Plans for old toilet block at island revealed

PLANS for four new restaurants at a former public toilet in Barry Island have been lodged with the council.

The Grade-II listed former loo would be redeveloped with new outdoor seating areas to become a new venue named Nell’s Point if councillors give the go-ahead.

Two tenants for the new development – Loungers and Harbour Bar and Kitchen – have already been announced.

A planning application says the existing toilet block would be retained, with repairs and extensions to make room for the new restaurants.

Each restaurant would have its own terrace, and there would be a new first-floor glass atrium on the roof.

A statement on behalf of developer Morse Affiliated reads: “The proposed development would lead to the long term safeguarding of the Grade II-listed building, while ensuring the key architectural and historic features are retained.

“The use of the site for restaurant purposes would add to local amenity, regeneration and economic growth of Barry Island.”

The toilet block was built in 1923 but has not been used for used for “a significant number of years”, which has led the building to become dilapidated, according to the statement.

The statement adds it will take a “significant amount of investment” to redevelop the toilet block, which means tourists or leisure facilities would not be a viable option for the building given the costs involved.

A consultation is now being held by the Vale of Glamorgan Council before a decision is made.