Successful defence of appeal against hotel to retail conversion

On 29 November 2019, following a full hearing, an Inspector appointed by the Welsh Ministers dismissed an appeal under s.78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against the refusal to grant planning permission for a controversial development in the town of Aberaeron. In short, the appellant sought permission for a partial change of use from C1 (hotel) to A1 (retail) in respect of the Feathers Royal Hotel.

In refusing the appeal the Inspector adopted all of the Council's reasons for refusal. In particular, he found that the proposal would harm the area's tourist accommodation offer and would result in the unjustified loss of community facilities. Further, he found that the proposed parking and servicing arrangements would be "seriously deficient" to the extent that they would compromise highway safety and also that the scheme would harm the special architectural and historic character of the relevant building (Grade II listed) as well as its setting.

The decision is available here: Feathers Royal Hotel Decision.

Katherine Barnes acted for the successful local planning authority, Ceredigion County Council, instructed by Ffion Lloyd of the Council's in-house legal team.