A RUNDOWN pub overlooking Tintern Abbey could be reopened after reports that the site has been sold.

The boarded-up Abbey Hotel right opposite the historic monument entrance on the Wye Valley road has been shut for a decade, with plans were approved to convert and revelop it for housing.

But ward county councillor Ann Webb has now told villagers she has been told by the former owner that it has changed hands, with plans to reopen it as a business rather than convert it into new homes.

“This is brilliant news because it is such an important spot in the village,” she said.

“It has been an ongoing planning saga for many, many years and while all has been going on, the building has been deteriorating.

“All sorts of people have been getting in there and it has become an eyesore at the entrance to Tintern.

“I understand the new owner is planning on refurbishing it and using it as a hotel again.

“They are currently putting up high quality fencing around the site before they start work on their plans for the hotel.”

Villagers have responded with delight to the news on the Tintern Village Facebook page, describing it as “fantastic”, “awesome” and “great”.

Nick Horler posted: “Fab News… think i was one of the last chefs to work there before it closed.”

John Luxton added: “As a regular visitor to Tintern so pleased to read this. It has been a growing blot on the landscape over the years. Given its location and the right management it should have plenty of potential.”

And Joanne Charlotte Hopkins added: “We got married there just before it closed. Be great to see it brought back to life.”

“Fantastic news, it’ll no longer be an eyesore as you come into Tintern,“ added another.

Planning permission for 11 homes at the boarded-up property and in the grounds was granted a decade ago.

But developer Huw Jones of Crickhowell claimed that work could only be funded by building three more houses and converting a barn in the garden, which was submitted as a planning application in 2018 and is still undecided.

Neighbours, including the owners of an award-winning holiday let, claimed the latter scheme was “over-development of one of the most sensitive sites in Wales”.

Other concerns raised included potentially worse flooding from the Limekiln Brook culvert that runs underneath the site, and service vehicles, refuse vehicles and fuel delivery vehicles accessing the narrow Chapel Hill Lane being unable to turn around if the car park is removed.