Plans propose demolishing the 19th-century Greyhound Inn for nine new homes, including shared ownership options.
Six years ago, a similar plan nearly passed. It included nine homes but lacked affordable options. The landowner had financial problems then, seeking to change the agreement with the council for more money for affordable housing.
Bradbar Homes inquired in 2022 about nine homes. Now, they’ve submitted a detailed plan for approval, claiming prior permission is valid. The developer argues that financial concerns persist.
They state that costs must decrease or home prices increase. Bradbar Homes suggests shared ownership as a way to affordability, recovering about 70% of costs. Affordable rental only previously recovered 42%, so this change allows them to achieve a better profit margin.
They aim for a 15% profit on the project. While 17.5% is typical, this profit allows action. The project delivers housing, with some designated as affordable.
The detached homes will face the road directly and have private driveways. Shared ownership homes will be at the back, sharing one access road. Each home gets a garden and slate roof.
Fifteen new trees will replace four cut down. Landscaping and ecological steps are also planned. The council previously had concerns about planning policy, noting Oldwalls lacks defined building limits. New projects need to be entirely affordable, according to the council.
The developer claims prior approval matters. It acts as a “fall-back” position for housing, so the council should weigh it heavily during the assessment.
The Greyhound Inn, a popular spot since the 1800s, offered real ale and food. In 2015, it made over a million pounds, but business declined and rates increased. The pub and land were for sale at £1.1 million at that time.
Initial demolition plans faced opposition, though some people wrote in support of the plan. A fence now surrounds the area, and roof tiles were removed for safety.