Plan to restore fire-ravaged 16th century pub given go ahead

Gareth Williams, local democracy reporter

Plans to restore a fire-ravaged pub have been given the green light by national park planners.

A fierce blaze in October 2018 devastated the Rhiw Goch Inn near Trawsfynydd, in Gwynedd, destroying large parts of the 16th century Grade II listed building.

But the new proposals, which have been approved by Snowdonia National Park planning officers, would see the pub rebuilt, including three holiday lets.

The development, according to the planning documents, will result in 12 full-time jobs

“The Rhiw Goch Inn suffered a devastating fire in October 2018,” say the supporting documents.

“The fire is thought to have originated in the kitchen which is located in the part of the building extended in the late 1930s, and was caused as a result of a fault with an electric heater.

“The fire spread rapidly causing extensive damage to all areas, with exception of the bee holes and gatehouse.”

‘Survive’ 

It added: “The current property owner appreciates despite the extent of fire damage that a lot of the important features detailed within the Listed Building description survive.

“The owner’s proposals therefore, look to enhance and preserve these features. Externally, the fire offers the opportunity to enhance the building’s significance, through repair using historic materials and techniques.”

Having now been approved by officers without the need to go in front of the park authority’s planning committee, it’s proposed to relocate the bar area and provide, three self contained short-term holiday lets.

The supporting documents say: “This will help contain the bar area into a more manageable space. It is also hoped that the inclusion of the short term holiday lets will help to bring more visitors to the area and increase tourism to Snowdonia National Park.

“It is our client’s view that the proposal to reinstate the property, with the inclusion of the self-contained holiday lets, will have little impact on the heritage asset and that the Rhiw Goch Inn will still retain all of its cultural and historical significance.”

Among the conditions of the approval are that all roof coverings shall be covered with blue grey Cwt y Bugail natural mineral slates, or those of equivalent colour.