Plans for an ‘apart-hotel’ and a food hall at a former Conwy library have received a mixed response from residents – with many fearing parking could worsen in the town.

Developer Nautical Point has submitted two planning applications to Conwy’s planning department, seeking permission for 15 apart-hotel units at the grade-two listed Civic Hall, as well as an artisan food hall with stalls.

As the council’s ‘preferred bidder’, Nautical Point is believed to have reached an agreement with Conwy over the purchase of the council-owned building, should planning permission be agreed.

Cash-strapped Conwy is currently reviewing its estate with a view to raising much-needed funds by selling several of its historic buildings, including its Bodlondeb HQ.

The plans for the Civic Hall on Castle Street include the removal of the ugly 1960s concrete block at the back of the building.

TOP STORIES:

Three refurbished Conwy paddling pools set for long-awaited reopening

Inside Llandudno’s newest restaurant which has opened after £500K revamp

Sushi takeaway set to open in Llandudno as plans divide public opinion

The plans will be discussed at a future planning committee meeting at Bodlondeb, but the council has so far received 15 letter of objection, seven letters of support, and two letters conveying mixed feelings over the plans.

Mark and Julie Wilkie sent a letter highlighting their concerns to Conwy County Council but were generally in support of the development.

“In general, we feel the proposed development would have a positive impact on Lower High Street and would be a great use of the now derelict library building,” the letter read.

“We are concerned that during construction access to Lower High Street remains for residents and that noise is controlled and managed to limit disturbance outside of work hours and workdays.”

The letter added: “The first and second floor hotel apartments overlook our property.”

They also had concerns about light pollution and that the nearby public toilets were maintained.

Mrs K Lyon wrote a letter of objection to Conwy.

“Conwy has enough eateries already,” she wrote.

“There is insufficient parking for the apart-hotel and actually insufficient parking in Conwy for the number of visitors who come. Residents find it hard to park. Visitors are constantly driving round and searching for free parking in residential areas. What is going to happen when the public toilets close?”

Ms Janet Davies also sent a letter of objection to Conwy.

“The height of the proposed structure will dominate the skyline vying with the importance of Conwy Castle itself, a far more attractive feature. It should be kept in line with other nearby buildings,” she wrote.

“Parking for the apart-hotel concerns me greatly, both overnight and short term, for example the unloading of luggage. As we all know, parking in Conwy is a daily problem. One badly parked car can snarl up the whole town.”

Eileen and John Burtonwood wrote a letter of support for the development.

“We are writing to express our enthusiastic support for the proposed plan to include an area for performance space in your upcoming development,” the letter said.

“As dedicated members of CHAPS (Civic Hall Amateur Players Society), we have witnessed the positive impact of having such a facility first-hand.”

A Conwy County Council spokeswoman said: “An application has been submitted and, under the council’s scheme of delegation, applications made for development on council-owned land or property need to be reported to the planning committee.

“The application will be considered by planning committee in due course.”