Chirk factory expansion plan backed despite objections
Plans have been backed for a new production facility at Kronospan in Chirk despite several objections and concerns from residents.
The wood panel manufacturer is seeking consent for a new building located to the west of the press hall and would be 34.6m in length, 23m wide and 33.2m in heigh.
The plans are set to be debated by councillors next week, after it was recommended for approval by Lawrence Isted, head of environment and planning for Wrexham Council.
However the company’s proposals have been met with opposition from Chirk Community Council, who say that after recently visiting the site they would like to see the application refused.
In its response the community council say: “it was a very dangerous site and only having one access is one of the root causes” – adding that it “seems madness that the operation of this size the number of HGV movements alone must require at least one additional road access point.”
“Councillors make a strong appeal for independent monitors of levels of pollution and real time readings should be accessible by any resident via phone app or electronic display.
“The community council and residents have a miss-trust in the current arrangements.
“Noise levels are also of great concern and adding a new production line will make matters worse. Sleep is already disturbed as Kronospan operates 24 hours.”
However despite these concerns, the head of planning has said the application should be accepted.
He said: "Plans seek to modernise and enhance the site and enable the Company to reduce its environmental impact, improve operational efficiency and offer new business and revenue streams.
“Highways have however, raised concerns regarding the increase in vehicle movements and increased number of vehicles waiting to enter the site which will increase highway danger on Holyhead Road.
“The concerns raised by Highways are site management issues and have been raised with the applicant and the submission of a Site Transportation Management Plan will help eliminate any occasional queueing on the adjacent highway.
“Kronospan have provided additional information to help alleviate concerns to prevent vehicles queueing on the Holyhead Road. A traffic management plan is in place to deal with a flood of lorries arriving at the site together and the potential opening of both weighbridges for icoming traffic.
“The Management Plan will continue to be monitored to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of the Traffic Management Plan.
“To refuse the application on highway grounds would be difficult to sustain.”
