THE owners of a former pub site have submitted an application to build houses and flats there – for the fourth time.

Lochailort Investments Ltd has applied to the borough council to build 12 homes at The Railway Inn, in Station Road, Whitchurch. The company has used the site as a temporary car park, but submitted various applications since 2010 to develop the land.

The first was refused in May 2011, because of overdevelopment and highway problems. The company was successful in obtaining permission on appeal, for five homes, but then unsuccessfully sought permission to build 13. Now, the company is hoping its new application will address the issues raised. The application said that it “must be seen in the context of the appeal for five dwellings allowed on 24 September, 2012.”

It added: “The proposals would contribute of a range of dwelling sizes including family homes and smaller housing provision where there is an identified need and which the Local Plan supports.”

However, Whitchurch Town Council, which can only advise the borough council, voted to object to the plans at its meeting on February 4. Councillor John Clark said: “I propose that we reject it because of the inadequate parking. They haven’t improved the visibility.”

However, Cllr Linda Thomas said the development was “sustainable” being next to the railway station and on a bus route and within walking distance of the town centre.