Proposal to demolish Pwllheli pub and build six houses on site

Plans to demolish a Pwllheli pub to make way for six houses have been submitted to Gwynedd Council planners.

The owners of the Black Lion have blamed ongoing struggles to find tenants, as well as increased competition from town centre pubs – including Wetherspoons – for the decision to call time on the business after questioning its future viability.

Having been submitted to Gwynedd Council’s planning department, the plans involve demolishing the now closed pub and to build six three storey family homes which will be designed to encourage home working by including designated office space.
The pub also has its own on-site car park.

The supporting documents say: “Recently the owners have struggled to find tenants to operate the pub and have ceased trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Increased competition, particularly from Wetherspoons and the distance from the high street and market areas have also impacted the viability of the business.”

It adds: “The home working arrangements are also designed to offer the opportunity of minimal travel to work, potentially allowing a family to live and work in the area without owning a car.

“Charging points will be provided to allow for the ownership of an electric car.”

Pwllheli’s JD Wetherspoon pub – known as Y Pen Cob – was opened in December 2013 after transforming the town’s former Bon Marche store.

It has since been refused planning permission to expand the site to accomodate a 40-bedroom hotel, however, after councillors could not be persuaded that flooding wasn’t a potential issue.

Despite this, in 2018 the firm confirmed that it plans to resubmit similar plans in future.

It’s expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will consider the Black Lion proposals over the coming months.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter