HISTORIC COV PUB SAVED FROM FLATS PLAN

A BIZARRE planning committee meeting rejected plans to turn a historic Coventry pub into flats despite trying to go back on its initial decision.

A plan was put forward by developers APSE Building Design Ltd to transform The Old Crown Inn, on Windmill Road, into 11 ‘studio apartments.’

The plans included an office for a site manager, but concerned residents feared this meant the scheme could in fact be a hostel.

At a planning meeting on Thursday, a late representation from the developer said the apartments would be let to ‘single, professional people.’

David Pritchard, an agent for the applicant, added: “There is no doubt to the primary use of the proposals.

“A number of individual letters principally appear to contain that the property could attract undesirables, drunks, drug users and child abusers.

“This is simply preposterous and is not a relevant planning consideration.

“The submitted application has always been for a HMO (Home of multiple occupancy) and it is a basic usurpation for anyone to suggest the form of residence proposed will be occupied by criminals.”

Officers recommended the plan be approved, with evidence demonstrating the now vacant pub which opened in 1914 - is “unviable”, with sales declining some 47 per cent from 2009 to 2018.

But councillors were torn, with Cllr Gary Crookes stating: “I do understand the concerns.

“For an 11 bed HMO to want management - we are not used to that.

“It could lead to any distinction within the category applied that this could turn into a bail hostel or a hostel for the rehabilitation of offenders.”

Liam D’Onofrio told councillors a hostel could not be legally run without further planning approval.

But chair of the committee Cllr Lindsley Harvard added: “There is facilities for staff to sleep overnight. It does to my mind sound like a hostel.”

After a vote, three councillors voted in favour, with three against, and one abstention. Due to the tie, the chair’s vote was the casting vote.

Cllr Harvard said his reason for refusal was as he was “not really convinced... it is aimed at teachers”.

But Tracy Miller, head of planning, said: “The reason for refusal needs to relate to a material planning issue that we can relate to a policy. We cannot just say we don’t believe you, it’s not a HMO.”

A council solicitor added: “There is no doubt as to what it is going to be. I think the point is you just do not believe them.”

Cllr Pervez Akhtar suggested deferring the decision to clarify what type of people the apartments will accommodate, while Cllr John McNicholas asked if the vote could be taken again due to the abstention.

But Ms Miller added: “You have already made a decision. You can’t go back on it.”

Cllr McNicholas branded the turn of events as “extraordinary”.

After a solicitor said they had no reason to overturn the decision, the committee - under officers’ recommendation - cited ‘loss of community facility’ and ‘insufficient parking’ as the reason for refusal.