ABERYSTWYTH Town Council has decided to back much-maligned plans for an apartment block to replace “Colditz on the hill” above Aberystwyth harbour.

Despite describing the designs as “hideous” and “out of place”, councillors voted to back the plans, claiming former residents of the demolished Plas Morolwg flats were “going through hell” while they waited for its replacement.

The five-storey development would see eight “mixed affordable and open market residential” apartments, including two one-bedroom, five two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments.

The plans also make reference to a much larger future development for a specialist Extra Care facility, which would be similar to sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

Cllr Alun Williams, a county council Cabinet member, said: “The intention is that the rest of the site will be redeveloped for Extra Care housing, which will be extremely valuable for care facilities in Aberystwyth.

“I have picked up that this very sketchy drawing of other flats will reflect how the other flats might look, but I’m sure it will look better than that.

“This application is for the first phase in a much larger replacement for Plas Morolwg.”

But other councillors raised several concerns, particularly with regard to the appearance and size of the building, and the access road.

Cllr Sue Jones-Davies said: “Aesthetically, I think it looks hideous. I’m sure the council can come up with something that looks more attractive.”

Councillors voted to support the application, but raised concerns with the materials used, the durability of the roof, the cladding, how high the building is to be and that the balconies wouldn’t face the sun.

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