PLANS to put a primary school on a green field in Wrexham would cause a “nightmare” for residents, it’s been claimed.

Wrexham Council is set to launch a public consultation on proposals to create a school for a total of 360 children on the Nine Acre field on Chester Road later this week.

It comes after St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, which is currently based on Lea Road in the town centre, recently announced it would be relocating to the site.

The space is currently used as a training facility by Wrexham AFC, but the club has been working with the local authority to move to a  purpose-built training ground next to the former Groves School.

The council said the development would help to meet the demand for school places locally.

However, a campaign group has been set up in opposition to the scheme amid concerns about the loss of green space and potential traffic problems.

Marcus Jones, a representative for the Nine Acre Campaign Group, said: “We’re mostly concerned about the loss of green space. Whether it is open to the public or not, it’s still a visual amenity.

“And then there is the traffic and pollution issue to deal with of course.

“It’s going to be a nightmare regardless of how much the council try to dress it up.

“Flooding is another important consideration. The field plays a critical role as a soakaway for surface water.”

The campaign group is holding a public meeting to discuss the plans at Rhosddu Community Centre on March 29 from 4pm till 6pm.

The council previously attempted to sell off part of the field for housing in 2004, but the move was scrapped in the wake of public opposition.

Following the u-turn, there was a dispute over access to the site as the authority placed locks on the gates.

Draft proposals revealed by the council show part of the land would be reopened to the public as a woodland walk.

As well as the school buildings, plans for a bus bay, drop off areas, car park, playground, sports pitches and forest school area have also been outlined.

In a statement written on the council’s behalf, a consultant from Cadnant Planning said steps had been taken to ensure the safety of the community.

Georgia Crawley said: “The principle of the erection of a new primary school and nursery in this sustainable location is considered acceptable.

“The site is well connected to a large residential area and is accessible by sustainable transport routes. The site is served by a footpath and cycle route.

“The design and layout of the site has made the best use of the site in terms of managing residential amenity, but also to ensure that the site is safe and convenient to get to by foot or cycling.”

She added the site had never been recognised as public open space and the scheme would therefore deliver a net increase in the area to the benefit of residents.

The consultation period is set to start on Friday (March 13) and will run until April 9.

Ahead of its launch, the council said it would take all feedback on board before submitting a formal planning application .

A spokesperson said: “Wrexham County Borough Council wishes to seek the views of interested parties regarding the proposal to build a new primary school.

“It is important that stakeholder views can be taken into account before a planning application is made.”

The consultation documents can be found by visiting www.yourvoicewrexham.net and views can be submitted by e-mailing nineacreconsultation@wrexham.gov.uk

A drop in session is also being held at Wrexham Memorial Hall on March 19 from 3.30pm to 7pm as part of the process.