A LARGE touring caravan park which is set to be built behind a historic pub will help restore it to its former glory, according to its owners.

It comes after councillors in Flintshire gave the go ahead for a total of 55 caravan pitches on an area at the back of the the Old Tavern, Llanerch-y-Mor, near Mostyn, which is believed to date back to 1664.

The pub is a grade II listed building and the number of pitches were scaled down in order to protect it.

Members of Flintshire Council’s planning committee were told the application would attract tourists to the area and provide vital income to renovate the building itself.

Speaking at a meeting yesterday, David Roney, one of the pub’s owners, said: “With your support, this change of use will bring visitors to an area of the coast road which has been neglected for many years.

“We forecast that we will create at least 10 new jobs, which can all be performed by recruiting local people.

“All the features of the Coastal Path in Flintshire and the Heritage Trail are accessible from our front door.

“The Old Tavern is the only pub still trading in Mostyn and has been run down for many years.

“We will restore the pub to its former glory, retaining an important community asset.”

A service block will be built and landscaping carried out on the land under the proposals, which were recommended for approval by officers.

The site will be for touring caravans only and not permanent pitches.

Two responses were received by neighbouring residents asking that the park should be surrounded by secure fencing.

The plans were supported by the majority of councillors on the committee.

Cllr Chris Bithell, cabinet member for planning, said: “I’ve known the Old Tavern for many, many years, it was my watering holes in years gone by.

“It’s a very important building from an historical point of view.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Derek Butler, who seconded the proposals added: “Tourism is a vital economy in Flintshire, employing over 3,000 people and generating millions into our local economy.

“We’re constantly exploring expanding that economic activity.

“Hostelries are closing on a daily basis all over the area.

“This is an isolated old tavern and it will anchor that purpose building for the foreseeable future.”