A FORMER hotel could be turned into apartments under plans unveiled by a north Wales housing group.

Conwy Council has received a planning application by the Pennaf Housing Group for 31 apartments at the site of the former Edelweiss Hotel on Lawson Road, Colwyn Bay.

The hotel  dates back to the 1850s and was once known as one of the jewels in Colwyn Bay’s crown.

But in 2007, permission was given by Conwy County Council for the building to be knocked down, with previous plans having been in place to transform it into accommodation for pensioners.

The new proposals, however, include 17 one bedroom and 14 two bedroom apartments, covering a 0.5 hectare site.

The application says: “The shortage of affordable housing to rent or buy is one of the greater challenges facing many communities within Conwy, and delivering a well developed scheme of affordable accommodation to rent will provide opportunities to retain the existing population.”

Craig Sparrow, Corporate Director Commercial Services, for the Pennaf housing Group which includes Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, added:  “We have submitted a detailed planning application to the Local Authority for a development of 31 one and two-bed apartments on the site, as part of our on-going commitment, working in partnership with the Welsh Government and the local council, to regeneration work in the town helping to meet local affordable housing needs.”

It is expected that Conwy Council planners will discuss the application over the coming months.