An Aberaeron county councillor has expressed confidence that the historic Feathers Royal Hotel will reopen some time in the future.

Cllr Elizabeth Evans was commenting on a Welsh Office inspector’s rejection of an appeal against a refusal to grant planning permission for a convenience store in the old coaching inn’s function room.

The appeal had been lodged by Laurence Dovey, of Doublet Holdings (Aberaeron) against the decision of Ceredigion County Council.

But it was dismissed by Inspector Alwyn Nixon who said the proposed changes would harm the building’s special architectural and historic character.

“This was a pretty comprehensive rejection of the appeal,” Cllr Evans told fellow town councillors.

“The strength of the report prevents any applicant coming back with a counter-proposal because the inspector emphasises the strengths of the Feathers remaining as a hotel and being such a key part of Aberaeron.

“I’m confident it will not remain empty – I am sure they will want to make use of the building as a hotel.”

The Feathers Royal, which dates back to 1815, closed in July 2018 with the loss of 18 jobs when owners Lee and Richard Collier retired.