Newport's Royal Victoria Hotel to be turned into apartments under new plans
Plans have been submitted to convert a historic 19th Century former hotel into apartments and homes.
Developer Town Centre Properties UK wants to demolish part of the Grade II listed Royal Victoria Hotel in Newport as part of the scheme.
The hotel, the only one in the town, dates back to 1830 and gained its name from Queen Victoria.
The monarch opened the hotel in 1832 and gifted the owners a pair of tortoise shells to commemorate the opening.
But it has been closed for some time after a number of owners failed to turn the business around.
As part of the plans, the original 19th Century part of the hotel will be retained, and an extension will be built onto the back of the hotel.
It will accommodate seven apartments – one four-bed, two three-bed and four two-bed – and 21 two and three-bed homes.
There will also be 36 car parking spaces on site.
A report submitted in support of the application says: "The Royal Victoria Hotel is a Grade II listed building situated on St Mary's Street, within Newport's town centre conservation area.
"The hotel is closed for business following a decline in trade and the failure by a succession of landlords to make the hotel a viable business. The majority of the existing hotel buildings are not suitable for conversion into residential apartments.
"It is proposed to retain only the original 19th Century building including the central staircase. All other buildings are not worthy of retention and are not suitable for conversion.
"The housing mix provides a variety of house types and sizes that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. The housing mix has been determined following advice received from local estate agents based on predicted demand in the area."
A decision will be taken, either by Telford & Wrekin Council officers using delegated powers or by the council's planning committee, at a later date.
