Issue - meetings

Restoration works to the site to include internal and external alterations  

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Elfed Williams

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application subject to the following conditions:

1.       5 years

2.       In accordance with the plans

3.       Cast-iron rainwater goods

4.       Details of the new doors to be approved beforehand  

5.       Lime mortar

6.       Details of flue/vents to be approved beforehand 

7.       Details of the new fence to be approved beforehand  

8.       Stone samples

9.       Samples of the materials to be used

10.     In accordance with the requirements of GIS

11.     Welsh Water Conditions

12.     Lighting conditions

13.     Biodiversity/NRW conditions

14.     Landscaping

Restoration work to the site to include internal and external alterations 

a)     The Planning Manager highlighted that this was a full application for restoration work to the site to include demolishing the existing café and shop and erecting new buildings. ⁠

It was explained that the Gilfach Ddu site in the village of Llanberis was located outside of the village's development boundaries but within the Slate Industry World Heritage Site, as well as the Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest. It was noted that the buildings were grade I listed and that the waterwheel there was a monument.

The application was submitted to the committee due to the scale of the site.

It was reported that most of the work was internal restoration work, and there was no need for formal planning permission to complete this. However, it was noted that the restoration work had been assessed within the associated listed building application and that approval and permission had been obtained from CADW on that application. This meant that listed building consent had been obtained for the physical work to the building, but the proposal still required planning permission. It was elaborated that the Council's Conservation Officer had provided significant input to the application during the 'pre-application advice' period and the success of the advice was reflected by CADW's prompt decision to support the proposal.

Attention was drawn to the main elements of the proposal which included demolition of the existing shop and erection of a new one with the same footprint, erecting an extension to create new toilets, demolishing the existing café and erecting a new one with the same footprint, erecting a new workshop and a new canopy as a shelter for visitors.  Reference was made to the variety of minor alterations that were also included in the application, namely creating and altering openings, installing infrastructure, erecting fences, landscaping, creating a storage yard and removing modern partition walls.

In the context of the principle of the proposal, it was noted that improving tourist attractions was supported by policy TWR 1. It was considered that the proposal, on the grounds of the design and impact on amenities, was acceptable and no objection was received from the Transportation Unit as there were no changes to the entrance or the parking provision within the site. Wildlife reports were received with the application and, by imposing conditions, it would be possible to satisfy the observations of the Biodiversity Unit and Natural Resources Wales.

It was noted that the restoration work was essential for the future of the site and the new buildings would be a significant improvement in terms of design and visitors' experience of the site. It was considered that the proposal would be acceptable and the officers recommended that the Committee approved the proposal with conditions.

b)     Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following comments:

·        That he, as well as the Local Member for the Llanberis ward, supported the application

·        There was a need to ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6