Plans to protect a historic Cardiff pub from demolition have been dealt a blow because of its windows.
Developer Sudhir Sehrawat wants to build 26 flats, a shop, and parking court on the site of the Rompney Castle, a Rumney pub which closed down during the Covid lockdown.
Some 947 people have signed a petition against the proposals to replace the Wentloog Road watering hole, which was built in 1871 and features a mock-medieval tower.
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Rumney's Labour councillors Bob Derbyshire and Jacqueline Parry applied to the Welsh Government's historic environment service Cadw to list the stone building, which would protect against plans to knock it down.
But the councillors have now shared a letter from Cadw rejecting their application. It says "only the very best of our nation’s historic buildings are protected".
The letter goes on: "The Rompney Castle is a two-storey public house, built 1871 but with earlier origins. Originally called the Pear Tree Inn, it was reputedly built over a tunnel to the Rhymney river for smuggling activity.
"Purchased in the late 19th century by the American consul in Cardiff, who added a mock-medieval tower and half-timbered appearance to the upper façade. The brewery S A Brain completed this Tudorbethan look in the 1930s.
"Although it has a characterful façade, its architectural and historic value are limited by uPVC windows and a modern interior. I understand that you will be disappointed with our decision, but as it does not meet the criteria there is no basis for us to list.”
Sharing the letter on social media the councillors said they are still "working hard to save Rompney Castle as a community asset" and "the fight goes on". Their preferred option would be for the building to remain a pub.
The proposed development would include 10 one-bedroom flats and 16 two-bedroom flats as well as a 172sqm shop. The design and access statement does not give a figure for affordable homes.
Some 171 comments — all objections — have been submitted on Mr Sehrawat's planning application, many raising the issues of traffic and the loss of community space.
Barney Jones wrote: "I've been a patron of the Rompney Castle since my mum and my auntie took my cousin and myself for my seventh birthday (drinking lemonade). I've never forgotten what a lovely family pub it is and I've been going back ever since. I had my 18th and 21st birthdays down the Rompney and I'm looking forward to having my 60th birthday there... The people of Rumney deserve a pub to share their thoughts."
Martin Thomas argued the "very busy" Wentloog Road "certainly doesn't need any more traffic" while Cathy Lee wrote: "I totally object to this ridiculous idea... Start seeing the beauty around you before it's too late."
Nicole Sutton commented: "I have plans in my possession that show the Rompney Castle as a main part of the old Rumney which stood on Parish Road before it was renamed to Wentloog Road. Surely it makes more sense to refurbish this historic part of old Rumney and use as something for the community, such as a medical centre and hub."
The application says the development would feature protruding window bays in dark grey cladding, "buff brickwork panels", and "large deep windows" to replicate the Victorian style.
"It is considered that the scale and type of development is entirely appropriate and that it would have no negative impact on the amenity of nearby dwellings," the statement says.
"The site has been inclusively designed to ensure accessibility for persons with differing needs including specifically designed level accesses to each dwelling, different colour ground covering, level thresholds and circulation areas within each dwelling."
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