PLANS to transform the Cleddau Bridge Hotel into a care home have been recommended for approval by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A planning application would see the former hotel, which closed at the start of the year, transformed into a 48-bedroom care home.

PCC’s planning officers have recommended that councillors in the planning committee should give their backing to the plan.

Plans to transform the hotel into a care home were previously denied by the hotel’s owners, after the suggestion was made during a meeting with a local councillor.

A report detailing the change of use has been prepared for councillors to discuss the hotel for their meeting on Tuesday, May 22.

The report says the application seeks permission to change the use of the hotel from a C1 use class building (hotel) to a C2 class building (care home).

The report says the care home would have 48 bedrooms, as well as nursing and treatment rooms, bathrooms, and dining and living areas over the existing two floors of the hotel.

The outer appearance of the hotel would change very little, apart from landscaping work to the courtyard, which would create a secure garden for residents.

The majority of construction work would take place inside the hotel to adapt it for use as a care home.

It is estimated that up to 40 jobs would be created by the change of use.

The report says the development would be acceptable under the local development plan, as it would provide social benefits to those in need of care and to local people in need of jobs.

The report adds the council’s head of highways believes there would be no major impact on roads near to the hotel, as the building has its own car park and is accessible by public transport.

The Cleddau Bridge Hotel closed on January 2, news which came as a shock to members of staff at the time.

The application will be discussed at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee meeting on May 22.