Historic Golden Groves Inn Set For Demolition

Controversial proposals to demolish a historic pub in Wrexham could be set to go ahead if planning permission is approved next week. 

In a report due to go before Wrexham’s Planning Committee on Monday it is recommended that permission to demolish the former Golden Groves Inn in Rossett and develop two houses on the land are granted.

Previously the building has been used as a public house, however has not been used since 2014. Notes by the Planning Officer in next weeks report note: “Prior to being sold to the applicants the property was on the market for six months between November 2013 and May 2014.

“Notwithstanding the above I have been provided with information that suggests the business was no longer viable. Prior to being sold the public house had been closed on three separate occasions between 2009 and 2014 despite being refurbished between late 2009 early 2010 at a cost of £160,000.”

The public house was listed in 1963 but was subsequently de-listed by Cadw in 1997 because it had been ‘extensively
and irreversibly altered in an out of character manner’.

Initial plans for the demolition of the building were released in January 2015 and if proposals are approved by the committee then two large, detached properties would be built on the site.

The report describes the two dwellings as having a ‘contemporary appearance’ and each would consist of four bedrooms and a garage.

The proposed redevelopment of the site

Previously there had been some confusion over the exact age of the building and the period it originates from., with suggestions that the building dates back to the 13th century are rubbished in the report.

However comments by Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust state: “It is clear from the report that approximately 20% of the original 17th century cottage survives within the much altered later extensions. The poor survival of the original structure does not merit any protection and sufficient recording work has been completed to update information held within the Historic Environment Record.

“There is no truth to the c. 1960’s assignment of the building to a 13th century origin as displayed on the pub signage and this can be confidently dismissed. We would therefore have no objection to the demolition proposals.”

The planning report continues onto note that there is support for the development from the community council and local member. 12 objections however were submitted, along with a petition against the development consisting over 1000 signatures.

Comments made in objection to the demolition include the loss of a historic building / has already been too much of a loss of historic buildings and that the building should be converted rather than demolished.

However in the report reasons are provided by the Planning Officer on why the building should be demolished, with the documents noting: “The site is relatively remote from Rossett and other centres of population so is unlikely to benefit from any significant passing trade. It is located on a rural lane serving only a relatively small number of dwellings and agricultural businesses so there is also only a very small population within walking distance.

“The site is not accessible by public transport. Whilst not being inevitable that it will be unviable to operate a public house/restaurant business from a site like this, its location does place it at a considerable disadvantage
compared to similar businesses operating in nearby villages.

“In my opinion the loss of the public house will therefore not have a significant or detrimental impact upon the social and economic fabric of the area and as such it would be difficult to sustain a refusal of planning permission on the grounds that the premises was not marketed for the full 12 months required by policy S9 in this instance.”

The report is due to go before Wrexham’s Planning Committee on Monday 6th July at 4pm. The meeting will also be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.

A full report of the proposals for the Golden Groves Inn can be found here.