Decision on welly wanging plans delayed

A bid to run the farm activity centre in Bronington, near Whitchurch, has been put off by a council's planning committee.

The centre would host welly wanging, pig herding and games with tractors.

As well as hen and stag parties, it would provide corporate away days and for 12 days a year it will be used as a DIY wedding venue.

The plans had been recommended for approval by planning officers despite 16 objections from members of the public. But councillors will now make a site visit before making a final decision.

At the meeting held in the Guildhall, Wrexham on Monday, Rob Middleton, owner of Yorkshire-based firm Farm Adventure, said: "Our proposal will not cause any permanent changes to the landscape. The only time there will be a temporary effect on the visual appearance of the field is due to the parking of cars behind a natural screening on event days.

"Local businesses will benefit from the proposal. It will provide direct employment for agricultural workers. Our proposal provides the opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to enjoy real life, hands-on farming tasks while being instructed and guided by experienced and professional real life farmers."

Councillor Rodney Skelland, Wrexham councillor for Bronington, said: "I do find this rather a bizarre application in the first place. Since I have been on the council we haven't dealt with an application quite like this – using a shed for a wedding venue. The shed was built a few years ago and was controversial when it was built.

"My biggest concern really is the road. In my experience in the last 10 years there has been at least six people who have been killed within a mile/ a mile-and-a-half of the site. In fact two young boys were killed there 18 months ago. It is a very dangerous road. It is classed as one of the most dangerous bits of road in the UK. The gateway is right up to the road and the parking is limited.

"It is also a really nice area – very close to Whixall Moss. It is getting a bit overcrowded with enterprises. I propose a site visit before we go any further."

Also up for discussion at Wrexham County Borough Council planning meeting was a bid to build new agricultural buildings south of Grange Road in Penely, near Ellesmere. The scheme, which is part retrospective, includes creating a livestock handling and feed store, poultry house, and boar and weaner pens. Councillors approved the plans at the meeting.