Plans are being considered to turn part of a shuttered public house in Abertillery into accommodation for short-term stays as fresh ideas emerge for the site.

Thomas Lewis, acting for Highmore Investments Limited (HIL), has put forward an application to Blaenau Gwent planning officers requesting consent to change the upstairs flat of the former Penndragon venue on Oak Street into eight separate bedrooms.

The scheme intends to provide transitional lodging and contribute to addressing homelessness throughout the borough.

Planning consultant David Glasson outlined the proposal in paperwork submitted with the application.

Mr. Glasson explained that the Penndragon represented a significant three-storey former drinking establishment and rugby venue located at the periphery of Abertillery’s town centre.

Highmore Investments acquired the building in 2022 with the intention of reopening it as a tavern alongside eight guest rooms on the upper floor.

Following an unsuccessful effort and subsequent appeal to reinstate the property as a pub, and given the lack of financially viable alternatives, the company needs to establish a fresh function for this sizeable structure situated at a primary entrance to the town.

He mentioned the organisation had drawn upon lessons from their original rejected proposal.

The scheme was also rejected on appeal by Welsh Government planning inspectors because of concerns about residential amenity for nearby residents should the building operate again as a public house.

Mr. Glasson noted that a residential use would prove most compatible with neighbouring dwellings.

Indeed, the council had indicated in response to a pre-application enquiry that converting the ground and first floors to self-contained apartments would generally be acceptable.

However, the extent of renovation required for those lower levels proves unaffordable at this stage, so HIL is concentrating instead on using just the second floor to house seven people plus one member of staff.

Every bedroom would include its own bathroom facilities, and no external alterations would be required.

Mr. Glasson observed that HIL has developed a comprehensive management plan to ensure proper supervision and control of the establishment.

This property desperately needs repurposing, and the proposed lodging will provide essential housing while also generating revenue for its upkeep and future development of the remaining areas.

The site enjoys an excellent sustainable location, with easy pedestrian and cycling access to local facilities, community services and public transport links.

A decision on the application is expected by May 22.

Last June, planning inspectors turned down an appeal by HIL challenging Blaenau Gwent officers’ rejection of plans to bring the Penndragon back into use as a pub.

This came after an inquiry hearing and property visit in April.

In November 2023, planning officers had refused the scheme, deciding it ran counter to policies contained within the county’s Local Development Plan.

The building operated as a pub until shutting its doors in 2014 and had previously accommodated the Abertillery rugby club.

In 2015, the council granted planning permission to change its use to a mixed-use support facility.

However, the care operation ceased in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.