BARRY Town Council planners have opposed a proposal to transform a former three-star hotel into shared living accommodation for low income single people under 35.

Councillors on the planning committee – which advises the Vale of Glamorgan Council – voiced concerns about an application lodged for the Mount Sorrel Hotel-site, on Porthkerry Road.

The scheme proposed changing the use from a 42 bed hotel to 45 bed shared living accommodation with ancillary leisure facilities, including retaining the swimming pool.

But councillors rejected the idea at a meeting on Tuesday.

A report put before council members said the hotel had been vacant for around 18 months and that there would be no outside changes to the building.

The applicant, Mr Spiteri, stated: “The proposed shared living accommodation endeavours to utilise the existing infrastructure of the premises.

"More importantly, it shall cater and respond to local demands to provide affordable accommodation for low income single personnel, primarily below the age of 35.”

The application proposed that the internal accommodation be split into four clustered arrangements to aide a 'better controlled and focused management system'

It added: “Each bedroom unit shall be served with its own ensuite bathing facility, with a designated bespoke-to-cluster kitchen and lounge areas provided for social interaction.”

There would be exclusive access to private gardens and leisure facilities within the complex, the report also said.

But planning committee member councillor Shirley Hodges said she was concerned about the density of the development and the number of people it proposed to house.

Her fellow committee member, Cllr Ian Johnson shared some fears, with cllr Claire Curtis adding that “pool parties” could result within the complex, with a lack of parking also a concern.

The scheme will now before the Vale council planning committee.

A date is yet to be confirmed.