Six home development on historic civic site in Llangefni approved

The island’s planners unanimously approved a full application for the erection of six residential units adjacent to the Shirehall building in Llangefni.

The Grade II listed former council headquarters was devastated in a blaze back in December 17, 2023.

The new development is planned south east of the building, on Lon Glanhwfa Road, behind the former police station and magistrates court.

Homes are planned next to the Shirehall building, behind the old police station and magistrates court, in Llangefni ( Image Anglesey County Council Planning Docs.)

Amendments were made to original plans, reducing the units from seven to six.

Anglesey County Council’s planning and orders committee followed officers’ recommendations, giving approval at a meeting on Wednesday, July 25.

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The 1500m2 site adjoins the Anglesey County Council car park with a pedestrian walkway to the north.

The development would use the existing vehicular access from Glanhwfa Road and there were  15 parking spaces.

Shirehall Building Llangefni (Image Anglesey Council Planning Documents)

The matter had been brought back to the committee by local members. Cllr Nicola Roberts and Cllr Geraint ap Ifan Bebb.

They had raised local concerns on over-development, flooding, highways, impact on the adjacent historical building, the need for the type of units, parking and access in and out of the site.

The town council had also concerns over drainage and surface water, overhead power lines,flooding due to the closeness of the nearby Afon Cefni, “the impact on a Grade II Listed Building, “the harmful impact” on the character of the area and the town, its need,  threat to mature trees and wildlife, impact on the rugby club, and “not being  the right location”.

The planning committee had undertaken a site visit on June 19.

Location of the development site at Llangefni (Ioacc Plannign Documents)

Planning officer Rhys Jones  said: “The proposal site is located within Llangefni conservation area, adjacent to the Grade II listed Shirehall and Grade II listed Moriah Calvinistic Methodist chapel, including the forecourt wall and gate.”

It would comprise of a three-storey building with the roof space being used for residential purposes, and included six apartments across three floors and attic space. The ground floor would includes garden room/storage/WC.

A heritage officer  had acknowledged that “the scale,

size and massing of the proposed development had been reduced,” and  confirmed the proposal would “not harm” the setting of the adjacent Listed Building, nor the conservation area’s character.

The site was near the Afon Cefni, but concerns  had been addressed in discussions with Naural Resources Wales. The applicant had offered “a contribution of one penny under £50,000 towards social housing to be assured by a 106 agreement,” he added,

The scheme  had met relevant policy, and was considered suitable for recommendation – with conditions,

“No letters of objection had been received at all, in itself evidence there are no local concerns,” he added.

The fire damaged Shirehall building in Llangefni (Image Klem Williams)

A public speaker representing Russell Hughes architects, told the meeting the  building fire had been “a tragedy for Llangefni.”

“It’s been an important building for the centre of this town, an important part of this historic town.” he said.

“This application gives the applicant chance to add value to the land and redevelop the old building.”

They had “worked closely” with planning and conservation officers to “come up with a modern  building in keeping with the historic building,” and could provide “a new future.”

Historic image of the Shirehall building at Llangefni (Image Anglesey County council planning documents)

Cllr Nicola Roberts was “glad” issues such as design and flooding had been addressed.

“I’m  also glad there is a contribution going to social housing, no-one has been back to me, so I’m happy for the committee to approve.” She said.

Cllr Geraint ap Ifan Bebb proposed approval, saying a few people living in the area had raised concerns but had not objected.

Cllr Neville Evans, had had concerns over flooding, but as assurances had been given, was”happy to second.”