Micropub opens despite not yet gaining approval

MANAGERS of a new “micropub” say they are confident the venue can continue despite opening before securing planning permission.

Owners of the Butterfly Collector in Barry say they have received good support from the public since opening the real ale and craft beer bar in a previously empty unit in Holton Road in August.

But Vale of Glamorgan Council has said a planning application for the micropub has not yet been approved.

Councillor Vince Driscoll, who is vicechairman of the council’s Planning Committee, is the landlord of the unit but has had no involvement with the business, the managers of the pub have said.

And they say they are working with the council’s planning team to have the planning situation resolved as soon as possible.

A spokesman for the Butterfly Collector said: “We’re doing everything we can with the planning application and provide any information needed by the planning officers.

“The support has been fantastic. The pub is a good thing for the town. Hopefully they will see that.

“Based on the feedback we have had the community think’s it’s a positive to have a business of this nature.”

The council says it is not unlawful to open in advance of obtaining planning permissions, but developers do so at their own risk.

Plaid Cymru councillor Ian Johnson, a member of the Vale council’s Planning Committee, said: “The opening of the new pub has been welcomed by many people, it’s been in the local papers and there’s been a buzz about it on social media.

“However, when a pub opens in a building apparently owned by a Conservative councillor who is both the chair of licensing and vice-chair of planning, you would expect them to follow the rules.

“Barry residents would be appalled if developers started to build houses or the incinerator started operating before planning permission is agreed.”

The application for the micropub is due to be presented to the Planning Committee on September 27.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “While it is not unlawful to open in advance of obtaining planning permission from the council it would be unauthorised and it is unfortunate if this has happened.

“Any operator or developer who does so, does this at their own risk, should the council determine that planning permission should not be granted.”

The Fresh Bacon Company, of which Mr Driscoll is a director, is listed as the owner of the unit in the planning application.

Cllr Driscoll has been contacted for comment.