A planning inspector has granted permission for a 400,000 sq ft warehouse building on a greenfield site on the edge of Wrexham Industrial Estate following an appeal.

HOW Planning acted on behalf of Kingmoor Park Properties in the case, achieving a fast track decision from the inspector.

The inspector found that the scheme would cause significant harm to the local landscape, and would be dominant in its setting, though this could be mitigated.

She also concluded that it conflicted with the approved development plan for the area on a number of counts.

However the potential job creation in an area with pockets of severe deprivation; the new investment; economic growth and lack of other suitable sites were all regarded as of overriding importance.

Gary Halman, partner at HOW, who gave evidence at the public inquiry, said "This is a really important decision. It is one of the first appeals for major economic development in Wales since the Welsh Government reviewed its planning policy guidance to emphasise the importance of encouraging jobs and economic growth in planning decisions.

"The inspector was persuaded that the weight to be attached to these factors significantly offset the conflict with the UDP and the other harm that she identified, and was happy to grant permission because of the compelling economic benefits of the scheme."

Agents for the site are Matthews & Goodman.