January 5, 2018
The demolition of the Grade II-listed Tudno Castle Hotel in Llandudno should be allowed to go-ahead say planners.
Plans were submitted last year to knock down and “faithfully reconstruct” the hotel, which is being redeveloped by Mostyn Estates and Opus North into a Premier Inn and five restaurants in a £10m scheme.
This came after a previous attempt to develop the site while retaining the existing facades was abandoned due to their very poor condition.
Planning officers on Conwy council have recommended the application for approval. Councillors will meet to discuss the proposal next Wednesday.
The report for the planning committee said: “On balance, officers consider that the demolition of the whole of the remaining building is justified, given the condition of the building and the unviable cost of repairs to the existing building.
“It has not been possible to deliver the previously proposed facade retention scheme, due to the unstable condition of the facades, the risk of wall collapse and the health and safety risk in carrying out the works.
“The current proposal to replicate the historic facades is considered to be the best proposal to protect the setting and group value of the building within the conservation area.”
Developer Opus North has said it will “faithfully reconstruct” the site after demolition.
The prominent Tudno Castle Hotel has lain empty since closing in 2008, and has become one of the seaside town’s biggest eyesores.
The building dates back to the 1870s and was formerly two hotels – the Tudno Castle and the Temperance Hotel.
Author: Owen Hughes
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