Former pub’s flats plan approved at second attempt

Seven flats can be built at a former pub in Bargoed, council planners have decided.

Applicant Ayyan Properties Ltd had seen an initial plan for the McDonnell pub turned down earlier this year, because it included a new takeaway planners said would have an “unacceptable impact” on residents.

The developer returned with an amended plan that removed the takeaway but retained the proposals for seven new homes above the building’s existing shop.

Four flats would be built on the first floor and a further three homes created in the loft space, according to the plans.

A Caerphilly County Borough Council planning report shows four people objected to the amended plans during a public consultation period.

Their concerns focused on parking, waste, and worries an “increased number of people living in the area will place a strain on services and infrastructure”.

Council planners said the new application “seeks to overcome the issues” which caused the first bid to be refused, and in response to the objections raised, said the building’s previous use as a pub would have created a greater demand for parking than that produced by the seven flats.

They described the applicant’s waste storage plans as “appropriate”, and disagreed with the concerns about overdevelopment, “due to the relatively low number of residential units proposed”.

The planners also said objections claiming the building was listed were incorrect.

Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions.