No decision on steelworks plan

The Brymbo steelworks closed down in 1990

A decision on the planned redevelopment of a former north Wales steelworks which shut in 1990 with the loss of 1,000 jobs has been deferred.

Developers George Wimpey wants to build up to 470 homes on the former Brymbo steelworks site in Wrexham.

But in a meeting on Monday, councillors deferred a decision after hearing concerns about access to the site and also school provision there.

Members of Wrexham's planning committee voted to make a site visit on 5 August.

Councillors were also told that outline planning permission already granted for the site included land for a school but no requirement for that school to be built by the developers.

Village blueprint

A final decision on whether the application goes ahead for is expected immediately after the site meeting, which will look closely at the issue of access.

The blueprint for an "urban village" on 50 acres of the 240-acre grounds has been 10 years in the planning.

The steelworks, on the outskirts of Wrexham, once employed up to 6,000 people before it closed 15 years ago.

Reclamation work on the steeply sloping site did not begin until 2003, and is due to be completed by September.

A report to the planning committee said the Design Commission for Wales visited the site in October 2004 and welcomed its reclamation.

A delegation from the commission told the council: "The key to its successful development will be to promote the concept of an 'urban village' with an appropriate mix of uses."