Plans to build four food and retail outlets on the site of a Flintshire hotel which was destroyed by fire have been recommended to go ahead.
Proposals to transform the former Gateway to Wales hotel site in Garden City have previously been refused twice by Flintshire Council due to concerns it would cause traffic problems.
A fresh application was submitted by Valedown Developments Ltd in April this year to create a Costa Coffee drive-thru, convenience store and two food retail outlets just off the A494.
The scheme has now been backed for approval by a senior council official ahead of a meeting of the local authority's planning committee next week.
Andrew Farrow, Flintshire's chief planning officer, said the proposals would deliver economic benefits and would not cause any road safety issues.
“The proposed redevelopment should be recognised as a valuable new investment within the local area, securing the provision of a greater range of local services and the creation of further employment opportunities.
“It will also bring an underused site back into beneficial use, continuing to meet the everyday needs of the community and supporting local economic growth.
“The proposed development will utilise the existing access off Welsh Road, which previously served the 40-bed hotel.
“Whilst the concerns raised with regards to the proposed increase in traffic is noted, the transport statement concludes that the proposed development would not give rise to any highway safety concerns.”
The 40-bedroom hotel was later knocked down after being bought by the Manchester-based developers in 2020.
Concerns have been raised ahead of the planning meeting by local county councillor Christine Jones and members of Sealand Community Council, with two letters of objection lodged by neighbouring residents.
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The main issues relate to the increase in traffic and the potential risk of flooding.
A decision will be made on the proposals when the committee meets on Wednesday (September 25, 2024).
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