AFTER lying dormant for nearly five years following a devastating fire, it is hoped a beloved Victorian building in Mid Wales can now finally be restored to its former glory for the benefit of local people.

The local authority forcibly retook ownership of Dolgerddon Hall, in Rhayader, this week, which has deteriorated and turned into an “eyesore” since a fire ripped through it in July 2018.

Since then, Rhayader locals have been left angered and frustrated by the fact it has been left to rot, rather than be repaired.

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Although always owned by Powys County Council (PCC), Dolgerddon had been leased by a third party – and the tenant’s insurers reportedly disputed any liability.

Despite alleged promises from the tenant that they were committed to restoring the property, and a steely determination from Rhayader Town Council to move forward with a project to reopen it, nothing has been done.

Locals now hope the local authority will work with them and they can finally move forward, towards an eventual reopening.

Hereford Times:  The fire ripped through Dolgerddon Hall in July 2018. Pic Anna Poulton The fire ripped through Dolgerddon Hall in July 2018. Pic Anna Poulton

“I cannot speak on behalf of the town council but I am personally disappointed that the delay in action has resulted in both the irreversible degradation of the building and time for the leaseholder to relinquish any responsibility for what happened that day,” said Rhys Thomas, a Rhayader town councillor.

“If action was taken by the previous cabinet on the day after the fire, we may be celebrating the fact that now the building is back in Powys County Council hands. Systematic failings have occurred from the day of the fire and the previous cabinet’s refusal to even acknowledge my petition and numerous correspondence was a failure on their behalf.

“But what has happened has happened and it is important that decisions about the building are now made to benefit the townsfolk of Rhayader. People have been looking at this eyesore for far too long.

“I ask Powys County Council to engage with Rhayader Town Council during every step of the way moving forward. I am sure this will be the case with the tenacity from our own county councillor, Angela Davies, who will keep scrutiny at the forefront of her agenda on Dolgerddon.”

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The fire occurred on July 2, 2018, destroying the roof of the seven-bedroom property, which had most recently provided dorms for youths, families and groups visiting the Elan Valley.

It had previously been used by the YMCA but was being advertised online as a private room-letting at the time of the fire.

Rhayader Town Council began a petition in September 2019 asking for action to be taken by the county council – which quickly amassed more than 600 signatures. But no action followed.

It then held a constructive discussion with Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones and Dyfed Powys Police in April last year, but again little headway was made.

Coun Thomas previously described the situation as leaving locals banging their heads against a brick wall.


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PCC issued a statement on Monday, confirming it had secured Dolgerddon Hall after executing forfeiture by peaceable re-entry.

The council said it had tried to work with the leaseholder and their advisors to ensure the best outcome for the property, but that this has been unsuccessful.

This resulted in PCC taking the decision to execute forfeiture by peaceable re-entry, while it formally made notice that the lease is forfeited to the leaseholder.

Coun Jake Berriman, cabinet member for a Connected Powys, said: “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.”