PROPOSALS for a low secure mental health unit in Gwersyllt look set to be approved.

Last year the Leader reported how a ‘hybrid’ planning application received by Wrexham Council requested permission to demolish vacant buildings on land off Mold Road in order to build a 54 bedroom low secure unit.

For the same site outline permission was also requested to build a housing development of six detached and semi-detached three and four bedroom houses, as well as a pair of three storey apartment blocks containing one and two bedroom flats - a total of 30 homes altogether.

A report to the council's planning committee, which will meet on Monday, recommends councillors give the plans the green light - with final approval to be granted subject to the creation of a section 106 agreement for the provision of affordable homes and support for education.

In its conclusion, the report explains: "The low secure unit has been designed to maximise site security and is acceptable in terms of siting, layout and design and will provide an important facility in the locality to aid the rehabilitation of adults with mental health issues.

"The development of part of the site for housing is acceptable in principle. Housing can be erected on the site without adversely impacting upon adjacent occupiers, with sufficient scope to meet planning requirements in respect of layout, design, access, parking and public open space.

"The proposals will deliver significant improvements to the access road linking the site to Mold Road and are unlikely to compromise highway safety in the locality."

The recommendation to councillors is that the authority enters into a section 106 agreement to ensure 25 per cent of the proposed homes be affordable, as well as the management and maintenance of on-site public space and secondary education.

Upon completion of the agreement, permission would be granted. Should the agreement not be made within six months, the report adds, permission would be granted subject to conditions for the low secure unit but the residential development would be refused.

A design and access statement submitted with the original application on behalf of the applicant ASC Realestate Investments Ltd explained the accommodation proposed as part of the low secure unit comprises four parts: an assessment treatment unit (ATU), a low secure unit, amenity accommodation and staff/service accommodation.

Describing the ATU, the document states: “The service will provide a combined programme of enhanced therapeutic and clinical support which incorporates flexible and creative care pathway solutions for individuals who have likely experienced varying degrees of difficulty or crisis in previous care and support settings or for those who may have suffered a crisis at home.”

The amenity accommodation would provide a central landscaped courtyard, a cafe and computer area, a sports hall and activity rooms with dedicated external gardens.

Regarding the outline application for the proposed new housing development, the statement added: “The buildings have been designed to sit well within landscaped gardens and to maximise the existing levels and generous green buffers the site has to offer, creating a peaceful environment for residents and reducing the overall impact on neighbouring sites.”