Plans have been approved to convert a fire-damaged former pub in Rhondda into a care home. The Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) planning committee has given the green light for the reconstruction and conversion of the Grade II-listed Wattstown Hotel in Aberllechau Road, Wattstown, into a 12-bedroom care home. The Wattstown Hotel, which was heavily damaged by a fire in July, has been empty and unused for several years, deteriorating due to neglect. Initially intended to provide 22 bedrooms, the scale of the accommodation raised concerns during public consultation. Feedback from the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies highlighted issues with the proposed internal layout and external alterations, leading to revised plans.
Following the fire, only the external elevations of the building remain, but the applicant is keen on continuing with the reconstruction within the existing shell. Despite objections regarding parking provision, traffic concerns, and the feasibility of a care home on the site, the planning officers recommended approval based on the benefits of repurposing the building and improving the local streetscape. Councillors shared mixed views on the project, with some expressing doubts about its practicality but acknowledging the need for redevelopment to prevent further decay of the site.
Councillor Julie Edwards emphasized the negative impact of derelict buildings on communities, highlighting the importance of repurposing such spaces. While some councillors questioned the viability of a care home on the constrained site, others saw the approval as a positive step towards revitalizing the area. The planning officers emphasized the potential benefits of repurposing the building for residential use, citing a minimal impact on neighbouring properties and an overall enhancement of the site’s appearance.
The approval represents a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the former Wattstown Hotel, paving the way for its transformation into a care home to meet the community’s needs. The project signals a shift towards sustainable development practices that prioritize the restoration of heritage buildings for new purposes, contributing to the revitalization of the local area. As the reconstruction works progress, the focus remains on preserving the historical significance of the building while adapting it to serve the evolving needs of the community.