AN ARTIST has requested permission to open a gallery and retail outlet in Flintshire.

Plans received by Flintshire Council request permission for the change of use of a garage at an address in South Street, Caerwys.

A design and access document submitted with the plans explains: "The proposals seek a sympathetic and appropriate conversion of, and extension to, the existing single storey structure on-site, to create a simple space for the creation, display and selling of art.

"Currently, there is no dedicated art gallery in Flintshire, and only one exclusively promoting local professional artists in all of north-east Wales.

"For comparison, there are currently 14 galleries in Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey.

"The applicant and his wife have considerable experience in all the areas that are needed to run this business.

"The applicant, Dave Roberts, has previously sold paintings on a semi-professional basis, having spent 20 years as chief executive of two charities/ limited companies, mainly through third-party galleries and exhibitions.

"His work has sold successfully and been widely admired enough for him now to become a full-time professional artist.

"Dave Roberts has served on the boards of a number of charities, including some within the arts sphere. He is currently secretary of the North Wales Society of Fine Art.

"Lise Roberts has over 25 years of experience in Marketing and Business Development across the public and private sector, including as Chair of Helfa Gelf, the largest art trail in Wales.

"As such Lise has relationships with funding bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales and local Arts Development Officers as well as managing an extensive network of artists across North Wales.

"The business plan is to create a retail outlet for artworks, providing a permanent and consistent route to market and ‘cutting out’ the middle man.

"Selling the work of other local artists in the gallery, alongside the artist’s own, would broaden the appeal to potential customers, support local artists and provide an important additional income stream."