Castle Hotel in Bishop's Castle on Powys border extending

Owners of the historic pub were granted planning consent by Shropshire Council to build the ground floor extension in August last year following complaints from hotel guests that they were competing with drinkers and diners for "very limited" space.

"We're very excited to have started our sunroom extension," the pub's owners said this week. "This will be a lounge area for guests to enjoy a drink or two.

"Our builders have made a fantastic start but please note for the next few months, access to the hotel will be via the front door and steps only. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

OTHER NEWS:

• Multi award winning Powys Fish and chip shop up for another accolade
• Two more arrests as police discover YET ANOTHER Powys cannabis farm
• Powys food van hit with zero hygiene rating as rodents and rotting wood found

The new build aims to offer a separate and more relaxed space for hotel residents which would "undoubtedly increase customer satisfaction, lead to less complaints and less overcrowding, and would encourage more repeat guests and recommendations from them", the planning application said.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@countytimes.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

The narrow and single-file only steps leading into the popular gardens will also be widened as part of the building work at the hotel.

The owners said: "This leads to congestion at busy times as users have to wait until the steps are clear before ascending or descending.

“The works to widen the steps and install a central handrail will provide double-width steps to replace the present narrow ones. This will be both beneficial to customer experience and to customer safety."