A scheme to convert a disused care home next to a Pembrokeshire castle to a house has been approved by county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Carwyn Rees sought permission for the conversion of the former Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, near Narberth; the property vacant since 2021 and no longer run as a care provider.
The property is situated next to medieval Llawhaden Castle, within the village’s conservation area.
A supporting statement said: “As part of this application, there are no proposed physical changes to the exterior of the property therefore there would be no detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact. Regarding residential amenity, it is considered unlikely that the proposed change of use would increase the number of visitors to the building from the historical use of the property.
“The access and parking is to remain the same, it is likely there will be a large reduction in traffic from its use as a care home.”
It adds: “This application is for residential development which would have positive economic and social benefits through employment generation and additional housing stock built to improved environmental standards. The proposed development makes use of an existing building without external alteration.
“The residential home closed down in April 2021 and has been on the market for sale for some time with no interest in being reopened as a residential care home.
“In addition, the property would require complete renovation and alterations to the room sizes to meet the new regulations as set by any residential care facility under new registrations with Care Inspectorate Wales.”
An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The proposal is for the change of use of the building only and no external alterations are proposed. Cadw has raised no objection to the proposal confirming that the proposal would not impact on Scheduled Monument PE024 and its setting.
“The council historic building and conservation officer has raised no objection to the proposal confirming that as no external alterations are proposed then the proposal would not have a detrimental visual impact on the historic assets.”
The application was conditionally approved.The nearby castle was built by the bishops of the Diocese of St David in the 13th century, later abandoned in the 16th century, with some of its stone removed for local building projects.
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