PLANS to use space in a village pub car park to build a house have been refused.

David Lloyd, landlord of the Cross Keys in Selattyn, had hoped to build a three-bedroom home with the loss of one car parking space.

But a planning officer listed a series of reasons why it should be refused, including a lack of information about how it would impact the highway network and the neighbouring Grade I-listed church.

Case officer Ollie Thomas said: “The proposal to provide a single detached dwelling to the rear of The Cross Keys and upon its existing car parking provision is unacceptable.

“The site holds a central location within a community cluster; however, it fails to reflect the site’s surroundings that would result in an overly cramped form of development that would adversely affect the wider settlement.

“The loss of car parking has not been fully justified, the proposed access point has failed to demonstrate a safe and accessible access point, where the development of this site would exacerbate highway safety for the local highway network and all its users.

“The site lies within close proximity to designated heritage assets, where any harm of its significant or setting have not been fully justified.”

Members of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council had objected to the proposal on the grounds of the loss of parking, along with eight objection letters.

But it also received two letters of support praising the refurbishment of the pub.

Planning agent Robert Davies, of R F Davies Architectural Services, said the car park is currently underused.

He also said it would help to ensure the “viability” of the village, including the primary school.