DEVELOPERS have scaled back their plans to build apartments in place of an “eyesore” chapel in Wrexham because of the anticipated costs.

Permission to knock down Engedi Chapel in Brymbo was originally granted by planning inspectors in June 2018 following an appeal after previously being refused by Wrexham Council.

The scheme would have resulted in the creation of nine apartments in place of the dilapidated 19th century building on the village’s High Street.

However, Steggles Property Ltd has decided to reduce the amount of flats proposed to four.

Architects acting on behalf of the company said the decision had been made as the level of costs arising from the old plans would make it difficult to realise a profit.

In documents put forward to the local authority, they said: “Engedi Methodist Chapel was originally built in 1820, then rebuilt in 1840 and again in 1861, finally built as present chapel in 1895.

“The property now lies in a state disrepair with boarded over windows and slates missing from the roof.

“Externally the site is overgrown and the site as a whole has become an eyesore to the village of Brymbo, especially with its prominent position.

“The previous scheme saw the demolition of all buildings on the site and the construction of a large ‘L’ shaped apartment block with parking to the lower level.

“The clients have now looked at overall costs for the construction and have deemed the previously approved plans as unrealistic in achieving a satisfactory profit.

“We have therefore reduced the scheme significantly to now provide a single two storey building with separate carport and bin store.”

The architects said the latest proposals would reduce the height and scale of the overall development and make it fit in more with surrounding properties.

They added it would also allow more landscaping to be included on the site.

The revised plans will be considered by the council at a later date.