Town to lose pub that's been there for centuries
It has been a pub in Llantrisant since the 18th century with one of the earliest licenses dating back to 1791
The Cross Keys pub will no longer be a drinking establishment
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
A pub in the heart of a Welsh town is going to to lost after centuries. The Cross Keys Hotel in Llantrisant Old Town, Rhondda Cynon Taf closed its doors in January after the tenants who ran the pub vacated the property for the building to be transferred to new owners.
The Cross Keys has been a pub since the 18th century, with one of the earliest licenses for the building dating back to 1791. However, plans have been approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to change the use of the building from a licensed premises to a retail store, office and self-contained flat.
A planning application had previously been submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to change the use of the Cross Keys from a licensed premises to offices. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
There was a strong "third-party response" against the application, an RCT planning committee heard last month, with 262 letters petitioned against the application.
A total of 18 letters of support were submitted.
While members of the committee noted they were concerned to see another pub being lost, they recognised that there were a number of other pubs in the vicinity.
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There had previously been extensive objections to an application seeking to change the use of a pub in the nearby village of Llanharry.
Last year, the landlord of The Fox and Hounds pub lost a planning battle with residents to turn the village's only pub into housing. However, he has now won permission to turn it into a shop, potentially scuppering hopes that the community could take it on.
Chair of the committee, councillor Sharon Rees said: "Our hearts are probably telling us we would prefer to see a pub in the centre of Llantrisant.
"We had far reaching discussions about the Fox and Hounds and that decision was probably far easier to reach as there was no competition. This is a different situation but it doesn't make it much easier for us."
The committee recommended that the application for the change of use be granted.
At present, on the ground floor there are bar areas as well as a kitchen and the top floor is occupied by a function room and living quarters.
Now the planning application has been granted, the space on the ground floor can be converted into a general office as well as retail store.
The first floor can be converted into a self-contained flat and storage space.
The application was submitted by Town Garage (Rentals) LTD, a local vehicle repair shop who own premises next to The Cross Keys.
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