New homes bid near near Wellington's Haygate pub set for approval

Plans have been put forward for the one and two bedroom apartments and one bedroom houses at the junction of Alexandra Road and Haygate Road in Wellington.

The site is immediately next to the Haygate pub on Haygate Road, a popular rock music venue.

Thousands of people who know and love the pub signed a petition against the plans when they were first put forward.

The petition was launched by staff at the Haygate in Wellington, known in Telford as being the home of rock music, with hundreds of bands playing there over the years.

A customers showed solidarity with the venue, on Haygate Road, after plans were submitted for houses at the rear of the building, which they say could prevent it from being a music venue in the future.

A total of 27 objections have been received from residents, with the majority relating to the impact the development may have upon the Haygate pub.

It is proposed that 12 one bedroom homes would be created in three, two storey blocks each containing four dwellings each.

The other 12 units would be provided in an apartment block of six two bedroom units and six one bedroom units.

A total of six of the one bedroom dwelling homes will then be managed by affordable housing provider Severnside, with four homes for social rent and two homes for shared ownership purchase.

The plans are set to be decided by Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee at its meeting on November 1.

As part of the plans, a total of 32 parking spaces would be provided of which 8 would be allocated for visitor parking.

Amended plans have seen some changes to the design of the building, widening of the proposed vehicle access and the increase of the parking provision.

Noise assessments has been carried out to see the effect of live music from the Haygate.

An initial survey was carried out August 4 and 5 but this was done when there was no live music.

The second noise survey was carried out between September 9 and 10 when a music event was on during the evening.

A report to the committee said: "Having the two reports was in fact useful, as it clearly demonstrated that there were spikes in noise in the late evening between 9pm and 11.45pm whilst there was a music event taking place.

"The applicant has demonstrated that the development can be constructed in a way that reduces the internal noises levels of the residential property to acceptable levels and as such there would be no grounds to refuse the application on the noise impact from the neighbouring use."

The plans have been recommended for approval by officers, subject to the affordable housing provision being met.

The report adds: "The proposed development would be in a sustainable location close to the district centre of Wellington and would make appropriate use of a vacant brown field site in a predominantly residential area.

"The development would bring forward much needed single bedroom accommodation in addition to some two bedroom accommodation in an ideal location near to jobs, facilities and public transport links.

"The scale and design of the proposed development is also considered acceptable and would not cause detriment to the character and appearance of the area."

Councillors will have the final say at the meeting, to be held at the Whitehouse Hotel, starting at 6pm.