PLANS for camping pods on land off the Straight Mile in Llay have been given approval by Wrexham Council.
The site is in the grounds of the Croes Howell Inn, with permission granted for six camping pods there.
According to the documents submitted with the application, as well as attracting potential tourists, the development will also help increase the viability of the restaurant and bar.
The development will be of very low impact with the pods clad in timber and dark coloured stain.
A supporting statement submitted by Bob Dewey Planning on behalf of the applicant said: “The site is within countryside between Rossett and Llay which, whilst pleasant and open, does not appear to have any special characteristics.
“Hence, it was not designated in the UDP (unitary development plan) as of Special Landscape Value and that decision was carried forward in the draft LDP (local development plan) where it was not considered worthy of being in a special landscape area.
“The Croes Howell Inn was subject to a major renovation and expansion within the last decade and like all similar facilities has suffered from the enforced lockdown.”
It adds that the development will enhance its viability and will help to meet the local policy requirement to retain and protect pubs and other community facilities.
It continues: “It is in a superb location in terms of open views across the Cheshire plain and a small-scale tourism development such as this proposal will provide an opportunity to strengthen the inn’s viability.”
The supporting statement adds that in order to improve the development’s ‘green credentials’ it is intended to provide solar panels on the units. Charging points for electric vehicles will also be installed in the car parking area.
According to the plans, the camping pods will help increase the offer for tourists looking to visit the area.
The supporting statement adds: “It will enable guests to stay on site and not run the risk of drink driving.
“The accommodation will be attractive to visitors wishing to enjoy the rural location and the opportunities for rural walks on the extensive nearby footpath network.
“Also, it is within easy distance of the historic city of Chester with bus services to the city just a short distance away in Rossett. The long hoped for reopening of a station at Rossett could be of further benefit.
“The proposal would enhance the tourism offer in the northern part of the county borough, it would enhance the viability of the Inn. No harm would result to the landscape.”
Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer David Fitzsimon signed off approval for the plans in a delegated decision.
