Agenda item

Application for the conversion of a public house to 5 flats together with rear extension and parking area

LOCAL MEMBER: COUNCILLOR LINDA A JONES

Link to relevant background documents

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.