23 affordable homes in Pentraeth given green light

Plans for 23 affordable homes have been given the go-ahead in Pentraeth.

The Clwyd Alyn housing association’s proposals for Lon Lwyd were approved by members of Anglesey Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday.

The mix, including four one bedroom flats, would also see two, three and four bedroom houses which Clwyd Alyn claims will help support the Welsh language locally by adding to the social rental stock.

Officers confirmed that the site bordered Pentraeth’s the designated development boundary and was located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mr Dewi Francis Jones added, however, there were policies in place to facilitate such projects involving 100% affordable homes and meeting local need, confirming that authority housing officers were satisfied there was demand for such properties in the village.
Cllr Margaret Murley Roberts, who called the application to the committee for consideration, claimed that not enough information had been provided.

The proposals also attracted 40 letters of objection, on the grounds of factors including the adequacy of the drainage and sewage systems, highway safety concerns and a lack of infrastructure including additional pressure on the village school.

But Pentraeth Community Council offered no objection.

The council planning officers’ report stated, “The application is acceptable in overall policy terms and will provide much needed affordable housing within Pentraeth.

“Although within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on balance and given due consideration to the mitigation and enhancement measures being proposed it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable and will deliver an identified need of affordable dwellinghouses in Pentraeth which cannot be delivered on other sites within the development boundary.”

Cllr Ken Hughes, a member of the committee, proposed the application be approved due to the lack of available rented social housing on the island as a whole.

“As investigation has found there is a need in this particular area, and therefore I’m happy to propose that we accept the recommendation,” he added.

The application was backed by seven members, with one abstention and none against.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter