Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Ruperra Castle Latest

Ashraf Barakat has submitted plans for the re-development of Ruperra Castle to the Planning Department of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

It is thought that he is eager to convert the castle, and many of the outbuildings, into apartments. Does this mean that Ruperra Castle and the immediate grounds may become, like Cefn Mabli, something of a private 'compound'?

There is a meeting next week to discuss Mr Barakat's plans.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

But, might this not be a good thing? At least the Ruperra castle exterior will be saved. Cefn Mably looks very good.

Excellent blog btw.

Paul Busby said...

I appreciate the comment Peter. I just think it would be an almighty shame for Ruperra to be, to all intents and purposes, lost to the local community.

You may say that it has been lost since 1941, but there are alternate plans and options available today, plans that would preserve the historic landscape, and convert Ruperra, not into apartments, but into a symbol of great pride for the local community, and indeed the whole of Wales.

With all that being said, perhaps Mr Barakat's plans are more sympathetic than I realise. It is not fair for me to be harsh when I have not yet seen the full plans myself.

I daresay we must wait and see.

Anonymous said...

I agree Cefn Mably does indeed look very good a far cry from the vandalised shell it had become. but the Ruperra,and many more of our historical landmarks are destined to become as Cefn Mably is now.
I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all I'm saying is that materalism has replaced preservation.
And this doctrine appears to be prevalent in western society today.