Bats thwart builders plans for old school

PLANS to re-develop an empty school in Gower have been rejected on appeal for the second time, with a third appeal decision imminent.

Developer Richard Beynon originally wanted to demolish Llanmorlais Primary School, North Gower, and build eight detached houses in its place.

Having lost that appeal decison, he submitted two further planning applications to Swansea Council in quick succession – one to build three detached houses, the other to convert the school building into a residential centre for people who have suffered trauma.

Both have been turned down by the council, prompting appeals by Mr Beynon.

A Welsh Government-appointed inspector has now dismissed the residential centre appeal, saying she did not have evidence that the former school could be converted without “major demolition”.

She also said detailed information about vehicle and pedestrian access to the school site, as well the proposal’s effect on two bat species, was lacking.

The planned centre would have employed staff to look after eight to 10 residents at a time, and all parties agreed that the proposal would have provided job opportunities.

But inspector Penny Davies said no “substantive detail” on the scheme’s viability had been presented.

The North Gower school closed in 2010 and has been empty for years.

An appeal decision regarding the three detached houses is expected within five weeks.

When council officers turned this outline application down last December, they said it was “an unjustified form of development” which would harm the Gower Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty.

Mr Beynon said a wildlower meadow incoporating a bat house would be created at the rear of the site, and that large areas of hardstanding would be removed.