Opposition to Bangor home plans

Community leaders have launched a campaign against plans for 30 new homes in Bangor.
The mixture of two and three bedroom homes would be suitable for four or five people and, according to the applicants, would help meet local demand.
But a petition has now been presented by locals, urging Gwynedd Council to turn down the proposals by citing concerns over access and the increase in traffic the development would cause.
“There are concerns about the effect of the development on parking, on land drainage, on the environment, and on the Welsh language; and the high percentage of open market housing, compared to social housing,” said Howard Huws.
“Access to the proposed development, along part of Pen-y-Ffridd Road, is too narrow for construction traffic, or for the permanent traffic increase caused by building the houses.”

As a result, a petition signed by 74 residents was presented to local councillor, Gareth Roberts, urging him to pass on their concerns when the decision reaches Planning Committee stage.

The site forms part of a much larger site that had been proposed for 366 homes.

But the plans, put forward by Morbaine Ltd, were turned down by Gwynedd Council and upheld by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year, mainly due to fears over its impact on the Welsh language.

Adra say that the Penrhosgarnedd area is highly sought-after by staff based at Ysbyty Gwynedd, which is nearby.

The planning documents, which have now been submitted, note:  “The price of the market properties will be within reach of the local residents as no large
executive homes are provided.

“Key workers who gain employment in the local hospital, university and retail will be attracted to the area along with families.”

They also concluded that the proposed development would have “beneficial effects” on the Welsh language and the community of the ward of Dewi and the wider city of Bangor through the provision of affordable housing and open market housing “to meet an identified need.”

“The proposed housing mix satisfies the local demand for each tenure and will be energy efficient, built to a high standard and provide living space adequate for comfortable modern living.

“The proposed mix addresses the imbalance of housing supply in the area and the 2 and 3-bedroom units address the need for smaller household for changing household composition and individuals affected by the bedroom tax.

“On-site parking for each apartment will not create a negative effect on the current kerb side parking issues in the locality and the location and type of units offers a solution for young and older households and families.”

Its expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will make a decision over the coming months.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter