Housing association says it has tried to meet local aspirations

2 minutes read

COUNCILLORS in the centre of Barry have expressed concerns over proposals to roll back commitments to community space in the centre of the town.

In 2019, planning permission was granted to Newydd Housing to transform three Barry Town Centre pubs into flats, including the Windsor Hotel on Holton Road, Sea View Club on Dock View Road and the Castle Hotel on Jewel Street.

**| Cllr Millie Collins and Cllr Dennis Clarke outside the Castle Hotel.**

As part of the proposal, a community space would be maintained at the Castle Hotel. However, Vale Councillors will now hear a revised planning application to change the proposed community space into flats.

Plaid Cymru’s Cllr Millie Collins, who is on the Barry Town Council Planning Committee and represents the Barry Docks area, said: “The original application was a linked plan to turn three local pubs into housing, but retain part of one of them, the Castle Hotel, as a place for local residents to have somewhere to socialise in their community.

“We were disappointed when that plan was changed amongst claims that there was no interest in running a pub or community space at this location, when it had previously existed for more than 100 years.

Cllr Dennis Clarke added: “The Consultation Feedback form provided by Newydd Housing Association in 2019 says they wanted to provide a refurbished public house at the Castle Hotel, together with a total of 60 affordable homes at the Windsor, Sea View and Castle Hotel, in order to meet an identified local housing need.

“The planning permission was granted on the basis of the continued community use of this asset, on balance with the loss of the other pubs. Once this is lost, it is lost for ever.

“Newydd should make good on their obligation to maintain a community asset in the Barry Docks area, and not be allowed to move the goalposts to get out of their promises to the people of Barry.”

A Newydd spokesman said: “For several years, Newydd has worked hard to find a sustainable community future for the Castle Hotel. We understand how much the Castle means to local people, which is why we took the time to explore every realistic opportunity for a sustainable community use before bringing forward this proposal.

“We worked closely with local community groups, explored different operators, funding and delivery options, and carried out extensive marketing, including a formal 15-month campaign. The bar area and all interiors of the Castle Hotel have been retained throughout, preserving the character and features of the building. Despite this sustained effort, no viable operator, funded proposal or offer came forward.

“With a significant need for affordable housing locally, and regrettably no forthcoming interest in operating the premises as a pub, the revised proposal would bring this long-vacant space back into beneficial use and provide eight additional affordable homes.

“In line with the Council’s planning policy, the renewed plan would also contribute around £50,000 towards existing community facilities in the area through a Section 106 contribution from Newydd, helping to ensure the wider community continues to benefit from the investment.”

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