Welsh Pub Battles to Retain Decking Following Safety Incident
A Welsh pub in Pembrokeshire is facing a dilemma as it appeals against a decision by the national park to remove decking that was installed for safety reasons after a child was nearly hit by a car. The Hibernia Inn in Angle, owned by Kath Lunn, sought retrospective planning permission from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to keep the wooden decking she had erected at the front of the pub. The decking was put up in response to a close call involving a child on the nearby road, prompting concerns for customer safety. The pub is now fighting to maintain the decking despite facing criticism from the park.
The initiative to keep the decking has garnered support from the Angle Community Council and received two letters backing the safety measure on highway grounds. Kath Lunn highlighted in her application that the incident involving the child necessitated the installation of the decking to prevent similar mishaps in the future. She explained, “We considered a brick wall but thought this decking would be more aesthetically pleasing being made of natural wood. We did extend out a little further than we wanted to, to avoid cars parking and causing an obstruction in the roadway as we have experienced this in the past.”
However, concerns were raised by the park’s building conservation officer regarding the impact of the decking on the village’s conservation area. The officer acknowledged the challenges faced by local pubs but emphasized the significance of preserving the area’s character. Suggestions were made for an alternative scheme involving traditional walls and landscaped frontage to maintain community values while catering to business interests. Despite these alternatives, recommendations for refusal were put forward, citing the decking’s discordant presence in the village’s setting.
As the dispute unfolds, preparations are underway for a development management committee meeting, with an appeal already directed to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). The outcome of the appeal will determine the fate of the decking and its impact on the pub’s operations. The clash between safety concerns and conservation guidelines highlights the delicate balance that establishments like The Hibernia Inn must navigate to ensure customer welfare while respecting local heritage and aesthetics.
The case of The Hibernia Inn sheds light on the intricate process of balancing safety measures with heritage preservation in a conservation area. The pub’s initiative to enhance safety through decking exemplifies a proactive approach to customer wellbeing, yet clashes with conservation standards. The outcome of the appeal will not only shape the pub’s future but also set a precedent for similar establishments navigating similar challenges. As The Hibernia Inn continues its fight to retain the decking, it underscores the broader conversation on maintaining safety without compromising the integrity of historical settings.