Campiagners to save Barry pub toast planning decision (From Barry And District News)
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Campiagners to save Barry pub toast planning decision
12:00pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Sharon Harris
CAMPAIGNERS battling to 'Keep The Castle in Castleland' have declared a cautious victory thanks to some significant negotiation.
Vale planners approved an S A Brains application to transform the Jewel Street hostelry into five two-bed residential apartments and the retention of the public house at a meeting on October 25.
Amended plans will now see two thirds of the ground space occupied for bar and lounge and also incorporate the basement with skittles area.
Seven parking spaces will be provided within the confines of the site, with bin store, for residents.
Previously proposed ancillary manager's accommodation will go on the open market.
Steve James, chairman of the campaign to save The Castle Hotel pub from closure, said he was pleased the pub facility had more space, but he was still concerned about the kitchen space.
He said: "Hopefully whoever ends up running the pub puts some thought into some food preparation area.
"There are huge possibilities for developing a proper community facility and we are closely looking at a community enterprise.
"We are hoping that the council and Brains will work with us and bring any future developer into the discussions.
"The council has been very good on this occasion."
Castleland Vale councillor, Chris Elmore added: "The final application ensures the future of the pub from a planning perspective.
"We have the vital two bars with the option of community space and an area for the Castle's famous band night on a Friday.
"I would like to thank Brains, Council Officers and the planning consultants who met with us during the application process and listened to the views of local residents.
"The work however isn't over, we have more work to do in developing the project of running the pub as a community pub with a social enterprise. These discussions are on going".
