14-apartment building at Land At Former Crown Inn The Crown Access Road, Pontllanfraith

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for a three-storey apartment building containing 14 homes, with parking and landscaping.

“Description and Location of Development: Seek approval of the reserved matters in respect of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of planning consent 22/0443/FULL (Erect retail building on the eastern side of the site with access, parking and landscaping and outline planning permission sought to erect up to 14 residential units with all matters reserved except access on the western side of the site) - Land At Former Crown Inn The Crown Access Road Pontllanfraith…”

“Development: Planning permission is sought to seek approval of the reserved matters in respect of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of planning consent 22/0443/FULL (Erect retail building on the eastern side of the site with access, parking and landscaping and outline planning permission sought to erect up to 14 residential units with all matters reserved except access on the western side of the site).”

Officer report

The site

The vacant former public house site lies within the settlement boundary, between Bryn Road, the Bryn roundabout and nearby homes.

“Location: The application site is located on the southern side of Bryn Road, Pontllanfraith and is located in between the Bryn roundabout to the west and residential properties of no.1-4 Trem y Goron, no.1-2 Crown Cottages and no.1 Bryn View Pontllanfraith to the east.”

“Site description: Vacant land within the settlement boundary of Blackwood that is previously associated with the former Crown Inn Public House. The building has been subsequently demolished and enclosed with hoardings. The site is semi-circular in shape, measures approximately 0.29 hectares in area and is screened by trees and established vegetation at a higher level along the northern boundary of Bryn Road and the western boundary of the A4049.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

The former Crown Inn was demolished, and hybrid permission was granted for a retail building and up to 14 homes.

“PLANNING HISTORY 2010 TO PRESENT 20/0894/NOTD - Demolish the Crown Inn Public House - Prior Approval Not Required 17.12.2020.”

“22/0443/FULL - Erect retail building on the eastern side of the site with access, parking and landscaping and outline planning permission sought to erect up to 14 residential units with all matters reserved except access on the western side of the site - Granted 16.04.2025.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

The details were considered consistent with the earlier permission, planning policies and design guidance, without unacceptable effects on character, amenity or infrastructure.

“Having regard to the above, the details submitted as part of this Reserved Matters application are considered to be in accordance with the parameters established by the hybrid consent. The proposal aligns with national planning policy and guidance, as well…”

“The development achieves an appropriate density and scale, and benefits from a sustainable location with convenient access to services, amenities, and public transport. It is not anticipated that the development would result in any unacceptable harm to the character or amenity of the surrounding area, nor is there any evidence of adverse impacts on local economic, social, or environmental infrastructure.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, with advice or conditions covering drainage, landscaping, trees, parking, cycle storage and waste arrangements.

“Senior Engineer (Drainage) - Advises that the site is within Flood Zones 2 and 3 for surface water flooding. Confirms that Sustainable Drainage Approval (SAB) is required and provides informative advice to the developer.”

“Transportation Engineering Manager - CCBC - No objection subject to conditions to ensure cycle storage. parking and its associated surfacing materials are provided.”

Officer report

Public responses

The application was advertised through the press, a site notice and neighbour letters, but no public responses were received.

“Extent of advertisement: The application was advertised in the press, by means of a site notice and neighbour letters.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning case officer presented the application.

The committee vote

Members voted unanimously to approve the recommendation, with 10 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions.

“Following consideration of the application it was moved and seconded that, subject to the removal of condition (09) and condition (10) being renumbered to condition (09) and the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be approved. By way of Microsoft Forms (and in noting there were 10 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstentions) this was unanimously agreed.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to removing condition 09 and renumbering condition 10 as condition 09.

“(i) Subject to the removal of condition (09) and condition (10) being renumbered to condition (09) and the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the application be GRANTED.”

Minutes