The Corbett Arms: A Call for Independent Scrutiny

Vacant since 2011, the Corbett Arms is a significant early 19th-century building that has long contributed to the historic character of this seaside town. But in early 2025, parts of the building collapsed, prompting urgent safety works, and now, proposals for extensive demolition.

Gwynedd Council, both the applicant and decision-maker in this case, is seeking permission to demolish large parts of the structure. The CBA, alongside SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Historic Buildings and Places and the local chamber of commerce, has raised concerns about the scale of demolition, the impartiality of the decision-making process, and the lack of sufficient evidence that all other options, such as stabilisation or phased conservation, have been fully explored.

“The deteriorating state of the Corbett Arms is a long-standing issue for Tywyn, brought to a crunch when two sections at the back of the building collapsed in January. Its potential to contribute to the town mustn’t be thrown away though. When structural engineers identify a conservation led approach to secure most of the structure, we have to take note and not simply invite the wrecking ball in”

- Catherine Bell, Listed Building Casework and Advocacy Manager, CBA

WWe are supporting a wider coalition, including SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Historic Buildings & Places, and the local chamber of commerce, in urging Welsh Ministers to call in the Listed Building Consent application for independent review. An alternative structural report, commissioned by SAVE and produced by Mann Williams, suggests that the demolition proposed could cause further instability rather than prevent it.

Why this matters:

The Corbett Arms isn’t just any old building. It once hosted John Lennon and Yoko Ono and sits within a remarkable group of historic buildings in Tywyn, including St Cadfan’s Church and the Magic Lantern Cinema. Its demolition would cause irreparable harm to the town’s historic character, and could set a dangerous precedent for how listed buildings are treated across Wales.

The call-in request is now being reviewed by the Welsh Government. If approved, an independent planning inspector will examine the proposals and supporting evidence, ensuring transparency and fairness in decision-making.

You can read our full letter to Welsh Ministers here.