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The National Trust has hit out at the ongoing developments at nearby wood panel firm Kronospan.

Chirk Castle manager said they were increasingly concerned about a recent expansion of the existing plant.

Wrexham Council planning committee had refused permission for a new melamine facing press at the Kronospan factory but the Planning Inspectorate for Wales upheld the firm’s appeal.

Kronospan, which sits close to Chirk Castle and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, said it was surprised by the comments from the National Trust.

Shane Logan, general manager for National Trust, Chirk Castle, said: "We recognise the need for job creation and investment within our communities, but this must not be achieved at the expense of people’s health or the degradation of the associated landscape.

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

"Kronospan needs to seriously consider what environmental and corporate responsibility looks like for ever for everyone.”

In response a spokesman for Kronospan, which employs 600 workers, said: "We are surprised at this statement.

"As far as we are concerned the Planning Inspector will have considered all the representations made in respect of the application for the Melamine Faced building before making the decision on our Appeal.

"There is no direct impact on the registered park and garden of Chirk Castle other than the closed loop extraction system on top of the building, and the view of this is restricted by the local topography and existing vegetation.

"In the context of the existing industrial development, the development was not considered to significantly increase the impact on the historic environment.

"We have developed a Landscape Strategy which is currently with Wrexham Council for acceptance.

"National Trust representatives were involved in the development of this programme, which is intended to build on the successful planting programme that previously took place to screen the factory from view."