Public house conversion at Plough Inn, Felingwm, Carmarthen

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the public house into one dwelling by combining its ground floor with the existing first-floor flat, without external alterations.

“The application site comprises the Plough Inn, a public house located within the settlement boundary of Felingwm Uchaf and fronting onto the B4310. The property consists of a public house at ground floor with an established residential flat at first-floor level, together with ancillary storage, function space, external amenity areas and off-street parking (granted under planning permission E/16735).”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the Plough Inn, Felingwm Uchaf, from a public house/restaurant to a single dwellinghouse, through the conversion of the ground floor and its amalgamation with the existing first-floor flat occupied by the applicants. No external alterations are proposed, existing parking and amenity areas would be retained.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the public house no longer commercially viable, unsuccessfully marketed, and replaceable by alternative facilities within the wider community.

“The supporting statement provides a detailed assessment of viability, referring to declining turnover, rising operational costs, reduced staffing levels, changing customer patterns, prolonged marketing efforts and the availability of alternative facilities within the wider sustainable community, the applicants therefore conclude that the use is no longer commercially viable.”

“In assessing the loss of the community facility, the statement argues that the village hall opposite the site, together with public houses, restaurants and other community facilities within the wider Sustainable Community, provide alternative venues for social interaction and community activities.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, while Welsh Water, ecology and drainage consultees sought conditions or advisory measures.

“Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water - No objection subject to condition regarding Surface water/drainage and the public sewerage network.”

“Ecology - No objection subject to conditions regarding Net Benefit for Biodiversity (NBB) and advisory notes regarding bats.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Local Member spoke against the application, repeating concerns about community-facility loss, viability evidence, alternatives and publicity.

Committee discussion

The Senior Development Management Officer responded to the issues raised by the Local Member.

“Following a presentation by the Senior Development Management Officer, the Committee was advised that the Head of Place and Sustainability was recommending approval of the application, subject to the conditions, for the reasons detailed within the written report.”

“The Senior Development Management Officer responded to the issues raised.”

Minutes