Castle Inn, Caldicot given go-ahead for holiday lets plan
Darren Jones, of the Castle Inn, has been granted change of use planning permission by Monmouthshire County Council to convert the pub's existing first floor flat to four letting rooms intended for tourist use.
The existing flat has a kitchen, lounge, bathroom and three bedrooms and will be converted to four bedrooms with en-suit bathrooms.
The pub also has a large car park for customer use at the front and an outside sitting area.
Monmouthshire County Council planning officer Kate Young said the conversion would likely benefit the area and stated in her report that approved the application: 'The visitors are likely to remain within the vicinity of the site and use local services and facilities, thereby generating benefits for the local economy.
'There would be no alterations to the building so that the visual character of the area would be preserved.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Solva among UK's most beautiful little seaside villages
From Moushole down in Cornwall up to Plockton in the Scottish Highlands, The Express has come up with a list of the 17 "ridiculously beautiful" little seaside villages in the UK that "you must visit at least once". Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "The great British seaside is famous for its mix of nostalgic charm, natural beauty, and, of course, the staple fish and chips. "The UK has more seaside towns, cities and villages than you can shake a stick at, with some boasting Victorian charm and others having all the modern elements of a 21st-century day at the beach." 5 perfect spots for a summer staycation 'Ridiculously beautiful' seaside villages in the UK you must visit The "ridiculously beautiful" little seaside villages in the UK that "you must visit at least once", according to The Express, are: Clovelly Beer Polperro Polzeath Mousehole Dungeness Bosham Aberdaron Solva Laugharne St Monans Plockton Bamburgh Runswick Bay Blackeney Orford Arnside What makes Solva a "must-visit" From Tenby to Narberth, Saundersfoot to Fishguard, there are so many picturesque places to visit in Pembrokeshire. But it's the "ridiculously beautiful" Solva that is a "must visit", according to the Express.] The news outlet explained: "Solva is a quintessential Welsh coastal village with a picturesque harbour and sandy beach tucked at the end of an inlet at St Brides Bay. "The quaint village sits in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is neighboured by many other small villages such as St David's, Newgale, Abereiddi and Roch. "Solva is known and loved for its colourful pastel houses, quirky shops and incredible cliff coasts." This is not the first time this year that Solva has received high praise from travel experts. Already in 2025, Solva has been named among the best and most beautiful villages in the UK by The Telegraph and Daily Mail, respectively. It also featured on a list of Britain's poshest villages and named among the UK's best coastal spots to live in. Solva has been highly praised by travel experts in 2025. (Image: Getty Images) Solva also comes highly recommended by tourists, boasting a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on Tripadvisor from 353 reviews. One person, talking about their experience in Solva, said: "Possibly one of the prettiest places on earth! "Come an hour before high tide and bring your crab bucket & wetsuit! An hours crabbing, a hot chocolate from the lovely cafe at the end of the harbour, then get involved jumping off the harbour wall. "The Harbour Inn pub at the car park is excellent, then cross the footbridge and walk up the small path for 5 minutes to get a stunning view of the bay." RECOMMENDED READING: Another visitor added: "This place is heaven on earth! Oh my! It's so beautiful. Visited at high and low tide and both stunning in different ways. "I took a little swim off the slipway on the quay, although did not go too far (being wary of currents in a place I do not know). "Lovely to walk to the Quay at high tide and right out along the beach at low tide." You can learn more about Solva in our 'all you need to know' guide (a link to which can be found above).
North Wales Live
13 hours ago
- North Wales Live
'Overtourism' fears as aparthotel plan approved for police station in World Heritage town
A Grade II-listed building in the heart of a World Heritage Site is to be partly demolished and converted into an aparthotel. The historic property housed a police station for 162 years and is a key presence in Conwy town centre. The Old Police Station, vacant since 2022, sits on a prominent site in Lancaster Square, one of the town's most popular destinations. While it has an imposing frontage, its later rear extension is more austere, typifying the idea of a Victorian station with windowless prison cells. Planning consent for the 19-room aparthotel, and a ground floor café or retail space, has been approved by Conwy Council. The frontage is to be preserved but the rear has a concrete castellated roof that's considered to lack the same 'grandeur and status', and so will be knocked down. This will be replaced by a '2.5-storey extension' that will have a 'sunken crown' roof so that it doesn't dominate surrounding buildings. The design also allows an obscured air source heat pump and solar panels to be installed on the roof. Work must begin within five years and should not take place on Sundays, Bank Holidays and Saturday afternoons when the square is often heaving with locals and tourists. Planning officials deliberated over the building's details as it sits in an 'essential setting' of the walled town's World Heritage designation. Only five public objections were received - it was claimed that the lack of complaints from neighbouring York Place was because the properties there were 'all holiday homes and the owners do not currently live in the area'. Concerns centred on the 'flat roof and a possible loss of light and privacy, as the new extension will be taller than the one it's replacing. With a cafe included in the plans, there were also fears it would add to an over-abundance of 'cafes, restaurants and pubs in Conwy town'. Other objections related to a perceived over-provision of holiday homes in the area and the lack of parking. One resident said: 'Aparthotels are the tourism industry's answer to Airbnbs. 'Over tourism is starting to be a problem in popular destinations around the UK. It can push out local people and be detrimental to the community, with there not being a continuity of permanent residents who will take a pride and look after a town. 'If too much accommodation is given over to visitors, where are the locals - who provide the services for the tourists - to be housed? Locals could become frustrated by increasing numbers of visitors and dread the arrival of summer. 'I fear there could be an over density of 'Aparthotel' accommodation within the historic town walls.' The developers argued that, without a replacement extension, the venture wouldn't be viable. Were it to be refurbished instead, it would only have 10 rooms generating a gross annual profit of just under £90,000, based on nightly letting prices of £115 for 244 nights per year. With a projected overall cost of £1.4m, this approach would give only a 6% return, which would 'not even cover borrowing costs'. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In contrast, a replacement building costing £1.74m with 19 rooms and lower running costs would yield an annual gross profit of £190,000. With an annual 11% return, this would make the scheme 'viable and deliverable'. Nearby accommodation providers questioned whether the aparthotel would ever achieve the projected occupancy figures. One business owner said: 'Having operated an accommodation-based business in Conwy town for over 20 years, we know the occupancy figures. 'Over the last two years we have only managed an average of 51.5% occupancy for letting our 11 rooms. The planned increase of another 19 additional rooms to the town is very unlikely to achieve this level of occupancy.' Scheme viability is not a reason for justifying the demolition of any listed building, said Conwy's planners. Although the existing extension isn't without historic value, they concluded the proposal's merits 'outweighed' its disadvantages, especially given the 'socio-economic benefits for the community' and the risk it would remain unoccupied. Co-developer Alun Jones said: 'It was important to us that we brought the iconic old police station building back into use. We looked at several possibilities for this site before settling on the consented design. 'Ultimately this project is about securing the future of the building through a viable scheme that allows this empty building to be brought back to life, creating a buzz around Lancaster Square while respecting the historically significant front of the building, where no external alterations will be made.' The main, front building was constructed in 1859 to the designs of prominent local architect John Lloyd, who also designed the police station in Caernarfon. The rear extension was added in the 19th century with further alterations around 1940. It was occupied by the Conwy neighbourhood policing team until May 2022. Due to its size, age and the work required, the team was moved to a new base in nearby Rose Hill Street.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Top tourist spots around Glasgow to travel with family when the sun is shining
From sandy beaches to historic sites, Scotland offers a host of family-friendly destinations that have are fun for entire families As the summer sun shines and bank holidays roll around, Glaswegians are embracing the chance to escape the city for a day, revisiting childhood memories and creating new ones with the next generation. From sandy beaches to historic sites, the region offers a host of family-friendly destinations that have delighted generations, Glasgow Live reports. A day at the beach in Ayr, Troon, Saltcoats and Largs A trip to the Ayrshire coast remains a firm favourite. Whether building sandcastles at Ayr, indulging in an ice cream sundae at Nardini's in Largs, sliding down the pink elephant chute in Saltcoats, or enjoying a slightly more refined experience at Troon, the beaches continue to captivate families. 'Everyone has their favourite chip shop or ice cream spot and bringing it up is bound to cause heated debate,' the report notes. Gazing at Ailsa Craig from Girvan's shores Further along the coast, Girvan offers breathtaking views of Ailsa Craig, a sight that has long enchanted visitors. For many children, it evokes memories of Tracy Island from Thunderbirds, inspiring family car trips that stretched beyond Ayr to allow youngsters to spot the island. The town has recently been recognised as one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Scotland, making it perfect for family outings. Caravaning at Craig Tara For those seeking a longer break, the iconic Craig Tara caravan park has long been a staple of Ayrshire holidays. While often a week-long jaunt rather than a day trip, the site remains a popular staycation spot, attracting families eager to enjoy the outdoors together. Cycling round Millport Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, continues to charm visitors with its cycling opportunities. Families can hire bikes or even Quadricycles to explore the island, pausing to search for crabs along the shore. The small island retains all of its original appeal while offering new attractions for young explorers. Visiting the Bonnie Banks Loch Lomond also continues to provide a scenic escape. Popular spots include Luss, Balmaha, Milarrochy, and Balloch, each offering opportunities for swimming, picnics, and outdoor adventure. The national park remains a playground for Glaswegians seeking a respite from city life, with Luss proving a perennial favourite for rediscovering the loch through children's eyes. Getting adventurous on the isle of Arran For the more adventurous, a ferry trip from Ardrossan to Arran offers visits to Brodick Castle, climbing Goatfell, and a chance to explore an island often described as 'Scotland in miniature'. Stepping back in time at New Lanark History is also on the itinerary, with New Lanark providing an educational yet entertaining experience. Visitors can explore woodland walks, a giant watermill, and a Victorian-style gift shop, alongside modern family attractions such as soft play areas and seasonal events. Making a splash at the Time Capsule Indoor fun is equally accessible, with the newly renovated Time Capsule offering swimming, ice skating, and soft play for children, while adults enjoy the thrill of the wave machine and river rapids. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Saying hello to the animals at Palacerigg Park Palacerigg Park in Cumbernauld remains a peaceful retreat for spotting wild animals such as roe deer, red squirrels, and pine martens. Going down the pit at Summerlee Industrial history comes alive at Summerlee in Coatbridge, where families can ride vintage trams, explore a real mine shaft, and create badges from their own artwork. Seeing what life was like on a real farm at Blackshaw Farm Park For a taste of rural life, Blackshaw Farm Park and the nearby Rural Life Museum near East Kilbride allow children to see newly born lambs and piglets and explore Scotland's largest collection of tractors and farming machinery.
