AMBITIOUS plans to demolish a pub and build state-of-the-art apartments in Holywell have been thrown out.

An application by Mr D McLean to flatten the Calcot Arms, on Milwr Road, and build nine apartments in its place was rejected by a Flintshire Council planning committee.

Resident Peter Jones said the development would block the existing views of the countryside currently enjoyed by homes along Milwr Road and was too close to existing properties.

He told the meeting: “We are against the proposal in line with the wishes of a large percentage of the community.”

Plans attracted 249 letters of objection on the grounds of unsuitable access from Milwr Road and concerns about parking.

Plans include the demolition of the former pub and construction of two two-storey detached buildings comprising nine apartments, plus 11 car parking spaces.

An earlier application was refused in July 2010 but Linda Wright, the agent acting on behalf of Mr D McLean, said plans had been amended in line with residents’ concerns.

She told the meeting: “The height and scale of the development has been carefully considered.

“A view is afforded through the two blocks to the Dee Estuary beyond.”

Buckley Mountain Cllr Carol Ellis, who visited the site ahead of the meeting, questioned the number of parking spaces.

She said: “Most couples nowadays own two cars so what if there are 18 cars and only 11 spaces?”

The application was refused by a majority vote.