Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are embroiled in a heated planning dispute as they push forward with ambitious plans to build a new training facility for their club’s academy stars.
The multi-million-pound development at Darland High School in Rossett, Wales, has sparked frustration among locals, who claim construction began before planning permission was granted.
Controversy Over Development
The proposed facility, which includes changing rooms, offices, meeting spaces, a gym, and medical facilities, aims to provide a state-of-the-art base for Wrexham’s academy. However, the project has faced criticism for its “industrial” appearance, with residents raising concerns about increased noise, traffic, and light pollution. Nine official objections have been submitted to Wrexham Council.
One objection summarised the sentiment of many locals:
“The brutal commercial and industrial appearance is not in keeping with the proposed location within the green wedge. The development goes against planning policy advice. The school will lose the use of some athletic practice areas as a result of the proposal. The development brings no benefit to the Rossett community.”
A decision on the planning application is expected next week, with tensions running high over the project’s impact on the local area.
Reynolds and McElhenney Address Frustrations
The Hollywood owners have previously expressed their struggles with the UK’s complex planning processes. Speaking to *Collider*, Reynolds referred to the bureaucracy as a significant hurdle:
“In Wales, it really is a lot of red tape, and it’s just sort of figuring out ways to tick all those boxes and make sure that every single bureaucrat is happy.”
McElhenney echoed these sentiments, adding:
“It is definitely a comedic point of consternation in the show how often we’re running up against bureaucracy. It’s a lot harder to build in the UK than, I found, almost anywhere else in the world.”
Community Concerns
The backlash comes as Wrexham fans and stakeholders eagerly anticipate the club’s continued growth. Despite significant local resistance, the club sees the development as crucial for nurturing young talent and supporting its ambitious rise through the football leagues. This is the second major project facing delays for the owners, with plans for a new 5,500-seater Kop stand at the Racecourse Ground also impacted by planning obstacles.
Writer’s View
While Reynolds and McElhenney’s vision for Wrexham is commendable, the planning disputes highlight the challenges of balancing community interests with club ambitions. Effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders will be key to overcoming resistance and ensuring the project delivers benefits for both the club and the wider Rossett community.
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