Unspoilt Welsh island the setting for new TV series
AN ISLAND off the coast of Anglesey looks set to host a major BBC reality series as permission is sought to convert some of its historic buildings for filming purposes.
Wildflame Productions are to produce a series called Cockle Bay on Ynys Llanddwyn, where four families will be sent back to 1906 to experience life as fishermen and women for an entire month.
With the families set to spend their time living in the island’s famous pilot’s cottages, a planning application has been submitted which includes carrying out alteration work worth £30,000 to allow filming to go ahead.
The row of four single-storey cottages were built before 1830 for the lighthouse keepers, pilots and lifeboat men who helped to guide ships into the Menai Strait.
Although the changes are described as “minor alterations”, planning permission is needed as the cottages are Grade II listed.
The alterations include making the cottages habitable by introducing period furnishings and working stoves typical of the time period.
The planning application outlines that the four cottages will be decorated differently, marking the differing social standings of each family.
Among the residents will be a baker and shopkeeper, with historical researchers and local knowledge being used to ensure it adheres to the time period in question.
But with no working power supply on the island, day-to-day production on the BBC Two series will depend on an 8kw generator.
After filming has finished, two of the four cottages will be left as a permanent exhibition and open to locals and tourists who plan to visit the island.
The design and access statement, submitted as part of the planning application, notes: “When we embark on living history projects such as this, we believe that it’s vitally important we leave a positive legacy behind us.
“As part of the legacy of Cockle Bay, we will leave two of the four cottages as permanent exhibitions – showcasing domestic life in 1906.
“The exhibitions will include decorations, furniture and household items as well as fully working stoves.
“Once the work has been carried out, we will invite the local community to visit the finished works before we commence the filming, so that they can see the transformation for themselves.”
The production company has also outlined its intention of using local staff where possible, including runners, security personnel, catering and construction workers.
Filming is set to take place in September to minimise the impact on nesting seabirds and other local wildlife.
Anglesey Council’s planning department is expected to make a decision in due course, with the proposals already having been approved by Natural Resources Wales.