Gary Bulmer, landlord of the Castell y Bwch Inn in Henllys, Cwmbran, has expressed disbelief after Torfaen Borough Council denied his application to retain a decking area and children's play zone, which he says are vital for the pub's survival. The council's planning department ruled the structures are a 'visual intrusion into the landscape' and 'inappropriate development in the green wedge' of the countryside.
Investment at Risk
Mr Bulmer, who purchased the pub with his wife Karen in 2022 and invested £200,000, said: 'Everyone who comes says it's wonderful but it now has to be taken down.' The decking overlooks Newport with views of the Severn Estuary. He warned: 'It will have a massive impact on trade if this goes, it would be greatly diminished. Is this 50 square metres where the decking is so important?'
Planning History
The application, first made in 2023 and revised in March 2024, sought to retain the decking and play area, replace timber fencing with a post and wire fence, and remove an outbuilding used for storage. The council had served an enforcement notice on previous tenants in 2022, defining established boundaries for food and drink use. Over 3,000 people signed a petition in 2024 supporting the retention of the decking, play area, and marquee.
Council's Decision
Torfaen planning officer Simon Pritchard's report stated: 'The change of use and the retention of the decking and play area is considered to be fundamentally contrary to green wedge policy and has a visually harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area which is a designated special landscape area.' The report added that it is 'debatable' the decking is crucial to the pub's viability, as it is unused during poor weather.
Landlord's Response
Mr Bulmer countered: 'I don't accept that it's visually intrusive.' He argued the only direct view is from a public footpath beneath the decking, which is now inaccessible due to overgrown brambles. 'Where is the visibility from? You can't get down the public footpath because it is full of brambles. You would need a machete to get through there.' He is considering an appeal, costing an estimated £2,500, but hopes to negotiate with the council: 'The first step is to see if I can lessen the visual impact maybe putting some bushes up or trees.'
Business Viability
Mr Bulmer, who also works a full-time job, stressed the outdoor area is essential for attracting families as a steak house. 'To keep this place viable I have a full time job. It really is you have to make hay while the sun shines to get you through the quiet months.' Options include selling the pub (on the market for 18 months) or closing it and applying for residential use. He noted rising costs and said: 'People in south Wales will not pay £8 or £9 a pint which is what you'd need to charge to get back to profit margins pre-Covid.'
