Aberystwyth Town Council has “strongly objected” to aspects of plans to demolish and rebuild the front wall of a listed seafront building destroyed by fire.

Ty Belgrave on Marine Terrace was ravaged by fire after an arson attack in 2018.

Work has begun to rebuild it as a hotel after a plan to use the site for flats was abandoned.

Owner Emyr Davies has lodged an application with Ceredigion County Council for a full rebuild of the front of the Grade II listed property, but those plans have been slated by town councillors over fears the new façade will not match the one that burnt down.

“These plans show that the original stained glass has not been reinstated; the corbels are missing from the eaves; the upstairs windows are not the same as the original and have less architectural detail; and the cast iron downpipe is missing,” the town council said.

Councillors also said the “historic stone wall should be rebuilt authentically using traditional stone”, while “the original windows and stained glass should be reinstated.”

“The work should be carried out in consultation with Cadw and Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales with reference to archive images in order to reinstate original details,” the town council said.

An application for listed building consent to “reinstate and refurbish the property as an hotel” was approved last year.

Work to rebuild the building has begun, and several amendments to the permission have been applied for following the start of work.

Planning documents from developers say that while the plan “is to retain where possible the existing building envelope”, “major works are required to be carried out to demolish and rebuild the front wall from first floor level due to fire damage”.

The work will also require a “complete rebuild” of the building’s roof.

Council planners said the authority “is keen to ensure that this building is brought back to use as soon as possible to minimise the damage to the original fabric which is currently exposed to the elements, and secure the removal of more scaffolding from Marine Terrace”.

Guest Juozas Tunaitis was killed in the fire at Ty Belgrave on 25 July 2018 and another guest, Richard Simnett, suffered major injuries when he fell while trying to escape the blaze with his family.

Damion Harris admitted starting the fire, but said he could not remember why he had done it.

Harris was sentenced to 16 years in prison after admitting manslaughter, arson and causing grievous bodily harm.