Application
for the conversion of a public house to 5 flats together with rear extension
and parking area
LOCAL MEMBER: COUNCILLOR
LINDA A JONES
Minutes:
Application
to convert a public house into five flats, along with the erection of a rear
extension and parking spaces
Attention
was drawn to the late observations form that had been received
a)
The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of
the application, and noted that it was an application to convert a public house
into five residential, self-contained flats, along with the creation of parking
spaces and an entrance at Wynnes Arms Hotel. It was explained that the use made
of the building as a public house ceased at the beginning of 2017 and the
building had been boarded up. It was added that planning permission had been
granted for a change of use from a public house into offices and the creation
of parking spaces, although this had not been commenced.
Reference was made
to section 5.1 - 5.7 of the report that outlined the fact that the development
was acceptable in principle, and that the Strategic Housing Unit had stated
that there was a recognised need for one and two bedroom flats in the town.
It
was expected that at least 10% of the units would be affordable, and reference
was made to the information that had been submitted with the application, and
the late information that was submitted, that confirmed that the open market
and rent prices for each unit were already affordable for the area, and that no
further restriction was needed.
In
the context of visual amenities, it was noted that the site was situated within
the development boundary of Blaenau Ffestiniog and in a prominent location
within a residential and public area. Objections had been received, citing the
substantial negative impact on the occupiers of nearby properties. However, as
the building's legal use was as a public house, there was a potential for the
public house to create more problems than a residential unit. It was considered that flats would be
suitable, and would be a way of securing the building's use and long-term
condition.
In
the context of highway matters, it was noted that it was intended to create a
new entrance and parking spaces, and although the Transportation Unit had no
objection to the proposal, it was recommended that appropriate conditions be
imposed on any permission.
b) Exercising
the right to speak, the agent on behalf of the applicant noted the following
main points:
·
The plans included a new extension that would improve
the appearance of the building
·
Residential use was more appropriate for the building
than use as a public house
·
There was a suitable site for installing refuse bins
and a bicycle storage area
·
Although the Town Council had challenged the need for
flats, the Strategic Housing Unit stated that there was a recognised need for
one and two bedroom flats in the town
·
Although there was no lack of housing in the town,
flats were scarce
·
In terms of affordability, prices were low as it was a
low income area
·
Information from two estate agent companies had
informed the purchase and rental valuations of the flats.
c)
Exercising the right to speak, the Local Member noted
the following main points:
·
The residents of Manod had signed a petition objecting
to the application
·
The public house had been very successful in its time,
and the local community would have wished to use the site as a Centre for the
village.
·
Disagree with the view that there was a need for flats
in Manod - enquiries in the local community found a demand for houses, not
flats
·
The flats would be unsuitable for elderly people
·
A mother and child society had stated that the flats
were unsuitable
·
The site was small and the extension would be
insufficient
·
The site was parallel to the A470 and access was
restricted - insufficient space for the outlined plans
·
Proposal for the Committee to undertake a site visit.
d) A
proposal was put forward and seconded to undertake a site visit.
It was RESOLVED to undertake a site visit.
Supporting documents: