Gwynedd pub now a ‘blot’ on area to be converted into flats

Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee has approved a scheme to convert the empty Wynnes Arms at Manod, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The building ceased to be used as a public house at the beginning of 2017.

It was boarded up at ground floor level to help protect against vandalism – although had attracted some anti-social behaviour over the years.

Several proposals to improve the run down pub had come before the planners over the years,  including a scheme to convert it into offices and a single home.

Thumbs up

But at its meeting on Monday, councillors finally gave the thumbs up to a proposal which would see  the building converted into five flats.

It  included creation of parking spaces, and alterations to the access for three, two-bedroom, and two, one-bedroom apartments.

The application had been made by a Mr J Fatimilehin of Joof Homes Ltd, through agent Mr Andy Woodward.

The plans described the site as being on a triangular plot in a “prominent position” in Manod.

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The proposal described how the exterior of the building would remain “largely unchanged, although signage would be removed.

It was proposed to provide parking spaces for six cars along the property’s southern boundary with a vehicular access to the adjacent class three county road, and a small garden with patio in the south-eastern corner.

A site for locating refuse bins and a bike storage would be located along the western boundary.

The pub’s former smoking shelter on the southern side would be demolished, and a two-storey side extension to include a bedroom and living room for flats number one and two,  in the basement and ground floor.

The Town Council had objected, saying it had received letters of objection and a petition a report noted.

But planning officers, said of the latest application, “having considered the assessment and all the relevant matters, including the local and national policies and guidance, as well as local objections, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable and satisfied the requirements of the relevant policies.”

Flooding issues

Planning officer Arwel Thomas told the meeting the main planning matter had concerned “flooding issues.”

“These have reviewed and  it is agreed that it appears the flood risk associated with the development is acceptable,” he said.

“The proposal is deemed acceptable, and it is recommended that it be approved, in accordance with planning conditions set out in officer’s report.”

The agent for the applicant, told the meeting that the proposal met policy requirements.

“It is for a C3 residential use, as the occupiers’ sole residences, not a kind of temporary accommodation for asylum seekers or for holiday homes,” he said.

Self-sufficient

The  proposal would be “self-sufficient” with six parking places outside, buses stopped at a nearby bus stop and highways had no objections, he told the meeting.

He also highlighted a “need” for the homes, and told the meeting that two local people had already approached enquiring about the flats.

“I think this shows there is a demand.”  He said, although it was noted the local member had felt they were “too small.”

Cllr Anne Lloyd Hughes proposed approving the application and Cllr

Louise Hughes, agreed and seconded.

Cllr Hughes said it was “sad” and that the building had become “something of a blot” in the area, but it was  felt that one or two bedroom flats were needed.

In a vote, eight agreed with the officer’s recommendations to approve, whilst two voted against. The application was approved.