Plans for social housing flats for over-55s in Caernarfon receive green light

A scheme to provide rental flats for seniors and the disabled on a Caernarfon garage site has been given the thumbs up.

Cyngor Gywnedd planners have approved an application to redevelop the Garej Lleiod area, on Llanberis Road.

Previously used as an MOT, repairs and servicing site, it was also home to a petrol filling station and shop – but will now provide “affordable and sustainable” social housing flats.

The planning application was submitted by housing association Adra and will result in the construction of a four-storey residential building containing 21 flats.

The scheme will also provide a communal lounge, a bike storage area, plant room, bin storage, car parking spaces and landscaping.

The plans include soft landscaping outdoors, along with flower potting sheds and outdoor sitting areas.

There is currently a single access point to the site for pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles from the A4086 Llanberis Road.

The proposals will see the access point closed off and a new one introduced at the western end of the site.

The full plans include the demolition of the existing buildings, including a car sales forecourt, workshop, forecourt canopy as well as a kiosk and shop which was previously a part of the petrol station.

According to Adra’s plans, the housing provider is committed to allocating all of the flats as “affordable” – exceeding local planning guidelines for 20 percent of developments to be offered at below market value.

The application stated: “As the scheme will be homes for older people all the units will be placed on level of social rent.”

Planning officer Arwel Thomas told a recent meeting of the council’s planning committee that the site was suitable for residential development and “acceptable in principle”.

He said there are currently 170 people who needed one-bedroom accommodation in Caernarfon and 175 in need of two-bedroom properties.

He said the scheme would allow people currently in “unsuitable accommodation” to move and would meet housing needs in the town.

No objections were received against the application, and planners recommended that councillors delegate the right to approve the application, subject to conditions.

Speaking by video, a representative for Adra said he welcomed the planners’ recommendation.

He said the proposals had already been reduced in scale and windows changed to prevent neighbouring properties from being overlooked.

He added the scheme would “greatly improve” the appearance of the site and meet affordable housing needs.

Local councillors Dawn Lynne Jones and Dewi Jones were unable to attend the meeting, but raised no objections to the scheme.

Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones proposed the application should be accepted, which seconded by Cllr Gareth Coj Parry.

During discussions on the scheme, Cllr Gruffydd Williams said he was not against the plan, but had some concerns over highways matters.

Following a short debate, planning officers said assessments had been made and the development was “acceptable in terms of planning policy”.
Cllr Gareth Jones said he supported the plan, as there was “a need for this kind of accommodation” in the town.

Councillors approved the plans, with ten votes in favour, no abstentions and one against.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter