Wrexham AFC can confirm it has submitted the planning application for the Kop.
July 28 saw the completion of the pre-application consultation, with 708 responses from members of the public, in addition to those from the statuary consultees. The Club is comfortable that the consultation was undertaken thoroughly and in accordance with the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. The full public scrutiny informed the formal submission to Wrexham County Borough Council.
Of the 708 responses, 691 (98%) were generally supportive with less than 1% not in support. A small number shared their views / comments without expressing their position on the plans.
The submission would see the capacity of the Racecourse Ground increased by 5,500, with an exhibition space to support the wider ambition of the Gateway Project, along with other facilities for the Club. Bringing the Kop back into use, will see the Racecourse Ground return to be a four-sided stadium, removing the most significant obstacle to hosting international football fixtures in the future.
While there was overwhelming support, some raised match day parking and the impact this has on residents as an issue. Notwithstanding that the Club is satisfied that the Match Day Access Strategy that supports the planning application is robust, the Club have committed to create a ‘Matchday Forum’ with local councillors and representative groups to establish what improvements can be made, irrespective of the planning proposals.
Consultation will continue throughout the period of consideration by Wrexham Council and the Club will be launching several initiatives to formally support the application.
No date has been confirmed for when the application will be determined.