Gwynedd Planners Approve Development of Ten Business Units in Bangor

Gwynedd planners have unanimously agreed to develop ten business units on a “regionally strategic” business site in Bangor.
When first mooted in 2000 it was hoped that Parc Bryn Cegin at Llandygai could attract a swathe of industry and jobs to  the area.
But despite millions raised in investment, with the banking crisis of 2005 and subsequent recession, the location had failed to attract any businesses and lay empty for about 20 years.
It had also been the subject of archaeological excavations for its Iron Age and Roman “historical importance.”
But now, the 35 acre park looks set for a new chapter in its history with the approval of a building scheme to help promote and develop business.
The latest plan described a building which would be split into ten units, for Classes B2 (General Industrial) use and would include parking and landscaping.
Access to the site would be provided via the existing vehicular access which provides access from the inner road serving the broader Parc Bryn Cegin site.
Gwynedd planning officer Keira Sweeney said the park was a “regionally, strategic business site” – but as yet there were no specific users earmarked for the units.
“But this would be the first step in a proposal for three similar buildings on nearby sites.” She said.
The business use was “appropriate” for the site and of “strategic importance for business development in the area.”
The new building was of the size and design “expected of a modern industrial building.” She said.
An objection raised had concerned the impact on the Welsh language, but after clarification from the applicants, it had been explained that until planning permission was agreed the units could not be advertised.
The planning officer said there was also “a willingness to work with the language unit.” The transport unit had also offered “no objections” and Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service had noted there were no archaeological implications arising from this application.
The recommendations was therefore to approve with a number of conditions.
Among them was a noise insulation plan to be submitted “to safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties” and a suggestion to set conditions for operational times.
The details of any external lights should also be agreed prior to installation on the site.
Gwynedd’s planning committee wholeheartedly agreed to the full planning permission to erect a building on one of the empty plots at its meeting on Monday, April 22, 2024.
The application had been made by a Mr G Poole through the agent architects Russell-Hughes Cyf.
It was accepted that the B2 use complied with policy and it would be for employment use.
The building would have a total floor surface area of 995m2and would be 8.2m in height to the roof ridge. The walls and the roof would be covered in profiled steel panels.
The site plans would include the development of 31 parking spaces and access by the existing vehicle entrance.
Welcoming the development Councillor Huw Wyn Jones proposed that the planning committee accept the scheme, in agreement, Cllr Gareth Jones, wished to second the proposal.
Ten votes were cast in favour with no objections or abstentions.
A year ago, Gwynedd Council’s planning committee had previously agreed plans for a builders’ merchant building and units within the site.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter