AN ABERYSTWYTH councillor has voiced concerns after plans were announced for major renovation works at an Aberystwyth pub.

An application for renovation works to the ground floor and first floor of Aberystwyth’s Wetherspoons pub, Yr Hen Orsaf, housed in the Grade-II listed old train station building on Alexandra Road, have been submitted to Ceredigion County Council.

The plans, submitted by DV Architects on behalf of JD Wetherspoon Ltd, include the replacement and extension of the glazed lobby, new male and female customer toilets, new booth seating, a new staff room, toilets and changing room, and new flooring and paving and other decorative works.

The work will involve the removal of one of the two ground floor disabled toilets to accommodate more space for the wash up area, and includes improvements to the bar.

The pub will be closed while the renovations are being carried out.

But Cllr Jeff Smith has said he was “very concerned” that the works would involve the removal of carved stonework which dates back to 1926 and sits above the doorway on the right hand side as you enter the pub from the beer garden.

“The historic fabric of this building is at risk,” Cllr Smith told the Cambrian News this week. “This building is listed and we can’t afford to lose this piece of the building.

“I would urge them to reconsider the plans.”

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