APPROVAL for the demolition of Barry's Mount Sorrel hotel is set to be granted this week - with planning permission due to be granted for 34 flats on the site.

Local MP Alun Cairns has opposed the demolition, saying that it flies in the face of the council's ambition to promote Barry as Wales' premier tourist destination.

A report due to go before the Vale council's planing committee recommends approving the plans for the Porthkerry Road landmark, with 32 parking spaces also being planned to supplement 16 one bedroom apartments and 18 two bed apartments.

Tourism firm The UK Holiday Group took over the Mount Sorrel Hotel in 2012, with a view to transforming the fortunes of the failing business.

Late last year they admitted that the Hotel was losing money and submitted plans to demolish it in favour of flats.

Shortly afterwards, in October 2014, local residents were consulted about the plans and seven letters of objection were received citing concerns such as the design failing to respect local context, the loss of privacy and overbearing impact on surrounding properties, the inadequate parking and the "excessive" numbers of dwellings planned.

Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns also wrote to the council with concerns, chiefly the loss of what should be a valuable tourist facility in Barry.

Mr Cairns said: "Both the council's Unitary Development Plan and supplementary planning guide highlight how important tourism is to Barry and Barry Island and, in the stated ambition to make Barry Island a premiere tourist attraction in Wales, I fail to see how the loss of such an important facility will help achieve this."

The report confirms that the council’s Tourism and Marketing department was consulted and noted that "it is disappointing that development would lead to a loss of 42 hotel bedrooms as well as the hotels associated uses for events."

Permission for the 34 flats is set to be granted subject to the developers meeting certain planning and financial obligations such as ensuring that at least 30 per cent of the flats are built and maintained as affordable housing units and paying money towards costs for local schools, play areas, community facilities and transport.