Bala homes approved

National park planning chief have appoved plans to build nine new homes in Bala.
A meeting of the Snowdonia National Park Authority gave the green light for Adra, formerly known as Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG), to build the social housing and parking spaces at Cysgod y Coleg.
The local town council, objected to the scheme over the loss of an “informal” play area,   and questioning the demand for two bedroom homes in the town.
But the plans, involving three two bedroomed bungalows and six two bed houses, were defended by the housing association, who said that there were many families waiting for two bedroom homes in y Bala.
Authority members were also told that there was “very little use” being made of the patch of land earmarked for the homes, and that making more two bedroom homes available in the town would free up larger family homes as tenants seek to avoid the bedroom tax.
Following the recommendation of officers, members unanimously approved the application.
The supporting statement, accompanying the application, noted: “Following recent changes to the benefits system, several tenants are suffering financially due to the bedroom tax as they are under occupancy.
“From the 97 houses CCG manage, none of which are two bedroom, therefore families who wish to move to a smaller home have limited options.
“Two-bedroom properties will assist CCG to better manage its current stock and enable those applicants who wish to move to a smaller home, releasing their current home to other applicants.
“This would also help families on the housing register who require 3 or 4- bedroom homes.
“Any CCG home that become empty due to tenants relocating to the new development will also be offered to applicants on the Gwynedd Housing Register where families with a local connection are prioritised.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter