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Search the Public Notice PortalA FORMER fishmongers in Wrexham can be turned into a café, despite concerns raised by the health board about the city’s ‘obesity and weight’ issues.
Wrexham Council’s planning committee has granted change of use for the vacant unit at 36 St George’s Crescent in Smithfield.
According to the plans submitted by the applicant, the café would be open between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday, as well as from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has raised concerns about the proposal reflected in the planning reports read by councillors ahead of the meeting.
The health board cited how close it is to education settings (less than one mile / a 20 minute walk), current takeaways, restaurants, shops selling food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar and the health challenges within the Wrexham area related to obesity and weight issues.
But speaking at the meeting, the council’s senior planning officer Matthew Phillips said there were no policies limiting the use of the unit and no reason to reject the proposal which was for a café rather than a takeaway.
He said: “The health board has expressed concern about additional use of this type, but at this present time we don’t have anything in policy or anything on the density of hot food takeaways.
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“Also in terms of what national policy sets out in terms of promoting healthier places it’s more about location of development, provision of outdoor facilities to encourage healthy recreation rather than any specific limits on the number of fast food outlets.
“It’s proposed as a café, not specifically a hot food takeaway.”
Mr Phillips added: “It complies with the existing local planning guidance in terms of proximity to educational facilities.
“Those of you familiar with this part of the area, the edge of the city centre will know there are a number of existing similar facilities, takeaways, cafes and restaurants within a very short distance of this.
“This additional facility wouldn’t materially affect access to hot food or worsen health and wellbeing of local residents.”
There were no concerns shown by members of the committee either.
Gresford East and West Cllr Jeremy Kent (Con) said he was happy to move the recommendations to grant the application, and this was backed by Stansty Cllr I David Bithell (Ind).
The planning committee was unanimous in granting the application.
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