Premier Inn scheme for tax office site
A NEW £6m Premier Inn could be built on the site of a former tax office, creating up to 30 jobs.
Liberty Properties in Chester, working with Hertfordshirebased Mapley Estates, want to demolish Tŷ Moelwyn, on Britannia Terrace, Porthmadog, to make way for a three-storey hotel.
Under the bid, the new-build would have 66 bedrooms with food and drinks facilities and 57 car parking spaces, including 13 cycle parking spaces.
Conwy-based Cadnant Planning has launched a consulta- tion on behalf of the developers to garner views, before plans are submitted to Gwynedd council.
Tŷ Moelwyn, owned by Mapeley Estates, housed the Government’s only Welsh language tax office, but the service was facing the axe.
The decision was reversed, but the remaining employees have been moved to another location in Porthmadog, saving 17 jobs but leaving the building empty.
A planning statement by Cadnant Planning said: “The existing Ty Moelwyn building is a three-storey building used until recently as offices ... [it] requires considerable renovation to be suitable for modern-day purposes.
“The existing building looks tired and dilapidated and does not contribute to the character of the sur- rounding area, including the Porthmadog Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings.”
The statement added: “The development will be of highquality design, incorporating materials which complement its maritime setting.”
Cllr Nia Jeffreys, who represents Porthmadog East on Gwynedd Council, said: “First impressions is that this is good news for Porthmadog.
“The last thing we need here is an empty building and 30 new full time jobs will be very welcome.
“As always, the devil will be in the detail – consideration will have to be given to local issues like parking, access and the cycle path.
“Also, the impact on other Porthmadog businesses will have to be carefully weighed up.
“I’m pleased Porthmadog people have the chance to have their say.
“I hope as many as possible take this opportunity to give their opinion on the proposed hotel. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.” ● The deadline to express views during the consultation is May 2 2018. E-mail info@cadnant planning.co.uk or alternatively send them to: Cadnant Planning, 1 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy, LL32 8UB.