CONTROVERSIAL plans for a housing development surrounding a Royal British Legion club have been put back on the table.

It comes despite politicians in Wrexham rejecting proposals for 51 new homes, a 4,000 square foot retail unit and boxing club on the land around the social club in Llay earlier this year.

Objections were raised by residents and the armed forces community at a planning meeting in July, including the Llay branch of the RBL.

It’s been in dispute with the central headquarters in London, which is behind the plans, as they feel it could lead to the club closing its doors.

However, an identical application has now been submitted by the national organisation and Llay councillor Rob Walsh believes it should be kicked out once again.

He said: “We’re still waiting for a bigger primary school and a bigger health centre.

“I don’t think those things are going to happen overnight, but unless we get those I can’t support further development, particularly after the 360 homes on Gresford Road have gone through.

“The infrastructure just can’t cope in the community.”

During the original council meeting, Llay RBL president Major Donald Moore said the land around the club was paid for by the ex-services community.

He added that it also served as a memorial place and the application would jeopardise its ability to hold remembrance events.

But the national organisation was undeterred by the refusal of the plans.

In a planning statement, they said: “The application follows an identical application which was refused by Wrexham Council’s planning committee on 2nd July 2018, against the officer’s recommendation.

“The planning application is made by the freehold owners of the property who are The Royal British Legion, the national charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British armed forces, their families and dependants.

“The Llay Royal British Legion comprises the buildings and associated parking which occupy part of the site, currently operated by the Llay Royal British Legion Social Club Limited under a lease from RBL.

“The site currently has an open and active Royal British Legion Social Club with parking and open landscaping.

“Also on the site is the Llay War Memorial which the proposal seeks to re-site on its northern boundary.

“Due to the site’s prominence at the entrance to the village of Llay, and the large nature of the site, the development will act as a gateway to the village.”

The resubmitted plans will be considered by Wrexham Council’s planning committee at a future date.