ABERYSTWYTH’S old library is to be converted into two apartments, after planning officers gave the green light to plans for the building.

The old library in Corporation Street was put up for sale after it was closed in 2012 and the town library moved to the former town hall as part of the redevelopment of the hall.

Proposals put forward for the library included a specialist substance misuse facility and even a bar, but it was eventually sold on the open market, and plans have now been agreed by the council’s development control department for a conversion of the building into two three-bedroom apartments.

The work to convert the building will see the building’s exterior retained as it is, with work taking place internally to provide the two apartments.

Documents submitted to the council as part of the application said the applicant, who has not been named, realises that the library is considered an important building in Aberystwyth, but that work is needed to restore its external appearance.

It says: “We fully recognise the fact that the proposed sale of the library (and indeed other public buildings in Aberystwyth) has given rise to some considerable public interest.

“The council will have been aware of this sensitivity when the decision was made originally to relocate the library to new premises and when the decision was taken to sell the premises. Our client, the applicant, is very sensitive to this issue.”

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