Ceredigion County Council has approved plans to convert the former dancefloor at Cardigan's Grade II-listed Angel Hotel into a bowling alley.
Planning Application Details
Jonsel Management Ltd, based at Gwbert Hotel, Gwbert, submitted a proposal via agent Preseli Planning Ltd to Ceredigion Council. The application initially sought a Lawful Development Certificate for converting the former dance floor at the hotel on St Mary Street into a bowling alley.
A certificate of lawfulness application is typically used to retain or maintain a development if the applicant can demonstrate evidence of occupation over an extended period. In this case, the applicant contended the proposal was covered by existing planning consents.
Proposed Use and Impact
The accompanying statement indicated the bowling alley would be comparable to the previous use but less intensive, with earlier closing hours, reduced customer numbers, diminished noise levels, and a smaller planning footprint. The statement maintained the alteration did not require express planning permission as it would not substantially change the building's character, intensity of operation, or planning impact.
The submission also argued that the former dance floor was an ancillary element of the broader hotel operation, meaning its replacement with a bowling alley would not require express planning permission.
Council Support and Heritage Considerations
Cardigan Town Council backed the bowling alley proposals within the town's conservation area. An officer's report supporting approval noted the site had a substantial planning history, with consent granted in 2010 for an extension and refurbishment to move the dance venue "Gabriel's Disco." The report observed "a disco had been operated from a rear outbuilding at the hotel for many years."
Regarding the bowling alley proposal, the report stated the lawfulness application "given the particular circumstances of the existing and proposed uses, the Local Planning Authority considers that the question of whether a material change of use would occur is not clear-cut," recommending the applicant pursue a full planning application, including an associated listed building consent application. The lawfulness application was withdrawn, while the two formal applications proceeded.
Approval and Conditions
The officer's report concluded the scheme would "not adversely affect the character or appearance of the building, Conservation Area or nearby heritage assets." It continued: "While the bowling alley would result in customers coming and going throughout the day, the level and pattern of activity would be compatible with the town centre location and the previous leisure and entertainment use of this part of the building."
The report also stated it was not believed the proposal "is likely to result in an intensification of sound transmission to nearby residential accommodation." County planners granted approval for the application subject to conditions.
