Farewell to Llanelli's Stepney Hotel

Stepney Hotel, Upper Park Street  
 
The demolition of Llanelli's Stepney Hotel demonstrates how easy it is to lose buildings which, unspectacular though they are, are redolent of a sense of place — when they're gone they really will be missed.

Carmarthenshire's planning committee decided to approve the Stepney's demolition last month, despite objections from Llanelli Town Council, Llanelli Civic Society and Llanelli Community Heritage. No concerns were raised by the council's officers.

The problem seems to have been a lack of information about the building within the authority and its archaeological advisers. But the suggestion that the decision be deferred to allow more time to gather information was not taken up.

Says Llanelli Community Heritage spokesperson Alec Jones:

"This substantial hotel can trace its origins back to 1761, but most of the present building is likely to date from the 1850's or earlier. It is located in the heart of Llanelli Town Centre. Unfortunately the planning department and its committee didn't recognise the important contribution this building gives to the town centre and of the local affection towards it. It's a great pity the benefits of heritage restoration and re-use are usually second thoughts when regeneration is planned."

Llanelli Community Heritage believes that the hotel deserved retention owing to its long and rich history and its place in what they believe to be a set of four unique heritage buildings that date from the 1850s. They ask pointedly whether the Stepney got a fair hearing before councillors voted to allow it to be knocked down.

Zion Chapel and School, Upper Park Street; from L the Stepney Hotel, Buckleys' Brewery Malthouse (in background), Zion Chapel Sunday School and main Chapel building
 
Although the Malthouse (and its adjoining stone barley kiln) have been saved through the efforts of a previous campaign, a planned regeneration scheme now threatens the grade II listed chapel and school, as well as a Victorian terrace of shops opposite them on Upper Park Street.