Llanrug housing plan row dating back to 1970s back on the agenda

Over the years housing proposals for the land adjacent to the Glyntwrog Inn at Llanrug, had garnered a raft of public objections.

Now Cyngor Gwyedd is seeking to recommend  delegating powers to approve an amended development plan by transferring  units to the Adra housing association.

It is calling for the site to be subject to  “a 106 agreement” a legally binding planning rule  between developers and the local planning authority, amid a need for social housing.

The latest application describes the construction of three social affordable homes, including a pair of semi-detached, two-storey houses and one adapted bungalow.

It includes a new entrance, access road, six parking spaces,  one accessible space and one visitor space, plus bin collection area.

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A previous application had called for four two-storey houses – but was rejected following a public outcry and council officer concerns.

Llanrug housing plan site (Image Cyngor Gwynedd Plannign Documents)

But an amended application will be discussed at Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee on Monday, January 15.

It comes following  “local interest and objection to the application,” a planning documents states.

The Glyntwrog public house is at the east of the field, and a pair of single-storey semi-detached houses; ‘Bryn Siriol’ is to the west.

Located along the A408,the land had not been designated for specific use and was considered “outside the development boundary “of Llanrug.

The field does abut the development boundary and is within the Dyffryn Ogwen Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

The application, on the 0.11 hectare site was submitted  by Morris Build for Life, through agent Mark Davies,  Cambrian Planning and Development Ltd.

An application had been advertised on the site and neighbouring residents informed. and the council had received correspondence highlighting local concerns, including:

Septic tank disruption, loss of privacy and sunlight,  nuisance.,`being oppressive, impact on neighbours, being outside the development boundary and road safety concerns;  a fatal accident had happened nearby..

Others described worries over cars parking on the county road, lack of visibility, primary school pressure, loss of greenfield, public sewer pressure, overlooking and shadowing parts of the nearby pub.

Impact on the bus stop, additional traffic,  being ‘out of character,’ an over-development and proximity to the public house were also raised.

Others included too many developments in Llanrug,  amended plans ‘not an improvement’,  keep the area as pasture, lack of assessment of transport and infrastructure and setting development precedents.

An extraordinary council meeting was arranged on July 1, 2021, with the public present via Zoom. Then the  Council had resolved to object to the application.

Planning documents stated the Council had been “unclear” over the

definition of “affordable housing.”

In a report, the Council claims it has  “listened to the views of local residents” and was clear that “residents living around the development site do not wish to see the development happening.”

Since then, an adapted  plan had been made and included three social affordable units, including a bungalow, designed to address special needs requirements.

The council said it had discussed with  Adra housing association over suitable sites, and the need for social and accessible homes.

The council stated that by Adra providing 100% of the properties as “affordable social rent,” the development would meet policy and provide affordable homes.

Adra was also “aware there is a current 3000 person applicant waiting list in Gwynedd for social housing,” the plans stated.

The council confirmed the planned units would be “social rent only” and could be considered ‘affordable’ based on being on an “exemption site.”

Despite acknowledging public observation,” the council said it believed the plan was now “acceptable in principle,” and complied with “relevant local and national planning policies…”

At its meeting, the council will again discuss the plans and will seek to recommend to the planning committee:

“Delegating powers to the Head of Environment Department, to approve the application to be subject to a 106 agreement, to transfer of the units to a housing association, with conditions.”