24 new affordable homes approved in Penygroes

PLANS to build 24 affordable homes in Penygroes have been given the go-ahead by Gwynedd’s planning committee.

Set to be built opposite Plas Silyn Leisure Centre, the designs are for a total of 24 homes including two, three and four bedroom properties, all of which would be designated as affordable.

With Grŵp Cynefin’s plans also including eight one bedroom flats, the proposals had seen no objections being raised by the local community council, with the Welsh Government providing enough grant funding to allow them to be offered on an affordable basis.

Members were told that there was a 70-strong waiting list of people in Penygroes and nearby villages, with a belief that the plans would go some way to meeting local need due to 21 of them being offered as social housing.

But with Ysgol Bro Lleu being over capacity, the developers would be asked to contribute over £64,000 in mitigation measures.

Local councillor, Judith Humphreys, said: “There’s a real need for housing locally, be it social or affordable.

“This is one of the main challenges facing communities in Gwynedd so there’s a welcome for such a development which is also visionary in its environmentally friendly design.

“There’s a long housing waiting list locally and this will go some way towards meeting that need, I hope you will give your support.”

Cllr Simon Glyn said that while he was happy with most aspects of the plans, he saw 24 homes in one location as “a lot,” fearing that not all would be bought and could lead to a change in condition in future.

He sought assurance that if not purchased, they would offered to rent to local people.

In response officers offered such assurance, adding that at least some would be offered for rent in partnership with Gwynedd Council.

The report concluded: “It is believed that the proposal to develop 24 affordable houses is a positive response to the various housing needs that have been identified in the area.

“In assessing the application, full consideration has been given to the observations received in response to the consultation period and the response received from statutory consultees.

“It is not considered that the proposal is contrary to local or national policies and there is no material planning matter that outweighs these policy considerations.

“To this end, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable subject to the completion of the 106 Agreement, to ensure an education contribution and open space contribution and to include the conditions.”

The plans were backed unanimously.