Opposed plan for 18 affordable homes is approved

A HOUSING scheme to develop the vacant site of a former nursing home into 18 “affordable” homes has divided opinion in Bethesda.

The proposals concern the development of the Brig Y Nant land, on Ffordd Newydd, Coetmor.

Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee voted equally for and against the development, so the casting vote was given to the planning committee chairman Councillor Edgar Owen.

He gave the thumbs up for the full application concerning the erection of 18 dwellings, new road and landscaping.

It would provide two-storey residential units to include 12 two-bedroom houses; four three bedroom houses and two fourbedroom homes.

The committee approved the plan with conditions.

The application was made through Daniel Russell of Kingscrown Properties Ltd, through agents, Daniel Pollock.

During the planning meeting in March, the committee deferred their decision for a site visit.

The land was formerly used as a nursing home but which was destroyed by fire in 2008.

The Bethesda Community Council had objected to the housing and had stated in a report that the number of homes was “excessive”.

A public consultation had followed, objections included everything from traffic issues, to the drains, Japanese Knotweed, loss of footpaths, effect on services, access, privacy, noise, land stability and wildlife impact.

The full application included 12 two-bedroom houses; four three bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses, had been outlined by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Senior Development Control Officer, Idwal Williams.

It would also provide parking spaces within the curtilage of each house and off-road.

The planning officers considered the project “acceptable in principle.”

The committee finally decided to delegate powers to the senior planning manager to approve the application - subject to conditions.