A former Grangemouth pub which closed down after customers were caught breaking covid rules is set to be turned into a house with 16 bedrooms. The house in multiple occupation (HMO) application for the former Ellwyn pub, would see the first floor of the building on Newlands Road transformed into bedrooms, with a communal kitchen, living area, bathrooms and laundry provision.
The former public house eventually closed its doors for good after several appearances in front of Falkirk Council 's licensing board. In December 2020 its licence was suspended after the board saw CCTV footage taken by the council's Environmental Health team that included customers breaking Covid rules by crowding round a pool table, a man dropping his trousers and a fight breaking out.
The premises has been subdivided and there is a well-established shop on part of the ground floor. Planning permission is also already in place to change the remainder of the ground floor into shop units, a hot food takeaway and offices.
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The latest planning application from Mr Amran Ali has been called for the consideration of the planning committee by Grangemouth Councillor Alan Nimmo, who wants to allow the committee to consider concerns raised by objectors regarding noise, traffic and parking impacts.
Sixteen objections have been received and Grangemouth Community Council has expressed its concerns about the proposal. Its members are worried that the proposed development could result in a high occupancy turnover.
The community council is concerned about the over-provision of HMOs in the Grangemouth area and say the location has a history of antisocial behaviour, which would be exacerbated by a transient population. The 16 additional objections raise various issues, including the possibility of an increase in noise and pollution as a result of additional traffic.
There are also concerns about a lack of on-street parking to serve the development, something that Falkirk Council roads department has also noted. One objection believes "the development will result in anti-social behaviour, including drugs, gangs and parties. This development would be unsafe for local residents".
Councillors will consider the application next Wednesday, April 19, at a meeting of the Planning Committee which will be livestreamed.
