Public bar in retail premises at 18 Colwyn Avenue, Rhos on Sea, Conwy

“Alterations and change of use of existing retail premises to a public bar…”

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the existing retail premises (A1 use class) to a public bar (A3 use class). The proposed ground floor plan shows internal works consisting of the creation of a bar area together with toilets and service areas adjacent to the back wall of the premises.”

“The application relates to a single storey mid-terrace commercial property sited in a mixed commercial and residential area in the centre of Rhos on Sea. The property is currently vacant and was previously used as a soft fabric retail shop, prior to which the property was used a tyre depot. The site is located within the Rhos on Sea Conservation Area, but is not located within a designated shopping zone.”

“Relevant planning applications relating to the proposal are: 0/25584 - Change of use from tyre depot to shop and installation of new shop front – Approved 12/02/2002. 1/RHS/7127 - Continued use of premises for the sale, storage and distribution of tyres and batteries with ancillary offices and services facilities – Approved 02/03/1984. 1/CBA/3102 - Continued use of premises as tyre depot for which temporary planning permission was granted under ref.”

“The proposal would bring a vacant unit back into use, which is considered to have a positive impact upon the vitality, attractiveness and viability of the commercial centre of Rhos on Sea. Subject to conditions recommended earlier in this report, the proposal is considered to be an acceptable form of development and is not considered to have any significant detrimental impact upon visual and residential amenity, heritage assets, biodiversity, highway safety or flood…”

“A) Minded to grant conditional planning permission.”

“Eleven representations have been received, raising the following concerns: • Impact upon the amenity of nearby residents and quality of life. • Loss of privacy. • Increase in nuisance, noise, disturbance and anti-social behaviour, particularly late at night and beyond typical retail hours. • Impact from waste disposal and deliveries. • Increase to pedestrian movements around the premises at night and short car/taxi trips would worsen congestion and safety for residents.”

“The premises could be subdivided into smaller retail units. • Colwyn Avenue is a predominately residential street and the retail and hospitality operate as daytime business. • Colwyn Avenue is a one-way street with limited parking availability. The proposal would lead to further congestion and parking issues. • Rodent and pest infestation. • Unsustainable location. • Fire risk from commercial kitchen.”

“Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of the proposal on neighbouring residential properties, particularly the adjoining flats, and suggestions were made for conditions to mitigate any adverse effects.”

“Suggested measures included restrictions on the hours of use of the external seating area, prohibiting music and entertainment outdoors, the preparation of a noise and management plan, controls on delivery times, and measures to minimise noise associated with furniture movement and commercial activities.”

“RECOMMENDATION: A) That the Planning Committee be minded to grant conditional planning permission.”

“B) That the Development and Building Control Manager be authorised to determine the application under delegation.”