PLANS for a controversial new £3 million ‘superpub’ have been given the green light, in a dramatic U-turn by council planners.
Flintshire Council’s planning committee approved a fresh application by Marstons Inns and Taverns to build the huge pub and restaurant, along with bedsit accommodation for staff, on land near St David’s Park, Ewloe.
The original plans were thrown out earlier this year, due to concerns about parking and the negative impact on the local community.
But at a meeting on Wednesday, committee members said the authority had ‘no chance’ of winning if the application was taken to appeal.
Cllr Bernie Attridge, deputy leader of the opposition, said: “The writing is on the wall. If we refuse this again, it will just be overturned.
“The application is recommended for approval by planning officers and we should be supporting their views.
“The development will create 80 jobs and that is also something we should be supporting, with the economic times as they are.”
Mold councillor Chris Bithell, who rejected the original application, said: “If we lost the appeal, there would be a costs award made against the council and it would be a total waste of taxpayers’ money.
“Regrettably, I am going to have to change my vote on this issue.”
Ewloe councillor Alison Halford, who has fought against the plans from the outset, said she was ‘extremely disappointed’ that so many members had had a change of heart.
She said: “We already have eight pubs in the area who are scratching to make a living and we do not need another development of this kind.
“Ewloe is a hotbed for parking problems. On the opposite side of the road to the proposed site cars are having to mount the pavement when buses go past as there is just not enough space.
“I have been fighting for justice for the people of Ewloe. This business will come into its own when the economy picks up and we do not want another night watering hole here.
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Was the committee right to let the superpub go ahead?
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