Flats plan for land at Shrewsbury pub thrown out by planning inspector

The plans had proposed transforming the space at The Inn on The Green in Radbrook into an apartment block with four apartments, but they were refused by councillors in July.

There would have been two single bedroom flats and two flats with two bedrooms. Twenty car park spaces would also have been lost under the plans.

The scheme received lots of objections, with a petition gathering more than 1,200 signatures. Councillors rejected the plans on the basis that the loss, or down-sizing of the garden would not protect or enhance the existing facilities and amenities that contribute to the quality of life for residents.

Now, the planning inspectorate has upheld the council's decision and thrown out the appeal from the applicant.

Planning inspector Elizabeth Pleasant said: "The appeal proposals indicate that a new beer garden/communal area would be provided immediately to the rear of the Public House and a small area also retained on its frontage adjacent to the function room.

"However, the replacement beer garden would be less than half the size of the existing facility and it would be shoe-horned into an area at the rear of the Public House, where the bins are currently located and servicing takes place.

"The entrance to the Public House from the adjoining parking area would also pass through this area. It is difficult to see how this area would provide an attractive area for patrons to sit or be large enough to provide an area for children to play.

"I accept that the Public House as a drinking establishment would remain, and I have taken into consideration the Appellant’s ascertain that the land which forms the application site is surplus to requirements.

"However, from what I have seen and the evidence provided, it would seem to me that the existing beer garden contributes to the vitality of the Inn on the Green.

"The replacement offer would be significantly less attractive or flexible for use than the existing provision, and consequently the existing facilities and amenities would not be protected or enhanced by the appeal proposal.

"I conclude that the appeal proposal would have a harmful effect on the existing facilities and amenities which contribute to the quality of life of residents and visitors to the local area."

The scheme was first put forward to councillors in February last year and members of Shropshire Council’s central planning committee agreed to grant it permission.

But when the local authority failed to prove it had displayed a site notice at the land off Calverton Way, the scheme went back before councillors in May, where they said they were minded to refuse the proposal.

After the site notice was displayed, a petition against the plans gathered more than 1,000 signatures.