More than 200 residents have signed a petition opposing the development of flats in place of a former pub. The Castle Hotel pub on Jewel Street in Barry, formerly owned by Brains Pubs, permanently closed its doors in September 2019.
In November 2019, Vale of Glamorgan Council granted Newydd Housing Association planning permission to develop 14 flats on the Castle Hotel site while retaining the pub as a community space. Work on the £2 million development of 12 one bedroom and 2 two bedroom affordable flats started in March 2021.
Newydd said it had "considered various options regarding the proposed community space within the old Castle building". It said they included working with a local community group and local residents to "investigate the option" of keeping a part of the Castle Hotel as a community enterprise and community run pub.
However, bosses said no viable option was found and Newydd are now planning to turn the remainder of the Castle Hotel building into more flats.
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Opposition to the new plans has risen from residents with a petition against the plans, created by Barry resident, Polly Graham receiving more than 200 signatures. The petition reads "As a community, it is important that we ensure developers are not allowed to strip the town of its community assets for their own profit, and ensure that change of use is not allowed through planning for these purposes.
Comments attached to the petition show criticism to Newydd new proposal with one stating, "I don't want to see another pub disappear in Barry and the castle is part of our history" and another, "This would sacrifice any chance of community use. Doesn't need to be a pub, but potentially a valuable social facility."
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Jason Wroe, Chief Executive of Newydd Housing Association told WalesOnline, “Newydd has been involved with The Castle Hotel for the last six years. During that time, we have considered various options regarding the proposed community space within the old Castle building, which included working with a local community group and local residents to investigate the option of keeping a part of the Castle Hotel as a community enterprise and community run pub. Our work involved many workshops and consultation events to encourage local people to consider this venture.
"Unfortunately, no viable options have materialised, and we have now made the difficult decision to put forward proposals to the Vale of Glamorgan Council to redevelop the whole of the former Castle Hotel to affordable homes for local people. We understand that this will be very disappointing for local residents however we feel that in the current climate, with the lack of viable options for a pub as a business venture, this is the best option going forward to ensure the whole building is redeveloped to benefit the local community.”
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