A Buddhist community is awaiting the resolution to a council planning application at Criccieth.
A full application by the Jayasiddhi (Shrimala Trust) to build two huts for silent meditation and retreat is being considered by Cyngor Gwynedd.
According to the Charity Commission for England and Wales the Shrimala Trust charity aims to: “Advance religious education in accordance with the doctrines and principles of the Buddhist faith.
“In particular, the Kagyu-Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
It carries out its aims “…through the activities of the Awakened Heart Sangha, a spiritual community in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, formed by students of Lama Shenpen Hookham.”
The development site for the meditation huts at Criccieth (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd Council planning documents)
The plans concern a 2,000 square metre remote site at Ynys Graianog, at Ynys.
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The planning applicant has been recorded as “Jayasiddhi, Shrimala Trust.”
The retreat’s rural address is noted as “the road south of Ynys Graianog, passing Bryn March and Gaerddu Bach, to junction at Terfyn.”
The full planning application was made on March 30, 2023, through agent, Pwllheli architect Maredudd ab Iestyn, of Maredudd ab Iestyn RIBA.
The planning documents describe the proposed site as a “former agricultural pasture now planted as woodland and an amenity area for the Hermitage.”
A Facebook page refers to the Ynys home of the Buddhist spiritual leader and teacher Lama Shenpen as “The Hermitage of the Awakened Heart.”
On Google map, the site is marked as ‘The Hermitage’, and refers to its location as a “Buddhist temple”.
Drawing from the plans showing the location of the proposed meditation and retreat huts (Image Courtesy Of Gwynedd Council Planning Documents)
The planning application concerns a .20 acre of new development.
The proposed meditation and retreat buildings would include doors and windows of painted softwood, dark grey EPDM roofing as well as walls of composite cladding panels.
The plans note there are “already existing on-site arrangements for recycling.”
Details of the pre-application planning advice, received on May 12, 2022, states the application “could be acceptable.”
A statement from the local highways authority (transport and countryside service) also notes: "I do not propose to make a recommendation as the development is not considered to have an adverse effect on any highway, or proposed highway.”
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