PROPOSALS to turn a former auto parts retail unit into a takeaway look set to be given the go-ahead.

A planning application received by Wrexham Council requested permission for the change of use at the site, located in Holyrood Crescent in Rhosddu.

Members of the authority's planning committee will meet to discuss the plans on Monday.

A report to the committee, which recommends approval of the scheme, states: "The building, which has been empty for a number of years, was previously used as an auto parts retail unit and forms part of a small shopping parade of four units.

"There has been no intervening use since the closure of the premises, and now proposed is the change of use to food and drink."

Stansty Councillor I David Bithell objected to the plans, stating in the report: "Due to the close proximity of the site to

residential properties, the proposed use would be likely to have a seriously detrimental impact on the residents of those properties by reason of increased noise nuisance and disturbance, smell nuisance and additional litter."

He also said the proposed development "does not make adequate provision for the parking of vehicles within the site and would therefore, be likely to encourage parking on the highway."

The report states concerns were also raised in seven letters and online comments, including antisocial behaviour, traffic generation, litter and smells, noise and 'devaluation of nearby residential properties.'

Planning permission was refused in 2019 for the change of use - due to the potential impact on nearby residents, as well as parking and traffic generation.

An appeal submitted in 2020 was subsequently dismissed.

But the report to the planning committee adds: "The proposed change of use from shop to food and drink has been reduced in size (of public floor area) since the previous application, and on this basis it is no longer considered to give rise to an increase in parking demand over and above the existing lawful use.

"The development would not lead to significant highway safety issues over and above that of the existing lawful use, and is acceptable also in terms of the impact upon local residential amenity and community health.

"Given the proximity of the proposed takeaway to residential properties, it is considered appropriate to restrict the hours of opening to between 11.30am and 2pm, and 4.30pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday (no Sunday operation is proposed)."