PLANS to build 43 flats in place of a levelled Yate pub have been thrown out.

South Gloucestershire Council officers said the Railway Inn, on Station Road, was one of a few buildings in the area with 'aesthetic merit' but its demolition was allowed before a 'loophole' was closed that could have prevented it.

Recommending refusal of the redevelopment plans, they said the result would be a 'very high density' of housing, and that their size could not be considered generous.

They also criticised the 'modern and lacklustre' appearance of one of the buildings in the largely Victorian setting, although they deemed the other more successful.

The plans, which were unveiled last Spring, were met with considerable opposition from the community who felt the pub could have been saved and turned into a viable business.

After the pub was demolished, and plans were submitted, formal objections were submitted by Yate Town Council as well as nine residents and two businesses.

The development would have delivered 31 one-bedroom properties, 11 two-bed flat and one three-bedroom home, with 15 of the flats set to be affordable. The applicant said it would deliver 'much-needed housing in a sustainable location'.

The offer of 22 parking spaces fell short of the requirement to deliver 57 bays, despite the closeness of the railway station and bus services.

South Gloucestershire Council refused planning permission.