FIRST LOOK
Ysgol Hendre site
THIS artist’s impression is the first look at a proposed housing development for an “eyesore” former school site.
Residents were given a sneak preview of ambitious plans to build 45 homes on the old Ysgol Hendre site in Caernarfon.
It has lain empty for more than three years after pupils relocated to a new £9.3m school across the road.
Gwynedd Council’s cabinet recently approved a decision to sell the site to housing association, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) at a knock-down price to a maximum of £600,000.
Council chiefs justified the sale because of the lack of acceptable offers on the open market and the shortage of family homes in Caernarfon.
CCG revealed in April that they are preparing an outline planning application which they hope to sub- mit over the coming months.
If the plans are approved, CCG would then expect to complete the purchase of the land from the council by December this year.
Under the proposal, half the residential homes on the site would be social rented, while the other half would be open market properties.
If successful, CCG hope to start construction on the homes, which will be a mix of two, three and four bedroomed houses and bungalows, in 2017-2018.
Councillor Roy Owen, who represents the Seiont ward in Caernarfon backs the development.
He said: “I asked to increase the number of bungalows in the development from six to 12 which they said they would.
“I am pleased about this as it will release more existing properties on the Hendre for people who need three-bed homes.”
But Cllr Owen raised concerns about the impact the development could have on school places in the area.
He added: “The only concern I have is about where the children who would live in these homes and on the new Watkin Jones housing development will go to school.
“The new Hendre school already has 410 pupils, which is only 40 away from maximum capacity of 450.”
CCG chief executive Ffrancon Williams said: “This is a very exciting development for us. It is also our first new build project in Caernarfon – and we look forward to working with the local community on the development.
“There is a strong demand for homes in Caernarfon, with a very high number of applications for social rented properties. As the largest housing association in Gwynedd it is important that we continue to provide quality affordable homes for local people.”