The former Monksland bar and grill in Scurlage, Gower, could be demolished to make way for 21 affordable flats and houses. Housebuilder Hale Group and housing association Codi Group are behind the plans and intend to submit a planning application to Swansea Council.
The pub, which was previously known as The Countryman, closed in April 2019 and has not reopened despite extensive marketing to find an alternative operator. A letter on behalf of Neath-based Hale Group said the building has fallen into significant disrepair due to the length of vacancy, with windows boarded up to prevent vandalism, leaving the property as an unwelcome addition to the streetscene.
Proposed development details
The proposal includes four one-bedroom flats, 11 two-bed houses, three three-bed houses, and three four-bed houses, along with a play area and open space. The site covers just over an acre and previously hosted a farmers' market.
Scurlage is located in the Gower national landscape, formerly the Gower area of outstanding natural beauty, and has a doctors' surgery, pharmacy, shop, and sports club. The letter stated: "There would be no loss or change in high quality views across the Gower countryside." Planning officers have advised that an environmental impact assessment is not required.
Local housing context
Hale Group previously built 14 affordable two and three-bed homes in Scurlage a decade ago, a project praised by the Gower Society. The society's former chairman Robin Kirby said at the time: "The (Gower) peninsula needs more of this type and size of residential housing to accommodate the needs of local people working locally."
Three years ago, a pre-application enquiry for 60 social rented homes on fields leading into Scurlage from the north was submitted by a Mumbles-based businessman, but no full planning application has been submitted since. A few miles to the north in Oldwalls, Gower, houses are being built at the former Greyhound Inn, which closed in 2018.
