PLANS for a farm activity centre in a rural area of Wrexham look set for approval despite concerns it will be overrun with stag and hen parties.

If successful, the farm premises at Cae Bach in Bronington will host team building days where visitors can take part in a range of activities including sheep gathering, pig herding, welly tossing, egg throwing, tug of war, greasy pole and relay races.

It would also be home to a number of educational activities, where people can learn about animal care and driving tractors as part of a qualification.

However, nearby residents have rallied against the scheme after attending a community council meeting to voice their concerns over potential disruption to weddings and funerals at nearby Bronington Parish Church, as well as noise levels and the possible consumption of alcohol on the site.

Although a similar application at the same location was rejected in 2015, Wrexham Council's head of planning and environment Lawrence Isted said the new plans were different as they do not include proposals to use the site as a wedding venue.

In backing them for approval, he said: "Both local and national planning policies are broadly supportive of new businesses being located in the countryside.

"Details submitted suggest that the site will provide employment for two people if the proposed uses are granted permission, therefore the development will provide direct economic benefits, albeit on a small scale.

"In addition to the above it is reasonable to assume that some of those attending the site may choose to stay in visitor accommodation in wider area and/or use other facilities in other nearby settlements such as shops, public houses and restaurants, thus helping to support and sustain existing businesses.

"I accept that having groups of people on site and the operation of agricultural equipment has the potential to generate noise, however in order to justify refusal the noise must give rise to material harm to the occupiers of nearby properties.

"I have no reason to believe that the alcohol would be sold for consumption at the site. However this is a matter controlled via the Licencing Act 2003 and lies outside of the scope of planning control."

The proposed opening times of the centre are between 9am and 6pm Mondays to Saturdays, but it would be closed on Sundays.

The plans are due to go before Wrexham Council's planning committee on Monday (30 July 2018).