Welshpool Town Council has backed plans by the owners of a town centre pub to expand the business into a neighbouring building.

At a meeting of the town council’s planning committee on October 25, councillors discussed an application submitted by the owners of The Angel in Berriew Street to convert the empty building next door, formerly occupied by Harrison’s Solicitors.

The plans would see the business expand with a restaurant on the ground floor of the neighbouring building, while the first floor would be used for residential accommodation.

Cllr Phil Owen said: “The only comment I would make is that I’m aware if you’re living on that road there can quite a lot of nuisance that comes from pubs, especially late at night. I’d be wary of a proposal that increased the boozing space rather than the eating.

“I think it’s good they’re doing something with the Harrison’s building but if it’s just extending the bar into a larger space I’m not sure I’d be very keen.”

Cllr Alison Davies responded: “It seems they are extending the catering side of the business rather than just the pub side, as there doesn’t seem to be any large extension to the pub itself and they are instead making it into a dining room.”

Cllr Billy Spencer echoed Cllr Owen’s question, adding: “Currently in The Angel, at night their catering facilities become part of the pub. So will a bigger restaurant just create a bigger pub at night?”

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Town Clerk Anne Wilson clarified that, according to the owner’s intent, the plans are to create a fuller dining facility rather than simply extending the pub itself.

Cllr Davies added: “We have to be careful because as a council we are consultees, so it’s not our place to micromanage their business. As long as they meet the regulations we have to accept planning applications as submitted. Though we can make comments.”

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Cllr Nick Howells also suggested that issues with noise pollution would fall under the environmental protection act, which would come with its own consultation and recommendations.

He added: “We’ve seen a The Owl and the Pussycat emerge as a revamped business and the Pinewood is currently being redeveloped.

"Another addition would only spread out the crowd at night time rather than significantly add to it. I think it’s excellent to see another empty building being done up.”

The council voted to support the proposal.