Wrexham Told to 'Get Act in Order' Following Unauthorised Training Base Construction

Wrexham AFC built a new training facility before receiving planning permission, leading Gresford community council to defer a retrospective application lodged in August.

Gresford community council planning committee chair Mike Morris has told Wrexham AFC to "get their act in order" after the club constructed a new training base without prior planning permission. The Welsh side, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, completed the facility before the matter reached a planning committee. While the club's rise to the second tier was acknowledged, Councillor Morris stated that sporting success is no excuse for failing to follow proper procedures.

Wrexham lodged a retrospective application in August, after work on the site had already commenced. Chief strategy officer Aidan Millar issued a public apology to the committee and local residents, explaining that the club chose to undertake the works during the summer off-season to manage construction impacts while activity at the site was reduced. Millar noted that the project utilized an established sporting location and existing infrastructure to minimize community disruption.

The planning committee has deferred the application to a later date to await further information regarding potential drainage issues raised by a local resident. During the debate, members will consider whether to support the retrospective filing. The club maintains it has engaged with the planning process by responding to concerns regarding highways, parking, and phosphate mitigation.