Plans to demolish historic Ewloe pub go back on the table

Proposals to demolish a 400-year-old pub to make way for an apartment block are back on the table after being tweaked.

Politicians previously branded the design of a three-storey building earmarked for the site of the Boars Head Inn, Ewloe as ‘an eyesore’.

It led to members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee putting the plans on hold at a meeting in November.

However, the scheme to cater for people aged over 55 is now back on the agenda and has been recommended for approval by officers.

It comes after joint applicants Anwl Construction and Pennaf Housing chose to redesign the structure in order to address the concerns raised.

In a report, Andrew Farrow, the authority’s chief officer for planning, said he did not feel the new design would have a negative impact on neighbours.

He said: “Following concerns raised at planning committee the developer has redesigned the building.

“The amended design has a pitched roof, with dormer details, which reduces the bulk of the building in comparison with the originally submitted flat roof design.

“The revised design shows a building predominantly of brick rather than render.

“Due to the orientation of the proposed building away from adjacent residential properties I consider that the buildings scale and massing is acceptable in this location and would not adversely impact upon the character and appearance of the area or neighbouring amenity.

“As has been mentioned previously it has been identified that this site is suitable for a landmark building.”

Former Saltney Mayor Klaus Armstrong-Braun has made attempts to have the pub listed in the past.

The building is recognised by the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Buildings in Wales as a rare example of a purpose-built inn.

It includes a later-built extension, which was used to collect tolls from the nearby road.

However, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service Cadw rejected his calls.
In total 28 apartments and three affordable houses would be built on the site.

Speaking at November’s meeting, Joyce Angel, who sits on Hawarden Community Council, described the proposed replacement as ‘alien’.

She said: “We’re not objecting to the development of the site.

“What we are objecting to is what is proposed to be built.

“This proposed block of flats is far removed from what is there.”

The proposals will be discussed by members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee on next Wednesday.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).