An Aberaeron councillor has expressed her sadness at plans to demolish the town’s cottage hospital, which has served the town since 1838.

The Princes Avenue building will be turned into 20 one-bedroom flats for social housing, if plans submitted by Wales and West Housing Association are approved.

While recognising that such housing was ‘much-needed’, Cllr Elizabeth Evans voiced regret at the prospect of losing a building which served as a hospital for injured soldiers during World War One before becoming a cottage hospital in 1930. Deemed unfit for purpose, the hospital has been replaced by the new Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre, which opened in October.

“I have asked the housing association which has purchased the site to be sympathetic to its history.

“Many will be disappointed that the proposal also seeks to demolish the building and I share that disappointment, however Cadw do not feel it falls within the category of being listed and without the protection of a listed building status it is virtually impossible to retain even the facade.”

On Friday, residents had the opportunity to view plans for the old hospital site at a drop-in session.

“The pre-planning consultation with local residents is to be welcomed as it can give us all the opportunity to view the proposed plans for the site in some detail,” Cllr Evans told the Cambrian News.

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now