Plans to create a children’s home in a village in Wrexham look set to be approved despite concerns it will cause a disturbance to neighbours.

An application was put forward in March this year to convert a bungalow on Poplar Road in Penycae to provide care for up to three children.

There would also be one member of staff per child at the home 24 hours a day.

Safe Hands Homes Ltd, which is behind the proposals, said it would help to meet a need for specialist accommodation in the area.

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A total of six objections have been submitted by nearby residents, with fears raised over potential noise and disturbance from the property, as well as the possibility of increased traffic and anti-social behaviour.

The Leader: Plans backed for approvalPlans backed for approval

However, the scheme has been recommended for approval by a senior official from Wrexham Council ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.

In a report to councillors, interim chief planning officer Ian Jones said: “The site lies outside but immediately adjoining an established residential area within the settlement of Penycae, which has a good range of services, therefore in principle this is an appropriate location for residential development.

“The property will not be occupied more intensively than it could be under the existing use class.

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“Whilst it is noted that carers will arrive and leave when their shifts begin and end, it is not considered that this will result in a degree of activity that would be unusual within a residential area.

“The highway authority has assessed the proposal and raises no objections on highway safety grounds.”

He added: “No objective evidence has been provided to evidence that this proposal would result in, or increase the risk of, crime or anti-social behaviour in the area or threaten the safety of local residents and the users of the footpaths adjoining the site boundaries.

The Leader: Plans backed for approvalPlans backed for approval

“Whilst there are objections to the proposal, it is considered that the development, in accordance with relevant policies will not harm the character of the area, the amenity and safety of nearby occupiers nor is it likely to give rise to highway safety and parking problems.”

The plans will be discussed by planning committee members at a meeting on Monday (June 13, 2022).