COUNCILLORS REJECT PLANS FOR BIOMASS BOILER NEXT TO SCHOOL

PLANS to install a biomass boiler at a builders merchant next to a school have been refused amid concerns over the impact of emissions on primary school pupils.

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Thorncliffe Building Supplies in Queensway wants to install a biomass boiler - which is fuelled by compressed wood pellets - and a 5mx5m fuel chip storage ‘hopper’ building onsite.

The proposed site sits just yards from Gwenfro Community Primary School and was subject to a potential call-in by Welsh Government ministers. Now Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously refused the application - a decision the applicant could still appeal.

It was revealed at the Planning Committee meeting on Monday that the boiler could be installed without planning permission regardless of the decision, as it is a medium-sized appliance. The only aspect of the plans requiring formal approval was the proposed fuel pellet storage area.