A GROUP dedicated to the preservation of Ruperra Castle say it should be opened to the public once it is sold.

Ruperra Castle in Lower Machen is one of Gwent’s most important historical buildings, and went on the market for £1.5 million last week after owner Ashraf Barakat decided to sell.

Mr Barakat, who bought the Grade II* listed building in 1998, had originally planned to turn the largely ruined castle into flats and housing, but he was refused planning permission by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

He appealed against the authority’s decision, but the appeal was also thrown out following a four-day planning inquiry which concluded the plans would significantly harm the historic character of the 1626 castle.

Mr Barakat said last week he had not been able to achieve his ‘vision’ for the building, and decided to put it up for sale.

The castle is likely to remain in private ownership after assembly heritage body Cadw said it has no plans to make an offer on the site, but Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust say they hope any new buyer will make the crumbling castle safe before opening it up to the public.

Trust secretary Pat Jones-Jenkins said: "What we want to emphasise is that this is an extremely important building heritage-wise.

"We would hope that the first priority of whoever buys it would be to stop it falling down any more. We would then like to see the site used for public benefit, so it can be enjoyed by the people of the area and further afield."

She added that the huge cost of completely restoring the castle meant it would be more sensible to work towards preventing any further damage, but ruled out any immediate plans for the Trust to try and purchase the building themselves.

She said: "We are always open to anybody who would be willing to go into partnership, but it’s a huge amount of money to raise."