Third time lucky?
Developer in bid for Hirael flats again
ADEVELOPER has submitted a third attempt to build flats on the site of a former builders’ merchant.
The old Jewson plot in Bangor has been the subject of much scrutiny since Hughes Bros Ltd, of Llangefni, put in a controversial bid to develop the site in 2011.
Initially, they wanted to tear down the existing buildings at Penlon Works in Bangor and erect seven new ones on the land, creating 161 student flats in the process.
But the plans were rejected by Gwynedd Council whilst a subsequent appeal to the Welsh Government against that decision was also thrown out.
A second, scaled-down bid to build 109 student living units on the site was put in by the firm last summer but was rejected by the council again in December 2013.
But now, the developers have put in a third outline application, which comprises of “77 residential apartments in four blocks, the creation of a new access and the provision of 71 parking spaces”.
It is believed the new application is aimed at city residents rather than just students as it has in the previous two applications.
In a design and access statement on behalf of the developers, Alyn Nicholls and Associates wrote: “The proposed site layout takes account of the previous schemes for student accommodation and buildings have been located so as to maximise development potential.
“However, the siting of buildings has been reviewed with regard to the impacts of the proposal on residences immediately adjacent to the site.
“The location and scale of buildings have been considered carefully so as to avoid an overbearing visual impact on neighbours, reduce impact on privacy and minimise disturbance.
“Furthermore, the scale and location of buildings have sought to contribute towards the urban make-up of the Hirael area.
“In addition, the siting of the proposed buildings has been organised to create a sense of place and community within the confines of the site boundaries to give a sense of ownership, security, safety and exclusivity.
“The proposed buildings would be either two, three or four storeys in height depending on their location within the site.
“The scale (height) of buildings has had regard to the heights of neighbouring properties.
“This means the proposed buildings would harmonise well with the existing street scene, articulate successfully with their immediate neigh- bours within and outwith the site and take account of the changes in ground levels within the site.”
There has been fierce opposition to the previous applications voiced by both residents and community leaders.
Bangor City Council has repeatedly stated its opposition to any such development on the site citing issues such as the need for residential hous-
richard birch ing in the area, lack of transport links and the ongoing concern over the amount of student accommodation in the city.
Hirael residents have also protested the plans in the past and have complained about the alleged antisocial behaviour the development could cause as well as the impact it could have on the Welsh speaking character of the ward.