Extra-care flats scheme set to replace offices

PLANS to convert former offices into 28 flats for the elderly will be debated by councillors next week.

Housing association Adra, formerly known as Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, wants to build the three storey extra-care development on the site of Pwllheli’s Canolfan Frondeg.

According to the report, to be presented to members of the authority’s Planning Committee on Monday, Canolfan Frondeg would be demolished with the new building designed to a “U” shape, with car parking spaces for 23 vehicles.

“It would include 28 extra care flats for people aged over 55 years (16 two-bedroom flats and 12 one bedroom flats) and ancillary uses on the ground floor/externally, including communal facilities, an office, plant room and stores and a bin storage area, along with parking spaces and associated landscaping,” the report states.

“The proposal is described as extra care flats for those aged over 55 years, and the floor plans show that all the flats are self-contained with a bedroom(s), bathroom, lounge and kitchen, as well as a communal lounge and relatively small kitchen attached to it.”

With the expectation that demand for these kind of accommodation will increase over the next 20 years, Pwllheli has been identified as a growth area with the council’s Adults, Health and Well-being Department confirming that they are supportive of the application.

While the consultation period saw some objections raised, on the basis of overlooking neighbouring properties and “domination” of the area, planning officers are recommending approval.

The design and access statement accompanying the application, notes: “The proposal would clearly have economic benefits, through the provision of jobs during the construction phase and new housing close to existing employment opportunities.

“In social terms, the scheme would provide affordable housing provision in an area where there is clearly an identified shortfall.”

Proposing that the principle of the development is acceptable, planners will ask decision makers to delegate the final decision to officers after agreement is reached over the method of demolition

Streetview and pending minor amendments to alieviate concerns such as overlooking on neighbouring properties.

A decision is expected when the committee meets in Caernarfon next Monday, December 9.

Above pic: Google ● Canolfan Frondeg, Pwllheli, above, and an artist’s impression of the threestorey extracare scheme proposed to replace it by housing association Adra, left.