Councillors opt for site visit to Castle pub, before deciding on brewery's plans (From Barry And District News)

Councillors opt for site visit to Castle pub, before deciding on brewery's plans

4:50pm Monday 15th October 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

COUNCILLORS have opted to pay a site visit to a Barry pub - before deciding the future of the building in which it is housed.

Vale Council planning committee members will drop in at The Castle Hotel, Jewel Street, ahead of their next committee meeting on October 25.

S A Brain has lodged proposals to convert part of the building into five two-bed residential apartments.

Vale planning officers are recommending that the flats be approved, along with the retention of a ground floor pub facility with ancillary manager's accommodation, and seven parking spaces.

Steve James, chairman of the campaign to save The Castle Hotel pub from closure, said the group had met with Brains representatives on October 4, and that the meeting had produced ‘both positive and negative points’, with a suggestion of running a community enterprise pub also mooted.

He said discussions about the cellar and skittle alley had been positive, but added: "They have brought in a management company to run things, but if they can't make a go of it they will shut the pub and sell it for further development.

"They understand there's community feeling about it and they are willing to give us a chance, but I feel like the idea that they got money out of this area for 130 years without putting a penny back doesn't seem to bother them."

Brains sales and marketing director, Richard Davies said: "We had a productive session with the campaign group and listened to their depositions regarding the future of The Castle. "We have requested firmer proposals prior to Christmas for our consideration.

"At this stage the pub remains open and trading."