A PLANNING application to build a block of flats next to a Flintshire pub has been submitted for the fourth time. 

Plans to build flats on land used as an informal car park near the Halfway House on Church Street in Connah's Quay have previously been rejected on three separate occasions.

The decisions were taken by officials from Flintshire Council after concerns were raised about the risk of flooding and highway issues.

While flooding fears were said to have been addressed in the application for six flats by David Lawrenson, permission was turned down earlier this year.

MORE NEWS: 

It came after a planning officer said the gradient of the proposed parking spaces would be "too steep", making them unusable.

Drawings of what the flats would look like and a site plan.Drawings of what the flats would look like and a site plan. (Image: Planning documents)

A design and access submitted with the latest application on behalf the applicant states: "During the application process a drawing was provided to the council showing the steepness of the ramps being reduced from 1:6 down
to 1:8, as requested by the planning officer.

"For whatever reason the planning and Highways officers ignored this drawing when drawing up their report and issuing the refusal notice."

The site location The site location (Image: Planning documents)

It adds: "Throughout the last three plus years we have made numerous attempts to discuss the various applications and reasons for refusal with the planning case officers and their managers.

"We have also attempted to discuss the proposals with the relevant Highways officers, but the planning officers and their managers have consistently refused to provide their names and contact details.

"Their attitude throughout the whole process has been one of disdain and that if you don’t like it you are free to complain or appeal. Prior to submitting this new application, we again attempted to discuss the reasons for refusal with the planning Officer and their manager, but they refused to engage with us.

"We have now made numerous complaints, which are still ongoing and three appeals have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and we are awaiting the outcomes of these."

The statement concludes: "The applicant considers that the proposed development will provide a good example in the re-use of vacant brown field land, which will contribute towards the local housing stock without harming local residential amenity or highway safety.

"The new development will provide affordable rental accommodation and care has been taken to ensure that this development reflects its position in the locality, without adversely affecting the neighbouring public house, businesses, etc."

Flintshire Council was approached for comment.