Plans for a 295-bedroom hotel and leisure complex on the site of a well-known Grade II listed estate and country house have been submitted to Neath Port Talbot Council. Reola Estate in Neath Valley was built in the early 19th century and comprises a former mansion, stables and gardens on 41 hectares of land between the towns of Resolven and Cwmgwrack.
The grounds, which contain a total of three Grade II listed buildings including Rheola House, stables, coach house and an ice house, also have a large lake measuring around 10 acres. In 2021 we reported how the extensive historic country estate it encompasses was put up for sale for £750,000; Read more about it here.
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If given approval by council chiefs, the proposals would see a large “mixed development” comprising several stand-alone capsule-style units, as well as a boutique hotel, spa, sports and leisure complex and further commercial and retail development.
According to British Listed Buildings, the property in Neath Port Talbot was almost certainly designed by renowned architect John Nash, famous for being commissioned by King George IV to extend and transform Buckingham Palace into the iconic facade seen today. It is currently reserved in the municipality’s PDL for tourist redevelopment, and an application for a similar leisure complex was previously submitted in 2011, although these proposals were never considered.
(Image: Morgan & Davies, Lampeter/rightmove)
(Image: Morgan & Davies, Lampeter/rightmove)
(Image: Morgan & Davies, Lampeter/rightmove)
The latest plans say: “A total of 295 homes and residential units are expected to be located on the site under the future master plan. To this is added a leisure and sports complex that will include a swimming pool, leisure areas, spa, gym and outdoor sports areas such as MUGA, tennis and paddle tennis courts, etc.
“The listed Rheola House itself will be transformed into a boutique hotel and spa with further facilities including a bar, restaurant and lounge as well as bedrooms, as well as a restored conservatory-style building. There will also be retail. and a commercial development surrounding the stables and mills, comprising a pub/restaurant, farm shop/café and additional leisure commercial spaces, such as non-motorized water sports and cycling. “Parking will also be part of this development zone.”
Developers state in the plans that due to the “complex and multi-phase nature of the development proposals”, a hybrid planning application will now be submitted to the local authority following prior consultation. Planning company DPP, on behalf of developers Brook Group, has also requested a review opinion to see whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required before the proposals can be further considered.
Land conditions may also be considered before granting any permits, as part of the property was home to an aluminum smelter that operated until 1982. Although it has been demolished, studies may be needed to assess any possible contamination left behind. . For the latest news from Neath Port Talbot, sign up to our newsletter here
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
