AN APPLICATION for a new restaurant and takeaway on High Street, Rhuddlan has been refused planning permission.

Applicant Julia Smith, of Offa's Catering Company, had submitted the proposals in July to convert the site, at Clwyd House, into a hot and cold food restaurant, and a takeaway consisting of a pie and sandwich shop.

But yesterday (September 26), Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee turned down the application following concerns lodged by neighbours.

Initially, Ms Smith had also planned for the site to have a “bring your own wine and beer” venue, as well as themed events such as tapas, steak and burger nights.

She stated that its opening hours would have been 9am-10pm Monday to Saturday, and 12-7pm on Sundays.

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Plans for ‘bring your wine and beer’ venue on Rhuddlan High Street

Patrick Tinker commented on the application, saying that he lives in an attached property.

He said: “I would like to contest this application, as the construction of the property is of an age where no consideration was taken into account for sound insulation. 

“Any noise made after normal working hours will be audible in my property, making it an extremely uncomfortable living environment. 

“This will have an extremely detrimental effect on the wellbeing of any inhabitant and also the value of my property.”

Similarly, Peter Derbyshire, who also lives in close proximity to the proposed site, said: “We have no objection to the premises being used as a food outlet during normal business hours.

“We do object to the proposed 10pm closing hour, as we feel this would possibly impact on close residential properties, of which we are one.”

Gemma Lee, who said she lives two doors down from the site, also objected to the proposed opening hours. 

She said: “6-7pm closing would be better-suited. I have three children under the age of 10, and the noise levels of people congregating outside to smoke and chat would impact us as a family every evening. 

“I feel that ‘bring your own alcohol’ will entice the wrong type of clientele, and also not limit the amount being drank. 

“I’m happy for this establishment to open and operate during daytime hours, but not beyond 7pm.”

Glenda Williams, who said she lives next door but one, objected to the plans, due to “the level of noise it will bring, as well as the mess that will be left outside”.

She added: “The number of cars that will park on the yellow lines and block our access on Parliament Street will also increase, as there is insufficient parking for the businesses already operating on High Street.”

Others who commented on the planning application supported the proposals, with Edward Williams saying it would “bring much-needed footfall and business to what is a very quiet street”.

Likewise, David Evans, of Dyserth, said he has found Ms Smith to be “very professional”, and would fully support a business venture of hers.

Tina Jones MBE, former mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden, called her “an asset to all catering establishments”.

She added: “As Julia provides a dining experience, the noise level would be low and relaxing, which would be of benefit to the people living around the property.”

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was also consulted on the proposals, and outlined concerns regarding the application’s location due to “the proximity to existing restaurants selling predominantly food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar”.

Rhuddlan Town Council objected to the application due to the “adverse impact on residential amenities”.

Ms Smith also runs The Red Lion pub and restaurant in Northop.

The shop which was at the existing site has now been closed for approximately a year.