The Director of Fablas Ice Cream has submitted a planning application to turn the South Lodge in Windsor Gardens into an ice cream parlour after winning a bid to occupy the building.

The Lodge is located on the north side of Cliff Hill, at the southern entrance to Windsor Gardens.

It dates back to 1881 and was originally built as a park keeper's lodge for Windsor Gardens within which it lies.

Nub News has received a comment from Michelle Evans, Director of Fablas Ice Cream:

"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity of showing casing our handmade, award winning artisan ice cream in Penarth.

"All our produce is made using locally sourced milk and cream from Ty-Tanglwyst Farm in Pyle and we manufacture locally on Penllyn Estate Farm, Cowbridge.

"We have recently opened our second parlour in Porthcawl which has been a roaring success and we cannot wait for a warm welcome from Penarth."

Back in January, the Vale of Glamorgan Council invited bids from parties who are interested in taking a 10-year lease of the historic property.

The marketing proposal stated that: ''Consideration will be given to a longer lease if a suitable business case can be made."

A report agreed by cabinet on June 17 2019 said: "Any future development proposals for South Lodge will need to respect its 'County Treasure' status, preserve and enhance the Penarth Conservation Area and the adjoining Grade II-listed Windsor Gardens.

"Given the views, South Lodge benefits from and the potential uniqueness of being a park keeper's cottage, it could have significant appeal in a range of markets.''

The deadline for submitting tender bids ended on Tuesday 17 March 2020 and the Council ultimately opted for Fablas.

Fablas markets itself as a luxury Welsh ice cream shop, which opened its flagship branch in Cowbridge in 2017 before expanding to Porthcawl earlier this year.