Councillors have raised concerns over proposals to convert a planned community space at a former Barry pub into additional flats.
The application relates to the Castle Hotel on Jewel Street, one of three former pubs included in a 2019 redevelopment scheme by Newydd Housing Association.
At the time, planning permission was granted to transform the Castle Hotel, the Windsor Hotel on Holton Road, and the Sea View Club on Dock View Road into affordable housing.
As part of the approved plans, a bar or community space was to be retained at the Castle Hotel. However, councillors are now set to consider a revised application which would see the community facility replaced with residential accommodation.
Plaid Cymru councillors representing the area have voiced opposition to the proposed change ahead of the application being considered.
According to Council documents, a total of 4 objections have been recieved by neighbouring residents, whilst Barry Town Council have also objected to the new plans.
Cllr Millie Collins, who represents Barry Docks and sits on Barry Town Council's Planning Committee, said “The original application was a linked plan to turn three local pubs into housing, but retain part of one of them, the Castle Hotel, as a place for local residents to have somewhere to socialise in their community.
“We were disappointed when that plan was changed amongst claims that there was no interest in running a pub or community space at this location, when it had previously existed for more than one hundred years."
Cllr Dennis Clarke said planning permission had originally been granted on the basis that community use would be retained at the Castle Hotel.
He said: “The Consultation Feedback form provided by Newydd Housing Association in 2019 says they wanted to provide a refurbished public house at the Castle Hotel, together with a total of 60 affordable homes at the Windsor, Sea View and Castle Hotel, in order to meet an identified local housing need.
“The planning permission was granted on the basis of the continued community use of this asset, on balance with the loss of the other pubs. Once this is lost, it is lost for ever.
“Newydd should make good on their obligation to maintain a community asset in the Barry Docks area, and not be allowed to move the goalposts to get out of their promises to the people of Barry.”
The revised application will be considered by Vale of Glamorgan Council's Planning Committee on Thursday 8th October.
A spokesperson for Newydd Housing told Bro Radio, “For several years, Newydd has worked hard to find a sustainable community future for the Castle Hotel. We worked closely with local community groups, explored different operators, funding and delivery options, and carried out extensive marketing, including a formal 15-month campaign. Despite that sustained effort, no viable operator, funded proposal or offer came forward.
The planning application to convert the space into additional affordable homes has been under consideration since August 2025 and is now due to be considered by the Planning Committee on Thursday, with the planning officer recommending approval. We understand how much the Castle Hotel means to local people, which is why we took the time to explore every realistic opportunity for a sustainable community use before bringing forward this proposal.
With a significant need for affordable housing locally, the proposal would bring this long-vacant space back into beneficial use and provide eight additional affordable homes. It would also contribute around £50,000 towards community facilities in the area, helping ensure the wider community continues to benefit from the investment.”
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