Concerns children in Wrexham could "book a burger" over the school fence have been dismissed as plans for a takeaway have been approved on appeal.

Councillors rejected an application to change the use of the former Auto Parts store in Rhosddu in April last year.

It came after fears were raised that pupils at Rhosddu Primary School, which is a 300 metre walk away from the property on Holyrood Crescent, could order in fast food using online apps.

Members of Wrexham Council's planning committee said it went against the local authority's guidance that takeaways should not be located within 400 metres of a school.

The impact on parking and traffic was also highlighted as a reason for refusal by politicians.

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An appeal was later launched against the decision by applicant Ian Bolshaw after an agent acting on his behalf slammed their views as "ill-informed".

The proposals have now gained approval after a planning inspector concluded it was "unlikely" children would be able to buy takeaways.

Nia Jones, who was appointed to look at the case by the Welsh Government, said in her report: “I note the proximity of the appeal site to Rhosddu Primary School, and the advice in local planning guidance note nine (LPGN9) that new hot food take-aways should not be located within 400m of the boundary of a school.

“Given the opening hours proposed, pupils would be unable to purchase meals when travelling to and from school.

“I consider the risk unlikely of pupils of primary school age having the means and opportunity of being able to place telephone orders during lunchtime, given their age and normal supervision expected at a school.

“In any case, deliveries being made through the adjoining fence would be impracticable due to the dense planting on the school side of the palisade fence.

“I do not therefore consider that the circumstances of this case pose a risk of harm as identified in LPGN9 that would lead me to dismiss the appeal.”

Ms Jones said there was no evidence either that it would cause a significant increase in traffic and parking problems.

Speaking at last year's meeting, Erddig councillor Paul Roberts was among those who voiced concerns about the proximity of the proposed takeaway to the school.

He said: “You say that children won't be going out of the school, but technically they could order a bite to eat if that was feasible and they could be passed it over the fence.

“I'm looking at the parking, the traffic and the fact that from the opening hours, children or parents could decide to book a burger at the school gates if they so desire .”

However, Ms Jones ordered the council to pay for costs incurred by Mr Bolshaw in making the appeal as she said the committee's decision had unnecessarily delayed the proposals.

She added: “I find that the council has failed to demonstrate reasonable planning grounds for taking a decision contrary to the advice of its professional officers or to offer substantive reasons for so doing.

“The council’s actions have caused the applicant to incur the unnecessary expense of pursuing an appeal. I conclude that a full award is justified.”