Plans to transform a historic building on Quay Street, Carmarthen into a nine-bedroom shared house have hit a wall! Despite attempts to bring new life into the vacant former townhouse, a planning inspector has upheld Carmarthenshire Council’s decision to refuse permission. The council initially turned down the proposal to convert this Grade II-listed gem into a house of multiple occupation (HMO), citing concerns about its character and heritage impact.
The property, which dates back to the 18th century with 19th-century features, needed just the right touch to preserve its essence. Safe High Living Ltd, the company behind the project, worked hard to address these concerns by conducting a heritage impact assessment and promising minimal alterations. Their vision was to maintain the iconic features while adding en suite bathrooms for future residents. However, questions about the lack of detailed planning and how the alterations might affect the historic fabric of the building led to another thumbs down.
Concerns were raised about the need for essential services like soundproofing, ventilation, and fire safety measures required for an HMO, which sparked doubts about maintaining the building’s unique character. While the idea of repurposing the building had some heritage benefits, it seems more detail is essential to achieve a balance between modern living and historic preservation.
The future of this cherished Carmarthen building remains uncertain, but it’s clear preserving the town’s rich history is a priority. What do you think? Should old buildings be adapted for modern use, or should they be left as they are? Share your thoughts below! 🏛️🏡 #Carmarthen #HeritagePreservation #CommunityChat