Approval granted for public house extension plans

Plans to extend a village pub are to go ahead after planning permission was granted by councillors.

In December Wrexham.com reported that proposals had been lodged to build a first floor extension on the Rollers Arms public house in Southsea.

The application, which went before members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee, proposed that the extension is used to provide a dining area associated with the pub

Speaking at the meeting earlier this week, Planning Officer David Williams said: “This is effectively a first floor side extension to the existing public house to provide a dining area at first floor level.

“In terms of first floor there is actually a benefit. They are removing some of the windows at first floor level, so there is an improvement there with any potential loss of privacy.

“Highways have raised no objections, it doesn’t affect any parking provision at the site.

“If you look at site plan the parking areas remain in tact. Highways have requested they are marked out so there is a condition that they make the most efficient use of the car parking area.

“If you can look at comments on addendum, it relates to parking and concerns that have been raised about the car park.

“In fairness to the applicants there is sufficient parking space available for up to 15 vehicles. The concerns raised by objector relate to the fact the customers don’t use car park, they used the adjoining street.

“Clearly the applicants cant manage that situation and can’t insist its use and we cant enforce they use the car park. Only they provide the car park facility

“On the basis that it would probably enhance the overall appearance of the public house in terms of design and reduce in many respects overlooking of adjoining properties, the recommendation is to support.

However Cllr Graham Rogers said he would be abstaining against the decision of the committee, noting: “The problem the residents are going within that particular area, even though i know there is nothing we can do, to have is the parking situation, as people will continue to park on the frontage of the property.”

However the plans were described as a ‘breath of fresh air’ by Cllr Paul Pemberton, who pointed out that normally applications are put forward to demolish pubs.

He added: “To see someone putting extension on is rare. This a community hub, I don’t see problem.

“I take Graham’s point on board, but unless put yellow lines and restrict it, we can’t do anything about it.”

The application was passed by the committee, with one councillor abstaining from the vote.