THREE public houses are set to be transformed into 60 affordable homes, and a community space, after the Vale council’s planning committee approved the schemes.

Vale planners voted overwhelmingly in favour of proposals by Newydd Housing Association to convert two former public houses, and one currently operational, at its public committee meeting on Wednesday, December 19.

The Windsor Hotel, in Holton Road, the Sea View Labour Club, in Dock View Road, and Castle Hotel, in Jewel Street, all in Barry, will be redeveloped.

The Windsor will see the demolition of existing single storey rear extensions and the refurbishment and the premises transformed into 18 affordable apartments.

There will be access to car parking spaces, a bin store and cycle store, an amenity area, and ancillary works and uses.

The Sea View Labour Club will see the demolition of existing single storey rear extensions and the development of 20 affordable apartments.

A new detached two-storey apartment building will be constructed to the rear of the property to provide eight affordable apartments.

There will be widened existing vehicular access to car parking spaces, a cycle store and a bin store, and an ancillary works and uses.

But the work on this premises is subject to the applicant first entering into a Section 106 agreement.

Planners resolved that the units be retained as affordable in perpetuity.

Officers said £8,004 must be paid towards enhancements of public open space in the local area that would be used by residents and £6,900 go towards upgrading sustainable transport facilities in the site’s vicinity.

£3,780 must go towards community facilities provision in the local area and one per cent of the build costs towards public art - that being one per cent of three/28 units, which equates to 1 per cent of 11 per cent of build costs.

The Castle Hotel will see the demolition of existing outbuildings and a single storey side extension.

There will be a refurbishment, reconfiguration, and re-use of the existing public house.

Fourteen 14 affordable apartments, through change of use, will be provided and there will be a new build two-storey side extension.

There will also be a repositioning and widening of the existing vehicular access to car parking spaces, new paving to the beer garden and play area, a bin store and cycle store, and ancillary works.

Newydd Housing Association chief executive, Paul Roberts said: “We are always working hard to provide affordable homes for people in need so we are very pleased to secure approval to our plans for an additional 60 affordable homes for local people.

“Following consultation events we are fully aware of the support in the community for The Castle Hotel to remain a public house and provide a community space to be managed by dedicated local residents, we are committed to achieving this aim.

“We are now looking forward to working with local residents and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to finalise our proposals so that we can start transforming these three buildings.”

Vale council cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: "I am absolutely thrilled committee approved these schemes unanimously.

“All credit to local residents who have worked so hard to develop the brilliant community scheme for The Castle and to Newydd Housing for helping make their dream a reality."

A Vale council spokesman added: “The council recognises the importance these proposed conversions of currently empty properties will make both in terms of much needed new housing, new community facilities and the regeneration of these important and historic buildings in the heart of Barry.”