Agenda item

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 that the character of the buildings was protected

 

c)     Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s agent noted the following observations:

·        The basic principle and basis of the application, as well as the application already approved for the internal refurbishment of a listed building, was to ensure that the developments were suitable for the World Heritage Site.

·        Gilfach Ddu was an extremely important heritage site, and the importance of the site was considered when making the proposals, as well as the process of Assessing the Impact on Heritage.

·        Pre-application engagement sessions had been held with the Local Planning Authority, CADW, and the Slate Sub-group

·        The proposed developments would improve visitors' experience; ensure that the site was available to everyone; and create more employment and education opportunities. 

·        The plan to create an Interpretation Hub for the Slate Landscape, which is a World Heritage Site, complied with key themes from the World Heritage Site Management Plan, namely 'caring', 'enjoying' and 'learning' about the Slate landscape. ⁠The Interpretation Hub would promote the industrial legacy, the Welsh language and its culture.

·        The alterations, the new buildings and the improvements to the landscape would be designed carefully in a way that respected the local area. 

·        A substantial collection of supporting information was submitted to accompany the application. 

·        The consultants had considered all the information in detail, and no objections were received from them.

·        No third-party organisations had presented any objections during the planning process.

·        The proposed development was considered as one that complied with the main policies of the development plans attached to the Future Wales Plan, the Gwynedd Local Development Plan and Planning Policy Wales. 

·        The Officer's report noted that the proposed developments would have a positive impact on the character of the site, as well as people's enjoyment of the site, but most importantly, secured the future of the site.

·        The Local Authority Officers were thanked, especially Eryl Williams for engaging positively throughout the process. 

 

d)       It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

 

e)       During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·    The application was to be welcomed

·    There was a need to protect the culture

·    The site needed regeneration

·    It was essential to retain the character of the buildings

 

In response to an observation regarding the use of red corrugated sheeting as the roof for the shop and visitor shelter and not slate, and a suggestion to impose a condition to ensure that local slate was used as a more traditional material, it was noted that a decision had been made to choose different materials to be able to differentiate more easily between the old and the new, ensuring that the new buildings did not compete with the traditional buildings.

 

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