A PLEA has been made for land surrounding a Royal British Legion Club to be turned into a memorial garden rather than a housing development.

The organisation’s headquarters in London has put forward renewed proposals for 51 new homes, a 4,000 sq ft retail unit and boxing club next to the social club in Llay.

It comes despite strong objections from the Llay branch of the RBL, whose leaders spoke against an identical blueprint when it was rejected by Wrexham Council in July.

The fresh submission was made last week and members of the community have rallied to try to find a solution.

The Llay RBL has now called a meeting to discuss the possibility of the land becoming a memorial garden to commemorate those who have died in conflict.

Club secretary Bryan Apsley, who is also county councillor for Llay, said: “There’s been an ongoing issue with the actual ownership of the site.

“The lease is with headquarters in London but the money was raised by the public of Llay.

“It looks legally like they’re okay with the lease, but morally we believe the land belongs to the village.

“One of our members is suggesting that the club remains in place and the land becomes a remembrance garden for ex-serviceman past and present.”

During the original planning meeting Llay RBL president Major Donald Moore said the club served as a memorial place and the application would jeopardise its ability to hold remembrance events.

There was a large turnout at this year’s Remembrance Day event on Sunday, which saw members of the community march to the club from a nearby church service.

Cllr Apsley said the HQ’s proposals would also lead to a cenotaph being relocated.

He said: “The cenotaph is actually on land they say they’re going to develop so their plans were to move the cenotaph eleven metres to the left.

“In the past it’s been marvellous to see in terms of all the children, parents and old timers like me marching to church and back.

“We wouldn’t have the room to do what we do now if the plans for housing go ahead.”

The meeting to discuss the memorial garden is being held on Monday, November 26, at 7pm in the club’s lounge with members and non-members welcome to attend.

Meanwhile, the resubmitted housing application will be considered by Wrexham Council at a future date.

The RBL in London has not responded to a request for comment on the Llay branch’s proposals.

However, it was revealed at a Wrexham Council meeting that the organisation has now launched an appeal against the refusal of its original plans.