PLANNING permission has been granted for two new homes in a Wrexham village which has a conservation area.

Wrexham Council has approved proposals seeking to build a couple of three-bedroom houses on land off Church Road in Worthenbury where planning consent was already in place for a large six-bedroom property with annexe.

This alternative development will be within sight of the Grade I listed Georgian Church of St Deiniol and would be in keeping with Worthenbury’s conservation area.

The site is currently accessed through a track off Church Road between Church View Cottage and School House. Approval had already been granted and partly implemented to create a suitable access into the site.

A design and access statement submitted with the application states: “The current approval has many good points architecturally and is largely compliant with the aims of the Conservation Area Design Guide.

“However a six bedroom building would not be desirable commercially and it is arguable that a smaller scale of building would be more respectful of the architectural 'grain' of the village.

“The proposed dwellings are to be traditionally constructed of high quality local materials and are to be designed to more closely respect the character of the Conservation Area.

“It is intended that the proposed houses be designed and constructed to incorporate a range of energy efficient improvements in order to improve base line energy and carbon performance beyond current Building Regulations standards, including reduced façade air permeability and improved thermal efficiency of building materials.

The statement adds: “The development would represent a high-quality design which would make a positive contribution to the character of the conservation area whilst preserving levels of amenity for nearby dwellings.

“The proposed development represents an architectural improvement over the current approved scheme. In conclusion the development will secure potential benefits by helping to deliver appropriate housing within the village.”

Through a delegated decision, Wrexham Council’s Interim Chief Planning Officer Ian Jones has given the development the green light.