Issue - meetings

Full application for the demolition of 107 residential dwellings, three blocks used as four visitor accommodation units, nursing home, Scouts dormitories, hall and workshop, library/hall building, offices and garages and the erection of 107 residential units (100% affordable dwellings)as replacement dwellings together with alterations to internal access road and associated works and landscaping.

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Angela Russell and Councillor Anwen Davies

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve subject to planning conditions and a 106 agreement for an educational contribution

1.         Five years

2.         In accordance with the plans and documents submitted as part of the application

3.         Slates on the roof/agree roof finish and PV panels

4.         Agree on external finish

5.         Agree details

6.         Agree affordable housing matters

7.         A condition for phased demolition and development

8.         Land Contamination conditions

9.         Submit details of a plan either to protect the structural condition or to divert the main water supply that crosses the site

10.       Submit a plan for disposing of foul water

11.       Dust, noise and vibration control plan as a result of the demolition work

12.       Working hours 08.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday, 08.00 - 13.00 on Saturday and not at all on Sunday or Bank Holidays

13.       Submit and agree an ecological, habitat and grassland/wildflower meadow management plan

14.       A tree specialist must be present on site throughout the work

15.       Any work that would disturb bird nests during the nesting season between 1 March and 31 August is not permitted unless otherwise agreed in advance.

16.       Archaeological conditions

17.       Removal of permitted development rights

18.       Landscaping

19.       Welsh language advertisements

Full application for the demolition of 107 living units, three buildings used as four visitor accommodation units, nursing home, Scouts' dormitories, hall and workshop, library/hall building, offices and garages and the erection of 107 residential units (100% affordable dwellings) as replacement dwellings together with alterations to the internal access road and associated works and landscaping.

Some members had visited the site on 5 September 2023

a)    The Development Control Team Leader highlighted that the site of this full, unique application included Penrhos Polish Village which was located between Pwllheli town and Llanbedrog with access to the site along a direct private track from the A499.  The site is located entirely in open countryside and outside any development boundary.

The demolition work would happen in three phases with the first step involving demolishing the buildings that were located on the right by the site access. The Church, canteen and dining room along with the memorial garden, allotments and the bus station would remain. It was proposed to make changes to the internal estate road including the provision of some new sections.

The new buildings would also be built in three phases, with the first phase ensuring accommodation for current residents; erecting 44 units in the first phase including 12 bungalows, 2 houses and 30 flats; erecting 49 units in the second phase and 14 in the third phase. All units were proposed as affordable units in the form of lifelong homes.

In the context of the former care home, it was reported that the care home had acted as an important element of the site and the observations received had highlighted that the community were disappointed that the home closed soon after the site was transferred to the applicant's possession. It was reiterated that a commitment to transfer a specific area of the site to Cyngor Gwynedd with a draft agreement had been agreed between Clwyd Alun and the Council with the intention to sign it soon. It was noted that the Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet had agreed to apply for £14.6 million from the Welsh Government to fund the construction and development of a new care home on the site. To this end, due to viability implications for continuing and improving the existing home and based on the applicant's commitment to transfer land to compensate for the loss of existing facilities and the Council's commitment to providing a care and nursing home along with the care provision and community provision, it was considered that the proposal complied with the objectives of policy ISA 2 in terms of safeguarding community facilities.

In terms of phases 2 and 3, this provision was intended to ensure that there were staffing resources, and some houses would be prioritised for people who worked on the site or within the wider local health and care sector. When individuals' needs changed, those with high/complex care needs could have the option of moving to the on-site care and nursing home. The care and nursing home would also provide for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8