Plans for a new pizza takeaway in Gwersyllt could be approved next week despite concerns about its proximity to a nearby primary school.

Last month, the Leader reported that plans were submitted to convert a bookmakers at Dodd's Lane shopping precinct into a Domino's.

If approved, it will become the second Domino's branch in Wrexham, alongside the store on Island Green.

The plans have been recommended for approval by the council’s chief planning officer ahead of a meeting on Monday (December 5), despite objections from Gwersyllt Community Council.

Community councillors have argued the area is “already well served by hot food takeaway establishments."

They have also voiced concerns over the potential of anti-social behaviour, stating that the new store could encourage it. 

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In its objection, the community council said: “The proposed provision would undermine initiatives to promote a healthier environment at a time when the rising rate of diet related disease and environmental degradation are major concerns.”

The community council also drew attention to the proximity of the proposal to a nearby school stating that it is “contrary to policies put in place by Wrexham County Borough Council.”

It also called on Wrexham Council to “pay regard to the health implications of child obesity in determining this application.”

A total of 31 neighbours were notified of the proposal in September, with two objections being raised by residents over noise, odour, vermin and an adverse impact upon existing businesses.

While the council’s chief planning officer noted that the proposal did lie within 400m of a nearby school they said that “it would be difficult to justify the refusal of the application on this basis.”

The chief officer added: “The proposed opening hours are 11am to 11pm. Primary school children are not normally permitted off site unaccompanied during the day time.

“Whilst the business would be open whilst children are on their way home from school, the majority of primary aged pupils do not travel to/from school unaccompanied so are unlikely to be able to make unsupervised purchases of fast food.

“Furthermore, the advertised opening times of Gwersyllt fish bar are 11am to 8pm during weekdays, therefore children travelling to/from school with their parents will have access to fast food irrespective of whether the proposed development takes place.

“The district shopping centre also has a Gerrards bakery and Spar where a wide range of snack foods and soft drinks could be purchased on journeys to/from school.”

The chief planning officer concluded the report by saying: “The proposed change of use will not undermine the vitality and viability of the district shopping centre or give rise to highway safety or residential amenity issues.

“Whilst the site is within 400m of a primary school, it is one of a number of takeaways and shops within the district shopping centre and thus will not materially increase access to fast food in the area.

“The development accords with the relevant UDP policies.”

The application will be considered for approval by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee on Monday, December 5.