A SUPERMARKET and shops could be built on the old Brymbo steelworks site.
Brymbo Developments has submitted an outline planning application to build an 18,000 sq ft supermarket, along with six smaller retail units and 180 parking spaces.
The aim is to raise enough cash to fund an unfinished link road between the communities of Brymbo and Tanyfron.
Work on the road came to halt after money ran out and developers claim the only option left available to them is to build a supermarket.
Brymbo councillor Paul Rogers said: “This has been described as the last chance to get the link road built. I think that’s the perfect way of putting it.
“It is vital a mechanism is found to fund the construction of this road. I also think the people of Brymbo would welcome the supermarket. For some time residents have been calling for additional retail facilities.”
He added: “Having spoken to the developers I understand companies have expressed an interest in the site.”
A supporting statement accompanying the planning application by Brymbo Developments Ltd says the link road is currently 80 per cent completed, but no funding exists for it.
Without it those living in residential properties already built on the site will remain isolated from existing villages.
The plans have been submitted even though Wrexham Council has expressed reluctance to grant permission before the new local development plan has been finalised.
However, Brymbo Developments say it has decided to press ahead with the application as members believe it could be given the go ahead if the authority is keen to see the site redeveloped as quickly as possible.
Brymbo Developments has been carrying out “reclamation” operations at the former steelworks since 2003 which has involved the clearance of unsuitable materials and the deposit of a three metre compacted layer of new material over all areas for development.
The new development would be in the centre of the former steelworks site to the east of the link road.
A supporting statement by Brymbo Developments Ltd reads: “The commencement of reclamation operations represented a large risk for all stakeholders and this was heightened by the absence of funding for the road.
“All parties knew this but decided to go ahead as all participants wanted the site reclaimed and developed as the main priority.
“Whilst significant construction of the spine road is now completed, at little or no cost to the public purse, a funding shortfall still exists to complete the road.
“All possible sources of public funding have been explored and to date none is deemed appropriate.
“The only way to secure all of the desired elements and to ensure that all elements are suitably interconnected and accessible from all surrounding communities is to secure funding through further development.
“A supermarket development represents an often-expressed desire on the part of the local communities and would represent a significant benefit within the overall scheme as well as meeting the requirement for further enabling development as set out above.”
It adds: “Rejection may seriously undermine the achievements to date.”
There was nobody from Brymbo Developments Ltd available for comment yesterday.
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