Council to investigate ‘hole in the hedge’ access to Stradey Park Hotel

The hotel, at the centre of a row over housing asylum seekers, has seen continued protests over the proposals by the Home Office, their contractor Clearsprings and hotel owner Sterling Woodrow.

A previous access agreement to the front of the hotel has been withdrawn by local landowners according to reports, with large boulders and metal railings blocking the entrance.

A makeshift route at the rear of the hotel that leads directly onto Pentrepoeth Road is now being investigated by the council as a potential breach of planning rules.

Cllr. Ann Davies, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Rural Affairs said: “Following complaints received relating to the removal of part of a hedge bank bounding the Stradey Park Hotel, along its boundary with Pentrepoeth Road, Furnace, the Council is currently investigating the position with respect to potential breaches of planning regulations, taking into account any safety concerns.

“Once the investigation has concluded within the next day or so, the Council will consider what the appropriate next steps may be.”

The council recently failed in its High Court bid to prevent the hotel being used for asylum seekers, also citing planning rules relating to a change of use of the premises.

(Lead image: Furnace Action Committee / Rob Lloyd)