Plans for 14 homes on former Anglesey school receive green light

A scheme to build 14 homes on a former Anglesey primary school site has been given the green light by planners.

Anglesey County Council’s planning committee recently considered a full application to build properties on the old Ysgol Gynradd Niwbwrch site in Newborough after it closed four years ago.

Planning officer Rhys Jones said the matter had previously been deferred for several months to review the plans, which were submitted by the local authority itself.

It resulted in improved facilities being provided for pedestrians, including new plans for a crossing on the site.

Members heard the scheme would also result in the creation of an internal access road and was considered to be “100 percent affordable housing”.

The properties proposed include a mixture of houses and flats, which the committee was told was based on a local housing needs survey.

Although Mr Jones said the development did not fully comply with all policy criteria, it was “not considered to have a detrimental effect on neighbouring amenities.”

He said this was due to the distance between the site and other homes, the direction the properties will face and the presence of mature trees.

The development was considered amid concerns about rising house prices on parts of the island – which are reported to have left many young people unable to buy or rent locally.

The application stated: “Housing needs findings, gathered through the collation of all current information, including Anglesey County Council’s Social Housing Register, Tai Teg register and online consultation, indicated that there is a demand in the area for more two, three and four bedroom homes to rent at a social or intermediate level and also a demand for properties to buy.”

Cllr Ken Taylor proposed the development should be approved. He said: “There is a need for this type of housing in the area, and so I am happy to go with the planning officer’s recommendations.”

The recommendation was then seconded by Cllr Dafydd Roberts.

The planning committee accepted accepted the officers’ recommendations and unanimously approved the plans.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter