A PLANNING application to build eight apartments was reluctantly passed by a town council.

Holywell town councillors raised concerns at a meeting about parking issues that would arise from extra occupants living in the proposed block of apartments on the former site of The Church in the Park, Post Office Lane, Holywell.

The proposed three storey building - two storey with a dormer roof - will be situated in approximately the same position as the church, and will be predominantly brick built with a slate roof, according to the applicant's design and access statement.

The statement also read: "An access driveway will be located to the south of the site, accessed via the Leisure Centre car park to aid with removals, deliveries, refuse and emergency services only. No private car parking will be gained via this access driveway.

"The project will aid the continued natural surveillance of the surrounding area, including pedestrian access from the High Street to the Leisure Centre and beyond."

The original application is for the demolition of The Church, but according to Cllr Ted Palmer: "It's already been demolished and knocked down. I do not see the need to oppose this because back in time we opposed the previous one on the grounds of off-road parking but it was passed as there is car-parking within 100m.

"It always looks like wasteland and we really do have a shortage of accommodation in Holywell.

"No traffic can get down there so there will be no traffic impact. It's just an extension on the ones behind the Post Office. There are drainage issues but as long as the infrastructure is kept up, I approve.

"I'm not saying I'm all for this but from experience, it will be passed so we should support it but try and implement some of the things we think are important.

"I will support it as long as it supports the planning regulations and drainage. At least we are flagging it up."

Cllr Peter York however believes the nearby car-parking is constantly full and therefore he "does have concerns about it." He added: "I think eight apartments in that location is a bit much."

Cllr Barry Scragg said: "True, it has been knocked down but the parking is a problem. Every time someone takes a space there, there is less for the general public."

The council agreed with Cllr Palmer's motion to approve the proposal.

The application will now go to Flintshire Council's planning committee for final consideration.