Anglesey hotel site could be redeveloped over 30 years after it burnt down

Plans to develop the site of an Anglesey hotel that burnt down over 30 years ago have been submitted to planning chiefs.

The Faraway Hotel in Cemaes was known as one of the island’s most popular nightspots until a devastating fire in the mid 1980s.

The site has been empty ever since.

But plans have now been submitted for static caravan holiday accommodation, which applicants have described as an economic boost for an area left facing uncertainty over a proposed nuclear plant just a stone’s throw away.

The plans involve nine two bedroomed and 2 three bedroomed units, each having an integral toilet, shower room, sleeping quarters (4/6 or 8 berths), kitchen and living accommodation.

The supporting statement, submitted as part of the planning application, notes that the caravans will be rented static units, which will increase the self-serviced tourist bed space accommodation for rent in Cemaes.

“Prior to the burning down of the building, the Faraway Hotel itself provided serviced tourist accommodation, bars, function and conference rooms and restaurant facilities and was an important asset to the local tourist economy in north Ynys Môn,” notes the supporting statement.

“In addition, the Wylfa Newydd development has further deprived the area of tourist bed spaces by acquiring Park Lodge, a hotel and guest house with a 4.5 acre touring caravan and tenting site on the western side of the village less than 400 metres away from the Faraway.

“The current proposal to provide self-serviced tourist bed spaces in a static caravan site will go some way towards replacing this holiday accommodation and providing a much-needed boost to local tourist dependent businesses in Cemaes and the north Ynys Môn area.”

Describing the “battered economy of north Ynys Môn” it goes on to note that the plans would make “a real contribution to the well- being of tourist related small businesses locally, to safeguard jobs in these businesses and to create new jobs in running and maintaining the enterprise.

“The investment proposed in this tourist development will result in a substantial economic benefit for the local area, which will safeguard local jobs and assist in rebuilding confidence in local businesses and amongst the local population.”

It is expected that Anglesey Council’s planning department will make a decision over the coming months.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter