Plans submitted for two new homes on car park of a Flintshire village pub

Two new homes could be built on the car park of a village pub on the Flintshire / Chester border.

Plans have been submitted to Flintshire Council to build two three-bedroom properties at The Royal Oak pub in Higher Kinnerton, utilising existing access off Kinnerton Lane.

It would involve the relocation of the pub’s storage facilities and reconfiguration of the car park, as well as landscaping.

The future viability of the Royal Oak as a public house will not be affected by the proposed development, the applicants say.

There will still be 34 parking spaces available including three disabled spaces and three for staff. Four parking spaces will be provided for the proposed homes.

A design and access statement has been produced by CPC Planning Consultants on behalf of Punch Taverns, outlining the plans and addressing some of the community feeling towards proposed developments in the village.

It states: “The community council and the village community itself recognise the need for new housing in the county and accept that Higher Kinnerton may accommodate some of this growth over the life of the LDP (Local Development Plan).

“However, the community feels that development should not come at the cost of a continuing decline in infrastructure (road, transport, access to health provision, education) and local village amenities (post office, shops, pubs).

“These vital services have not kept pace with the growth of the community

.
“The recent design of residential developments has also contributed to the growth of and reliance of residents’ use of their cars as the main means of transport and has added to parking problems within the village.”

A Highways report produced by Transport Planning Associates suggests there will be no traffic impact on the village as a result of the proposed development.

It says: “The absence of any recorded collision incidents in the last five years within the given area of interest surrounding the site, supports the notion that there are no existing highways issues, whilst the proposals for two new dwellings will not result in a demonstrable impact on the highway capacity of the local highway network.”

According to the design and access statement the current seating area to the front of the pub will be retained and access to the pub will be unaffected.

It adds: “The proposed site is an area of brownfield land currently serving as a car park to the rear of the pub.

“The development will be designed sympathetically to be in line with local character and local design guidance.

“The Royal Oak will remain fully operational during and after the construction of the two dwellings.

“In summary, the proposed development constitutes the sensitive and respectful development of an unviable brownfield site.”

Flintshire Council planners will make a decision on the proposals at a future date.
By Rory Sheehan – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).