A LONG string of amendments for previously approved plans by the owner of Ceredigion’s Harbourmaster Hotel and Cliff Hotel & Spa to convert a former hotel in Cardigan’s conservation area to flats have been approved.
Last April, Ceredigion County Council conditionally approved a scheme by Wells Jones, of the Cliff Hotel & Spa, Gwbert, for the conversion of the Grade-II-listed Highbury House Hotel, Pendre from two dwellings to seven flats, along with associated works; along with a related listed building application.
A previous application for eight flats was refused in late 2023, the new scheme featuring various amendments including the reduction in number.
A supporting statement through agent Archi-Tech said the three-storey Highbury, with neighbouring Stanley House, was once part of the late 18th century county gaol designed by John Nash, the site redeveloped into villas after it closed in 1878.
It added: “The conversion to flats is a typical reuse for two large former town houses. In this case, the buildings have gone through a number of uses, all of which have impacted on their character prior to listing. Reuse as flats allows the historic planform to be retained with internal alterations being relatively modest with no impact on the 1790s fabric or surviving late C19 fixtures.”
An officer report recommending approval said Highbury House Hotel previously comprised two houses known as Brooklands (on the right) and Highbury, both created in the late 19th century, with Highbury becoming a residential hostel by 1941 and was then a children’s home under around 1950.
“The building was listed in 1992 for historic interest of remaining parts of the 18th century gaol of which the stonework is clearly visible on the north wall,” the report said.
The application was conditionally approved.
Mr Wells Jones owns many local hotels including The Cliff Hotel and Spa and The Gwbert Hotel & Flat Rock Bistro in neighbouring Gwbert, and the Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron.
Late last year, Mr Wells Jones was also given permission for works to Cardigan’s Grade-II-listed Black Lion Hotel, High Street, along with minor internal alterations and associated works, and an associated listed building consent.
The latest calls for amendments to the Highbury House application, with 17 amendment applications submitted, have been approved by county planners.
