Black Bull, Castleford: Plan to turn former pub into “oppressive” apartments refused

Council officers said proposals to turn the old Black Bull into ten apartments “would not provide an acceptable standard of accommodation” for future residents.

A report said some of the homes did not comply with minimum space requirements.

Highways officers also objected to the application due to a lack of off-street parking in the area and concerns it would create a “significant harmful impact upon pedestrian and highway safety.”

The building is metres away from the former Hightown pub, which closed around a decade ago and was converted to a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) for 16 people.

The scheme was also refused over the “significant impact” it would have on residents of the HMO.

The report said it would be “oppressive and overbearing” and result in “overshadowing and loss of privacy”.

The application, submitted on behalf of applicant Branko Buhavac, received 29 objections from residents.

Concerns were raised over a possible increase in traffic in the area.

Others claimed the development would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

One resident said: “Parking is already an issue on this road often causing obstruction on the junction of the Black Bull pub which is very dangerous for local residents.

“Cars park on the pavement around this area obstructing the path for pushchairs/wheels chairs.”

Another opponent of the scheme said: “The street is strewn with litter and has gone from a quiet access road into an unpleasant environment.

“If this is passed, it will once again be at the expense of existing residents.”

A further comment against the plan said: “There has been a noticeable increase in littering and fly tipping in the area, and the proposed development could exacerbate this problem.

“The proposed development would have a detrimental impact on our family estate and the local community.

“We urge the planning committee to consider these points carefully and reject this application.”

No comments of support were received by the council in support of the application.