Kronospan extension plans are rejected again

Kronospan, based in Chirk, near Oswestry, had re-submitted a planning application to build an extension to store medium density fibreboard and chipboard.

In the past the application had been refused permission due to a substantial increase in the mass of the building, which would have risen above tree level and caused landscape impact, including views from Chirk Castle Estate.

The original application in 2016 was rejected, however the new application has reduced the size of the building by the metres in height and 27 metres in length.

However, a report that went before a Wrexham Council planning committee on Monday evening said: "This does not overcome my previous concerns regarding the visual impact."

Within the planning documents one objection said that residents were living in fear due to a recent fire at the factory at the Holyhead Road site.

Other concerns also included traffic and noise and: "whilst the company reiterate that the applications will improve the situation, things are as bad as they have ever been."

Within the report, the head of environment and planning said the development would be an unwelcome addition to the site.

The report said: "The proposed development would not only rise considerably above tree level but would result in larger industrial buildings spread outwards and away from the existing concentration of tall structures.

"This in my opinion would significantly increase the visual influence of the industrial operation within the wider landscape setting and from key views from the adjoining AONB and WHS Buffer Zone as well as the setting of Chirk Castle Estate.

This would be an unwelcome addition to the site with a sizeable, wider visual impact than previous developments."

The application was recommended for refusal and rejected by nine to two.