Green light for plans to turn former nightclub into flats

A PROPOSAL to convert a former nightclub into shops and flats has been given the green light by council planners.

Sylfaen Associates had applied for permission to convert the former Joop (and later Mirage) nightclub at the end of Bangor High Street into three start-up shops and eight flats.

Last Monday, members of Gwynedd’s planning committee approved the development on the recommendation of officers, despite some reservations over aspects of the plan.

According to the developers, the plan would bring “low-cost market housing” to the high street and meet the growing demand for such homes in the area.

Cllr Huw Wyn Jones told Monday’s meeting in Caernarfon: “My worry is that while the place has been empty for quite some time now, the ground-floor flat will be very dark.

“There are no windows at the front and it’s very dark at the back – that causes concern for me.

“For the second and third floors I see no other alternative, but I do question why there are so many flats in what is a relatively small area.”

Cllr Elin Walker Jones said: “There is a need for flats in the city – not student flats as we have more than enough of those – but while I can see the benefits of developing this for young professionals living in the city, I do share concerns that cramming people in like mice is not the way forward.”

Despite this, the plans were approved by members.

The plans had not attracted any objections during the consultation period, with the city council also backing the proposal.