Beach balcony thrown out by planners

Proposals for a balcony overlooking a popular beach have been thrown out by planners.
Despite an officers’ recommendation to approve, members of Gwynedd’s planning committee rejected the plans at Bwthyn Bridyn which overlooks the beach at Morfa Nefyn.
Described by the local member as a “substantial” and “obvious” change to the building’s appearance, Cllr Gareth Jones added that the community council was also opposed to the development as were many locals.
“You have already approved substantial changes to the exterior of the building, work which has already started, but I ask you to refuse this application,” he told the meeting in Caernarfon on Monday (January 13).
“The balcony is huge and  is within four or five steps to a popular beach where many locals gather to bathe, sunbathe and enjoy the views.
“This is one of the busiest spots on the beach and would represent over development in an area of outstanding beauty, its a sensitive area and famous to visitors and a cause of pride for local.
“Bwthyn Bridyn is iconic and is often featured on television and on postcards – without a balcony.
“Allowing this would visually damage a location in an incredibly beautiful area and as its such an iconic building I’d urge you to refuse.”
With similar plans having also been refused in the past, Cllr Simon Glyn was critical that the proposals had been re-presented and agreed it would impact on the views of those using the beach.
Cllr Louise Hughes added, “It’s marvellous that restoration work is going on but I can’t support this at all.”
The officers’ report, recommending approval, had noted: “Whilst we appreciate the concern regarding the sensitivity of the coastline in this area, officers are not of the view that the creation of this balcony would introduce an inappropriate feature to the site and it is unlikely to harmfully affect the character of the property.
“The property has been set back at an angle from the adjacent housing with higher ground to the back and a high boundary wall to the front, which means that the vistas of it are comparatively local. It can be very hard for newcomers to select a trusted mobile casino site.
“We realise that views of the property and the nearby cottages can be seen from Porthdinllaen, which is within the AONB, however, bearing in mind the small scale of the development, it is not considered that the proposal would significantly impact on the setting of the AONB or the views out of it from this distance.”
As members went against the advice of officers, it’s expected that the plans will be re-presented to the committee following a suitable “cooling off” period.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter