THE proposed demolition of a Pwllheli pub to make way for six houses has been unanimously refused by Gwynedd Council planners.

The owners of the Black Lion had blamed ongoing struggles to find tenants, as well as increased competition from town centre pubs including Wetherspoons, for the decision to call time on the business.

But, meeting on Monday, members of Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee followed the advice of officers in refusing the proposals, which included concerns that not enough information had been provided to support the application.

The plans had involved demolishing the now closed pub and building six three-storey family homes which they said would be designed to encourage home working by including designated office space.

The pub also has its own on-site car park.

But the officers’ report recommended objection, noting: “Considering the scale, design and number of proposed dwellings, it is not considered that the development would be in keeping or of an acceptable appearance within the local area.

“In addition, considering the narrow nature of the site, the number of units included in the plan and the lack of amenity space associated with the individual houses, it is believed that it would be an over-development of the site and harmful to residential amenities.”

The report also noted a “lack of justification” on how the proposal would address the needs of the local community or any provision of affordable housing included within the plans.

The application’s supporting documents had stated that the owners had struggled to find tenants to operate the pub, deciding to cease trading during the coronavirus pandemic after questioning its future viability.

They went on to say: “Increased competition, particularly from Wetherspoons and the distance from the high street and market areas have also impacted the viability of the business.”

Pwllheli’s JD Wetherspoon pub – known as Y Pen Cob – was opened in December 2013 after transforming the town’s former Bon Marche store.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation of planning officers to refuse the application.