AN APPEAL has been launched after plans to replace a coach depot near Whitchurch with houses were turned down.

An application was put forward in December last year to develop the site of the Happy Days Coaches depot in Little Green, near the village of Bronington.

It comes as the family-run company is due to move to a new base in Whitchurch from September this year.

The proposals for the old depot would result in the removal of the existing buildings to make way for a total of nine new homes.

Permission was refused by planning officers for Wrexham Council in April as they said the land was outside the settlement boundary for the area, with few local services nearby.

The coach firm’s retirement scheme, which is listed as being behind the application, has now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to have the decision overturned.

In an appeal statement, consultants acting on the company’s behalf said: “It is accepted that this appeal site lies in the countryside for the purposes of planning policy, but in terms of built form and pattern, it is not agreed that the redevelopment of this previously developed land will be harmful to the countryside and landscape character.

“Indeed it can be seen that removal of large scale buildings and large areas of laid hardstanding will provide a betterment to the countryside and landscape character.

“The social contributions and improvements include the proposed development contributing to the local housing stock, to provide a mix of dwelling types and offering a range of dwelling sizes to suit all.

“Another fall-out from the (Covid) pandemic is that those rural properties have seen their sale values exponentially increase and are more often than not purchased by those who have no connection to the local area and therefore driving out the local population.

“The proposed development will retain a balanced housing stock. “

A decision will be made on the appeal by an inspector appointed by the Welsh Government at a later date.