Ryan Reynolds wins fight against Wrexham locals as club accused of bending rules

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have won their planning battle with neighbours to build a new training facility for Wrexham AFC’s young stars.

Despite opposition from residents, the two actors have been given permission to create a base for the League One side’s youth academy at Darland High School in the Wrexham village of Rossett.

The pair will be required to take steps to protect the area’s biodiversity as part of the multi-million pound development.

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham trend backed to continue as ex-Liverpool star raises concern

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham dream hits major problem as rival clubs to have say

The scheme will see two buildings erected on an area of green land, including changing rooms, offices, a medical room and a gym, as well as two shipping containers.

Club officials said it would enable them to bring through the next generation of talent as the owners look to achieve their dream of taking Wrexham into the Premier League.

However, despite receiving approval, the Hollywood outfit was criticised at a planning meeting in Wrexham after being accused of failing to consider neighbours’ views.

Some politicians also hit out at the club over claims it had bent planning rules after construction work on the new facility started before they gave their backing.

Speaking at last night’s meeting, objector Jim Smith said: “I'm speaking against the planning application as the applicant needs to show that it is essential that these buildings are located in the green wedge.

“Essential means that this is the only location that can be used. It's common knowledge that the applicant had considered other locations for their football academy and these buildings.

“This facility and these buildings could therefore have been located elsewhere in the Wrexham area. It's not essential that these buildings are located in the green wedge.”

Neighbours had slammed the scale and “brutal” appearance of the buildings ahead of the meeting.

Concerns were raised over noise, traffic and light pollution after nine letters of objection were submitted to Wrexham Council.

Andy Lowe, Wrexham AFC’s academy manager, said in response that it would deliver “positive benefits” for the area.

He also said the proposals were crucial to Wrexham being granted EFL Category Three academy status earlier this year.

He said: “Wrexham AFC have invested heavily in the city and local community in recent years, and the investment into the facility at Darland High School demonstrates further commitment to the long term future.

“The project will give huge benefits for future generations of children, young people and the wider community.

“Children will have access to modern changing rooms, shower blocks and facilities for extracurricular activities.

“The club has also invested in new goals and equipment, which both the school and academy will have access to, and have employed ground staff who will maintain the field areas.”

Council planning officer Matthew Phillips said policy would normally prevent building on green land, but there were exceptions regarding sporting facilities.

While he admitted there were outstanding issues regarding the use of surrounding roads and biodiversity, he said he was “confident” these would be addressed.

His comments came despite local councillor Hugh Jones voicing his frustration at the club’s lack of discussions with residents.

He said: “I think it's rather sad that Darland School and the football club have been particularly poor in engaging with the local community in respect of this development.

“It is in the green wedge and the adjacent site is also subject to a controversial application where the planning officer is understandably keen to protect the rural nature of that location.”

Meanwhile, planning chair Mike Morris criticised the club’s history of starting work before schemes are approved.

He said: “In terms of the track record of the football club and their retrospective applications that they tend to submit on a regular basis, I think we need to be as tight as possible.”

Jeremy Kent, a councillor who lives directly opposite Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, also expressed his anger.

He said: “This is actually the third retrospective application from the football club for different things, whether it be the temporary stand or the signage on the stadium.

“This is the same organisation continually making retrospective applications and I have a real issue with that.

“Somebody needs to sort this out, stop putting retrospective applications in and actually do it right from the start.”

However, planning committee member Graham Rogers urged his colleagues to be sensible in light of Reynolds and McElhenney’s positive impact on the community.

He said: “I firmly believe a bit of common sense is required with what the owners of Wrexham Football Club have done for Wrexham in the past three or four years.

“They've done remarkably well, not just for the football club, but for the city in general. I firmly believe what we need to do is support the application and do what's best for Wrexham in general.”

The proposals were backed by nearly all committee members at the end of the debate, with just one abstention.