Shops and holiday let bid for historic Conservative club

ABID to convert a historic building into holiday lets, despite opposition from local councillors, has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Developers have submitted a scheme to turn the former Conservative Club on Market Street, Caernarfon (pictured), into shops and six holiday units.

The 19th century building, which was once the town’s meat market, has lain empty for several years.

A report by developers, Cosgrove Restoration Ltd, was due to be presented to Gwynedd Council’s planning committee on Monday, outlining plans which have received the green light from officers.

Caernarfon Town Council, however, remains opposed to the scheme.

Town councillors claim there is no need for more holiday accommodation, instead citing a demand for more permanent housing.

Their response to the consultation noted: “(We) object on the grounds that the holiday element would be a type of over-development in the area.

“Also, there is a lack of parking space in the streets opposite and an insufficient attempt has been made in the application to mitigate the impact of cars for another six units on the street.”

But with developers planning to transform the former social club into six holiday units as well as a pair of shops on the ground floor, officers believe that the application would provide a much-needed shot in the arm for a building that’s been deteriorating for some time.

“(There are) large holes in the roof where water has been leaking into the building,” states their report.

“This has caused significant damage to the building, and birds have also used the floors of the building for years.

“There are now no noteworthy features remaining in the building, many of the features disappeared during its use as a social club, and the building can therefore be divided into new units fairly easily without having a detrimental impact on its character.”

Their report goes on to note: “It is felt that the work would be a significant improvement by restoring a building that is very striking within the streetscape and also within the town’s walls.

“In this case it is considered that the work would be a significant improvement and would meet with the requirements of the policies noted.”

A decision was due to be made when Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee met on Monday.