Go-ahead given to demolish empty pub and build convenience store

The decision comes just months after two similar plans for the site were rejected by the council.

Planners threw out the last application after concluding the design, with separate entrances and exits from the car park, would encourage ‘rat-running’ by drivers dodging traffic lights at the junction where the building is located.

The new design features a car park with just one entrance and exit which rules out drivers being able to cut the corner.

The new design also allows delivery lorries to unload at the rear of the car park rather than close to the street as in the previous design.

The plan is to demolish the 1960s pub and replace it with a single story shop unit, and a car park with 17 spaces.

Designers have included landscaping between the street and the shop plus a less intrusive design to protect the privacy of neighbouring buildings in response to concerns from planners.

Planning officer Richard Stevenson said the revised layout addressed all the items previously raised as reasons for refusal.

Mr Stevenson said two objections had been received in relation to the plans, voicing concerns about parking and traffic problems, as well as the loss of the pub.

Mr Stevenson said he was satisfied that the application provided the necessary number of parking spaces. He added that the pub had been empty for some years, with little likelihood of reopening.

Architects Gould Singleton said: “A greater level of respect is given to the adjoining properties to ensure no overbearing structures to the private realm of these two adjoining units.”