A SCHEME to convert a disused care home next to a castle near Narberth to a house has been submitted to county planners.

In the application. Carwyn Rees seeks permission for the conversion of the former Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, near Narberth.

The property is situated next to medieval Llawhaden Castle, within the village’s conservation area.

A supporting statement says: “As part of this application, there are no proposed physical changes to the exterior of the property therefore there would be no detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact. Regarding residential amenity, it is considered unlikely that the proposed change of use would increase the number of visitors to the building from the historical use of the property.

“The access and parking is to remain the same, it is likely there will be a large reduction in traffic from its use as a care home.”

It adds: “This application is for residential development which would have positive economic and social benefits through employment generation and additional housing stock built to improved environmental standards. The proposed development makes use of an existing building without external alteration.

“The residential home closed down in April 2021 and has been on the market for sale for some time with no interest in being re-opened as a residential care home.

“In addition, the property would require complete renovation and alterations to the room sizes to meet the new regulations as set by any residential care facility under new registrations with Care Inspectorate Wales.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The nearby castle was built by the bishops of the Diocese of St David in the 13th century, later abandoned in the 16th century, with some of its stone removed for local building projects.