Church turned into 13-bed luxury Airbnb investigated for 'planning breach'

A church which has been renovated into a luxury 13-bedroom Airbnb, complete with indoor swimming pool and cinema room, is under investigation over an alleged planning breach.

Conwy council granted planning permission for the Methodist church in Rhos on Sea, to be converted into an eight-bedroom home, in July 2023.

But further work has since been carried out at the property - which can host up to 34 people - leading the council to investigate a possible planning contravention.

Sol Roberts, of Rhos on Sea Limited, who owns the property, has applied to the council for a "certificate of lawfulness" for "the existing use" of the former church "as a short-term commercial holiday let".

The self-styled '6-star' property also includes a "cave bar" with adjoining games room, along with a children's pool, sauna, hot tub, mini-golf and a grand piano.

Conwy council served a planning contravention notice in relation to the property in September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

As part of this notice, the applicant was required to inform the council how many people had stayed at the Rhos Road property between 7 February 2025 and 22 September 2025.

Nearly 400 people were reported to have stayed at the residence, now known as Rhos Sea Manor, during the stated period, with the property used as a family home at other times.

Rhos on Sea councillor Jo Nuttall said she had received complaints about late-night noise from nearby residents.

"Neighbours have complained to me, to the council, and to other councillors - and the owners, the hosts, of the Airbnb - because they say there has been a lot of late-night noise," she said.

"They say there are a lot of people there, so a lot of people make a lot of noise. And so if that's the case, it needs to be put right."

A Conwy council planning report states: "The applicant lets out the property, on a short-term basis, to a range of guests including family gatherings and celebration events."

The property's listing on the Airbnb site states that the property sleeps 34 but "Airbnb only allow us to advertise max 16 guests" and "parties and events are not allowed".

NJPlanning Ltd, who are representing the Prestwich-based applicant in the planning matter, have declined to comment.