Issue - meetings

Listed building consent (LBC) for the phased partial deconstruction and demolition of the building, and required support works to stabilise remaining structure. 

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor John Pughe and Councillor Anne Lloyd Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve with conditions

1. 5 years
2. In accordance with the plans
3. Submit and agree a detailed methodology and a phased plan of the demolition works, to include details for securing and protecting the building prior to the commencement of the work. The details should also include a plan to restore the porch and garden along with details of salvaging materials.
4. A qualified conservation professional should be employed to supervise and agree on the methodology and demolition work as they commence, and be agreed with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) before work commences. 
5. The LPA should agree in writing on the details of the anchor bolts or pinning anchors before they are installed.
6. Completion of the Level 3 historic building record of the Corbett Arms Hotel. Subject to structural integrity with the building made safe and secure, a photographic record of the interior should be included in this record.

Application for listed building consent [LBC] for the phased deconstruction and partial demolition of the building, and the maintenance works required to stabilise the remaining structure

a)          The Planning Manager, having received more information, highlighted that the total demolition work had reduced and that it was now only relevant to the rear part of the building. ⁠⁠

It was explained that the building was a former hotel, that was grade II listed, and within the Tywyn development boundary, it was a significant structure that faced Corbett Square, with a gable-end facing Maengwyn Street with further additions to the rear and the left side of the building. It was also noted that a nearby residential property and the building's gable-end were on Maengwyn Street. It was considered that the building was at risk in accordance with the Listed Buildings at Risk register, kept by Cadw.

The use of the building as a hotel came to an end around 2009, and there had been barely any maintenance on the building over the following years. The building was now becoming derelict, with parts of the rear of the building having collapsed in January and February 2025.

A structural survey report, demolition and deconstruction methodology and a Heritage Impact Assessment were submitted with the application. Reference was made to the footprint of the whole building that had been divided into 8 zones to refer to them easier. It was reported that there was an intention to demolish zones 1-5 based on the building's structural stability due to health and safety reasons following a recent collapse, with zones 2 and 4 being areas that fell in January and February 2025.

It was noted that the amended proposal requested listed building consent to demolish Zones 1, 2, 4 and part of Zone 5 (noted as 5A), as well as associated work to stabilise the remaining structure and secure it from the weather. ⁠It was reiterated that the existing plan represented a significant reduction in the scale of the demolition work that was originally intended, following responses to the consultation and submitting more structural information.

It was highlighted, when determining the application, there was a need to carefully consider whether it would be desirable to protect the listed building, its location and any features of special architectural or historic interest associated with the building, in accordance with section 96(2) of Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023. It was reiterated that preserving a building or historic asset did not mean that it had to be maintained unchanged, but that its significance was sustained for the future; the statutory duty had received considerable importance and weight when reaching the recommendation.

It was expressed that the proposed work would lead to losing a historic fabric within the zones noted, causing damage to the significance of the listed building. However, Members were reminded that Zones 2 and 4 had already partially collapsed, that Zone 1 included a modern conservatory of negligible heritage value, and Zone 5A had been structurally compromised and directly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6