PWLLHELI is set to receive a “huge boost” if plans to open a new hotel come to fruition, according to a local councillor.

Wetherspoons is currently looking at the option of expanding the Pen Cob Tafarn to include 15 hotel rooms, as well as a beer garden.

The plans, which were discussed by Pwllheli Town Council on Tuesday night, have been welcomed by Gwynedd councillor Dylan Bullard who hopes the development will be the first of many.

“We’re absolutely desperate for hotels here in Pwllheli,” Cllr Bullard told the Cambrian News this week.

“We’ve been knocked back of late after Travel­odge pulled out of a deal to move into the town because of their financial situation, so these plans are good news.

“They’ll be great at keeping people in the town and allowing them to stay through the winter months.

“It’ll also provide extra jobs in the area which will be fantastic.

“We’re hoping that more hotel chains will look at the opportunities here, but this is certainly a good start.”

Currently, no planning application has been submitted, but Wetherspoons is scoping the county council’s opinion on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required or not for the proposals.

According to a design and access statement submitted by the pub chain, the hotel would “benefit tourism and commerce within the town”, whereas the beer garden will “greatly enhance the existing environment” and provide a “unique facility” for residents and visitors alike.

The building behind the Pen Cob, formerly Tiggs, will be partially demolished to create the external beer garden and upper-level terrace, and the 15 new hotel bedrooms will be located in a currently undeveloped floor space on the first, second and third floors of the building.

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