Demolition of Former Pub Proposed to Make Way For Housing

A former public house in a Wrexham village could soon be demolished to make way for housing.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it has been proposed that the former Royal Oak on Fennant Road, Ponciau is demolished, with the site used for the development of two pairs of semi detached houses.

The former pub has not traded in over two years, following its closure in March 2014.

The proposals, which are due before Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee next week has been recommended for approval.

Details about the layout of the development are provided within the report, which states that the dwellings will ‘ front onto Brynydd and provide a strong built frontage to that road’.

The report adds that the ‘two pairs of semi-detached properties proposed that are broadly reflective of the general character of development in the locality’.

Communal car parking would also be provided to the north of the dwellings along with new vehicular access off Brynydd.

Due to the loss of a public house the report notes that ‘policy S9 is applicable’ – which seeks to protect local facilities such as public houses and states that developments that entail their loss will only be permitted where:

a) the use is no longer viable and all reasonable attempts to sell or let the business over a 12 month period have proved unsuccessful or;
b) the building is in a derelict or unsightly condition and the proposal would bring about substantial environmental improvements; and
c) the loss of the facility would not prove detrimental to the social and economic fabric of its locality

Addressing these factors Head of Environment and Planning: Lawrence Isted notes that –

i. The property was on the market from October 2014 until May 2015 when it was bought by the applicants;
ii. The initial asking price was reduced in January 2015;
iii. Whilst there were expressions of interest in the property, none came
from parties who wanted to re-open the public house. Other than one party potentially interested in converting the premises to offices, the main interest in the site was for residential use

Concerns about the proposals have been raised by the local Community Council, who object to the plans because: “They feel that one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in the area will be lost and that the area will lose character.

“They also feel that the retaining walls, and how they will support the surrounding land, has not been explained fully and have requested further information regarding this. They have also requested that should planning be granted, the plaque above the public house door, is somehow incorporated into the new building.”

However Mr Isted notes: “The Community Council’s objections appears to relate to the loss of the
building rather the use of it as a public house. Furthermore no representations have been received from local residents regarding the loss of the public house either.

“Whilst noting the Community Council’s comments, the building is not listed nor does it lie within a Conservation Area so is not afforded any specific protection by planning policy.”

The application will be debated by Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee at 4pm on Monday 3 October at the Guildhall. For those who cannot attend the meeting it will be broadcast live on the Wrexham Council website.

*Picture – Google