A DECISION on plans to resurrect a Victorian-era building in Rhayader, that has been left to rot since a devastating fire eight years ago, could be made within the next month.
Powys County Council (PCC) says it has considered a range of options for Dolgerddon Hall, which was gutted by a fire that hit the historic premises on July 2, 2018, destroying the roof of the seven-bedroom property.
Since then, Rhayader locals have been angered and frustrated that the once-grand building – previously a youth hostel and a youth club – has been left to disintegrate, rather than repaired.
Now it appears there could be light at the end of the tunnel.
“Powys County Council has considered a range of options for the site and is continuing to review the position,” said the local authority in a statement on Tuesday.
“It is anticipated that a decision will be made within the next month or so, and any updates will be communicated at the appropriate time.”
PCC took ownership of Dolgerddon Hall in February 2023, using its powers to take back the lease, in a move it described as "executing forfeiture by peaceable re-entry".
Although the council owns the building, the terms of its lease meant responsibility for Dolgerddon Hall lay with the leaseholder.
The council said it had “tried to work with the leaseholder and their advisors to ensure the best outcome for the property”, but this has been unsuccessful.
Councillor Jake Berriman, who is now leader of PCC but in 2023 was cabinet member for a connected Powys, said at the time: “The council has not chosen to take this course of action lightly.
“We have tried to work with the leaseholder to reach a satisfactory conclusion but this has not been possible.
“The leaseholder does have a right to challenge the forfeiture notice that has been made. Any proposals for the future of Dolgerddon Hall will not be considered by the council until all legal processes have concluded.”
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Dolgerddon became an “eyesore” following the fire, a little more than eight years ago.
Rhayader Town Council began a petition in September 2019, asking that action be taken by PCC, which quickly amassed more than 600 signatures.
Town councillor Rhys Thomas said at the time that the town wanted its building back.
Dolgerddon is a historic Victorian-era building that has served diverse civic, emergency and commercial roles over the years.
Constructed in the 19th century, it was used briefly in 1941 during World War II to house the boys' section of the Royal Cambrian School for the Deaf, which was evacuated from its home in Swansea.
It was later used as a youth hostel for the YMCA and, at the time of the fire, was being advertised online as a private room-letting. It regularly provided dorms for youths, families and groups visiting the nearby Elan Valley.
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