Five residential flats at Mona, 4 High Street, Caernarfon

What was proposed

The application proposed converting offices into five homes, adding a rear extension, an air source heat pump and a waste-storage door.

“Proposal: Change of use of offices to 5 residential flats, including a rear extension. Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump and door to the waste storage.”

“Description: Full application for the change of use of offices to 5 residential flats, C3 use, as a main residence (3 flats with one double bedroom and 2 flats with two double bedrooms), including a rear extension. Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump and a door to the waste storage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The substantial corner building lies within Caernarfon’s development boundary, World Heritage Site and nearby listed-building setting, with no front or side elevation changes proposed.

“Modification work includes internal changes and building a 3-floor extension within the property's back yard. The work would include the installation of 3 ground floor windows and 2 windows on the first floor for the back bedrooms. It is not proposed to change the front nor the side elevations that are prominent from the high street.”

“The substantial building is situated on the corner of the town's High Street and within 30 metres to Porth yr Aur. The design and size of the building make a positive and substantial contribution to the street's look and character. The building is situated within Caernarfon Town's development boundary, the town's World Her- itage Site, 500m from an ancient monument and amongst listed buildings.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The community council objected over unclear use and possible over-density, while transport, biodiversity, heritage and natural-resources consultees raised no objection subject to advice or conditions.

“Community/Town Council: Object as the information about use is not clear and there might be an over density of such developments should the use be clearer. (Unanimous).”

“Natural Resources Wales: We do not oppose the proposed development as submitted and we provide the following advice. Protected Sites…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

The application was advertised and nearby residents were notified, but no responses were received.

“Public Consultation: A notice was posted on the site and nearby residents were notified. No responses were received. Assessment of the material planning considerations: The principle of the development 5.1 The site is located within the town's development boundary and therefore the proposal complies with the objectives of Policy PCYFF 1 in the JLDP.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member supported the need but raised concerns about homelessness provision being concentrated in a small number of town-centre wards.

The final decision

Permission was granted with conditions covering the permission period, plans, heat-pump details, use, affordable housing, biodiversity, working hours and opaque glazing.

“Five years. In accordance with plans. Agree details of the air source heat pump units 4. C3 use only 5. Affordable housing condition 6. Biodiversity enhancements 7. Working Hours 8. The first three ground-floor windows in the proposed extension must be opaque glass…”

Minutes