Planning application submitted to transform Royal Hotel

* The Royal Hotel during lockdown.

* An artist's impression submitted with the application showing how the riverside elevation of the hotel could look.

The planning application to transform Llangollen’s historic Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45-plus jobs has been submitted to Denbighshire County Council.

The council’s planning search portal contains details of the scheme, submitted in the name of Matt Jones of MAVI Properties Ltd based in Middle Sontley, Wrexham.

According to council documents, the application for the hotel, which dates back to 1752, is Grade II Listed and has been closed since 2019, involves demolition of existing extension and erection of replacement four-storey extension to the side and rear.

It also features the erection of a two-storey extension to existing courtyard and an extension to an existing rear balcony including installation of canopy and decking.

Also planned on the site, which covers 1,375 square metres, are alterations to internal room layouts, repair works to external goods and windows and associated works.

The application further explains that the aim is the proposed refurbishment and extension of the hotel to “create a destination venue and to improve accessibility of the existing historic element.”

It explains there will be: “Works consisting of partial demolition of existing a 1960’s extension to facilitate the creation of an all-new spa extension with additional high-end accommodation above. New restaurant area to be created to existing basement with extended external decking area.”

The application adds that in 2019 a public consultation meeting was held at the Royal Hotel to allow local residents and business owners to opportunity to meet the project team and to review and discuss the design intentions.

It says: “During this meeting, the project’s aim to turn the Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, Spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45+ jobs were discussed.

“The intention to develop the project with the Local Authority and CADW was stated, to not only preserve the historical characteristics of the building, but to also provide an asset to increase footfall to the town. As part of the discussion, the issue of erosion to the existing riverbank wall was raised. Remedial works were subsequently completed in 2021.”

The application states that there will be no demolition of any Listed buildings, either partial or total.

It goes on to say the redevelopment would provide the opportunity to employ the full-time equivalent of 45 people.

* The application, reference number 03/2022/0174, can be viewed on the council’s planning portal at: https://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk/planning/search-applications?civica.query.FullTextSearch=03%2F2022%2F0174#VIEW?RefType=PBDC&KeyNo=32536