Flats plan for former Holyhead Post Office approved by planners despite anti-social behaviour fears

Long-running plans to convert Holyhead’s former Crown Post Office into flats have been approved by Anglesey Council planning officers despite opposition from some local businesses.

The Boston Street building has lain empty since postal services in the town were moved to the Chocolate Box store on Stanley Street in 2015.

But the application to provide a new use for the building had attracted opposition from some nearby businesses amid claims it would encourage anti-social behaviour.

The proposals, which have now been approved by Anglesey Council planning officers, will see it converted into five flats and three maisonettes.

But according to some local councillors and the owners of a major employer just a stone’s throw away, the development had the potential to create more anti-social behaviour in the port town.

Speaking last year, Alex McGinn who employs 29 members of staff at Newry Nursery, said that changing the building from commercial to single resident flats would “change the whole dimensions” of Boston Street.
“Other parts of the town centre are experiencing anti-social behaviour from similar residential flats and we are concerned, as a children’s day nursery, of the type of residents that would occupy them,” she added.
“We’re one of the biggest employers in the town centre, but if this development gets the go ahead I really fear for the future.”

Town councillor, Ann Kennedy, also said that she “vigorously” opposed the development.
“I totally understand that single accommodation needs to be found for individuals who need support for their health and social problems, however, the location of these  alongside an active children’s nursery, local shops, and on the route to and from St Cybi’s churchyard is out of keeping with the town’s current and future development.”

But developer Benjamin Popat defended the plans, stating he wanted to invest in Holyhead, speaking of a “bright, vibrant future” and to encourage its regeneration through “quality development.”

“My wife is from Holyhead, and, from her own experience, knows that the vast majority of residents are proud of the town and resent its poor reputation,” he said, shortly after the plans were submitted in the summer of 2020.

“Just because there have been some problems elsewhere in the town, does that mean every attempt to provide decent housing has to be tarred with the same brush?”

“Its conversion will cost us a lot of money but all spent locally, bringing the area down would not be a good investment.

“Our proposal is an assortment of one- and two-bedroom properties, consisting of five spacious flats and three maisonettes.

“Our ideal tenant mix would consist of couples and small families, but not exclude single people, and cover a wide age range.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter