Plans to convert a former Blaenau Ffestiniog pub into flats have been refused.

Planners could not be persuaded that the site of The Wynnes Arms in Manod was protected from flooding.

The Wynnes Arms has been shut since 2017, having been described by developers as “in a poor state of repair” and at risk of severe dereliction unless “urgent” action is taken.

But with the proposals having been on the desks of the county’s planners since October 2019, it will now be a decision for the planning inspectorate to make with an appeal having already been lodged by the applicants due to the lack of decision thus far.

The plans include the conversion of the pub into five, self-contained one bedroom flats, which would be achieved by extending the current building.

The site already has planning permission to be turned into offices and a single home but developers believed the latest proposals to be more realistic due to “firm interest”, despite a separate bid to reopen the pub ultimately failing.

But despite having previously recommended approval, members of Gwynedd Council’s planning committee were told on Tuesday that concerns had been flagged up by officers over flooding after the issue was raised by the local councillor, Linda Ann Jones.

Authority flood control officers, having visited the site, recommended refusal until more information is made available on the watercourse and the direction of local culverts – with anecdotal evidence of flooding having previously occurred within the pub’s cellar over the years.

Members were told that the applicant – Mr J Fatimilehin – has since confirmed that he was unaware of any flooding issues in relation to the area, but that further information would need to be provided before flood control officers could be satisfied.

Members voted unanimously to refuse the application.

Previously, Cllr Linda Ann Jones had argued that there was a lack of space to fit in the extension as well as six parking spots.

But the design and access statement accompanying the application, noted: “In its current condition the building, being boarded up at ground floor level to help protect against further acts of vandalism, adversely effects the amenity and aesthetics of the immediate area.

“It has also in its present form become increasingly synonymous with anti-social behaviour, being well known to local police.

“This latest proposal presents a genuine way forward to secure a new and viable long-term future for the building, through doing so removing the blight and social problems it gives rise to in its current form.”

It’s expected that the planning inspectorate will make a decision over the coming weeks.