Approval for nursing home expansion in Criccieth

Plans to expand a Gwynedd nursing home by providing 20 new bedrooms have been approved by planners despite local objections.

The Pines home on Mona Terrace, Criccieth, had applied for permission to build a two-storey extension, outlined to create 21 full-time jobs including nurses and dementia care specialists.

The proposals also include an extension to the on-site car park and moving a biomass boiler.

But a number of letters of objection were raised by locals, including the local town council and county councillor, who claimed the proposals represented “over development”.

In a video address played to members of Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee on Monday, Mr Gwyn Hughes said: “There are already transport and parking problems in the area as the conditions relating to the original planning permission are not being adhered to.

“Vehicles relating to the Pines are parking all over the highway as it is, and causing hazards. Expanding the home would only increase these problems.”

Mr Hughes, on behalf of the objectors, added that the proposed biomass boiler would “not be appropriate” for such a residential area.

Cllr Eirwyn Williams, the local councillor for Criccieth, added: “This is simply over development and will impact local amenities.

“The site isn’t suitable and I would ask you to refuse this application today.”

The application has been on the desk of planning officers since 2018, and their report recommended approval.

They conceded that, while the extensions were “substantial”,  it was considered they would not appear oppressive compared to the existing buildings on the site.

Applicant Kevin Edwards said: “We currently operate two nursing homes that offer 24 hour nursing care for individuals living with dementia.

“Both homes in Porthmadog and Criccieth are operating at full capacity and bed availability is often limited due to significant demand.

“These 84 beds are the only specialist dementia care beds covering Dwyfor and Meirionnydd. The nearest home then is 17 miles away in Caernarfon.

“Since the recent closure of the Polish nursing home near Llanbedrog, our waiting list has doubled. Our Criccieth home is now the nearest to the Llŷn Peninsula which can provide dementia care.

“A further 20 nursing beds will offer much-needed capacity for our rural areas and meet the expected demand.”
Already employing 55 members of staff, Mr Edwards described the home as a “key employer” in the area and said they look to actively recruit Welsh-speaking staff.

In answer to concerns that some distressed residents were heard screaming or in distress as a result of their dementia, Mr Edwards said that air conditioning systems would be installed to avoid the need to open windows and reduce noise.

Cllr Dilwyn Lloyd said: “There’s a real need for beds. When I worked at Ysbyty Gwynedd, it was known for patients to bed block for months as they waited for a suitable facility to be discharged to.

“I appreciate that local residents may not want this, but where else do we put these people that need such care?

“I don’t like to go against local members but there’s a real need for specialist facilities like these.”

Members approved the application unanimously.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter