A COUNTRY pub that wanted to create a “boutique hotel” has been given permission for two new accommodation blocks after two years of wrangling.
Gary Bulmer, the owner of the Castell Y Bwch Inn applied in February 2023 for planning permission to build two blocks, of eight and five bedrooms, in the grounds of the pub that is on a lane in Henllys, leading from Cwmbran to Risca and Bettws, in Newport.
At the time his application said the 13 bedrooms were vital to the economic sustainability of the business and would provide much needed quality accommodation in Torfaen, stating: “This would appear to be by far the best location for a boutique hotel within Torfaen.”
Mr Bulmer was however required to make “significant amendments” to the application, which required the council to publicise a further consultation on the plans while planning officers also served an enforcement notice over decking at the pub and other breaches of planning permission.
Henllys Community Council had also raised concerns over the potential impact of increased traffic on the narrow country lanes while some neighbours had objected citing fighting in the street and drink driving.
A report by Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department, which approved the revised plan for two, three unit accommodation blocks, said the police and or the council’s licensing department have powers to address such concerns.
The report said objectors raised concerns over events held at the pub as well as “fights in the street” and “drunk drivers crashing into hedges, fences and dragging boulders down the road”.
The approved accommodation blocks will have pitched roofs, with one being 11.5 metres long with a roof height of 4.5m sited at the rear of the pub, adjacent to Pentre Lane.
The larger block, in the southwestern corner of the car park, would be 14.8m long with a roof height of approximately five metres.
The pub’s car park will also be redeveloped and will have 45 spaces, which is less than the 57 first proposed, with cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points also provided, and a condition requires the layout of the car park to be agreed with the council.
The six bedrooms are also subject to a condition they will only be operated/managed and be ancillary to the Castell Y Bwch and can only be used as holiday accommodation.
The approved plans no longer include an attempt to extend the curtilage of the pub into the special landscape area and green wedge between Torfaen and Newport.
Permission was also given for a single storey extension to the north of the pub, new children’s play equipment and to reinstate gates to the pub.
