Owner wants to demolish home on ‘millionaires’ row’
THE owner of home on a millionaires’ row in Abersoch wants to knock it down – with a Grand Designs style project to replace it.
The property sits in a stunning location on the clifftop next to Lon Pont Morgan – where average prices usually top £1m.
But applicant Sally Clarke wants to demolish the existing bungalow and a chalet next to it.
In its place she has big plans for a contemporary home with its own outdoor swimming pool.
The planning statement with the application says the existing building is in a poor condition and needs a significant upgrade.
It says the new building will be high quality with Welsh slate used. It added that it would be an improvement on the “dilapidated appearance of the existing dwelling”.
Plans have been submitted to Gwynedd council.
It comes amid concerns about the affordability of even standard family homes in Abersoch and the wider area.
The statement said: “The proposal seeks to replace the existing dwelling and associated chalet which are of no architectural merit and do not make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the site, the locality and the wider AONB.
“The existing dwelling is in poor condition as outlined by the Building Condition Survey.
“The Survey explains that the dwelling is in need of extensive refurbishment and it is poorly insulated.
“It explains this would be difficult to improve whilst retaining the existing form and when combined with the structural defects, this makes refurbishment difficult to justify when it could be replaced with a modern, thermally efficient and sustainable replacement dwelling.
“This is confirmed by the submitted Energy Assessment Report.”
On the new property, it added: “The proposed replacement dwelling is of a high quality, contemporary design and would be built using sustainable materials and incorporating the latest energy efficient technology. It would be no taller than the existing dwelling and its footprint would fall within the outer limits of the existing building and the associated chalet.
“The proposed replacement dwelling would have a sedum roof and its elevations would be finished in natural materials such as slate and cladding in order to assimilate seamlessly into the landscape.
“The proposed dwelling would have no greater impact on the living conditions of the occupiers of nearby dwellings than the existing dwelling.
“It would also radically improve the appearance of the site, making a positive contribution to the surrounding landscape and the AONB.”
The application will now be considered by planners.