Bedsit plans for Llandudno hotel

A Llandudno hotel could be permanently transformed into bedsits.
An application has been submitted to Conwy County Council seeking to convert the Mayfair at 11 Deganwy Avenue.
Applicant Manhattan Rentals has submitted the application for a change of use from hotel to houses of multiple occupation (HMO).
Typically, HMOs house tenants who share a bathroom and toilet and are often contentious topics in planning debates.
Both Colwyn Bay and Rhyl town centres have a  high number of large properties being converted to bedsit and HMO-type accommodation.
The hotel is currently being used as an HMO by Conwy County Council, which is leasing the building, following the council granting temporary permission for the building to be used for houses of multiple occupation.
The council is currently facing a homelessness crisis. Earlier this year figures revealed Conwy had the fourth-highest number of people living in temporary accommodation in Wales.
But the temporary planning permission that allows the hotel to operate as an HMO expires on 5 July 2022. The building has already been granted an HMO licence for five years.
Llandudno councillor Louise Emery said: “We must find and build suitable emergency housing accommodation in the county, but this must not be in Llandudno’s Holiday Accommodation Zone.
“We must protect the economy of our town, and that relies on a range of holiday accommodation for the thousands of visitors that bring money into the town supporting businesses and jobs.”
Fellow Gogarth Mostyn councillor Harry Savile declined to comment, insisting he sits on Llandudno Town Council’s planning committee. New councillor Mandy Hawkins also said she was unable to comment, having only just been elected.
The application states that the HMO would create one full-time job and two part-time positions.
Neighbours have been consulted, as have North Wales Police and the fire authority.
The planning application was registered by Conwy County Council this month.
A final decision will be made when the application goes before the council’s planning committee.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter