Latest news with #WelshDesignQualityRequirements
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Former Caernarfon coaching inn could be converted into block of flats
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An historic former coaching inn more recently used as council offices in Caernarfon could soon become homes, if planners agree. The striking building which is on High Street and Shirehall Street was once the Hen Gwesty Mona - the Old Mona Hotel. Cyngor Gwynedd has received a change of use application for five residential flats, including an extension at the rear. The plans also include air source heat pumps and a new door to the refuse store. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday The application has been made by Rhys Carden (Cyngor Gwynedd). Plans say the building was originally established as a coaching inn. It served travellers, cashing in on its strategic location near important routes and the once thriving port of Caernarfon. Over the years, the inn has changed hands multiple times but historically offered accommodation, food, and drink. The striking building is a landmark within Caernarfon and "showcases traditional Welsh architectural features, contributing to its charm and historical significance and reflecting the town's cultural heritage," the plans say. (Image: google map) The property lies within the Caernarfon Conservation Area and within the Walled Town which is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. The nearby town walls and Porth yr Aur are ancient monuments and Grade-I listed buildings. The structure physically adjoins the Caernarfon Social Club on Stryd Fawr and No. 3 Stryd y Farchnad, which are both Grade-II listed buildings. The design and access statement says: "From what we can gather the building was converted from the Mona Hotel to council offices for the council's internal audit in 1963. "A rear portion of the building was demolished in the early 1980s to make space for the Council's Dafydd Orwig Chamber which is now linked to the building. (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd planning doc) "The building currently houses the council's trading standards and environmental health teams." The building features a Victorian style, with plain and colourful painted brick work. It also boasts ornate gables, sliding sash windows, towers and turrets. The application states that the council had also identified that the requirement for office space has reduced since the pandemic in 2020, and due to the number of employees working from home having "increased significantly". "As a result a need for housing in the locality has come to light. which secures the longevity of the building," it stated. The plans note the proposed works are to remodel the interior to form accommodation, and to extend the property to the rear to form homes to Welsh Design Quality Requirements. The proposal would see the building reconfigured to form five apartments with a central staircase. The ground floor apartment has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users. They also say providing a change of use for the building "will provide much needed accommodation for the town and ensure an existing building is not left derelict and in disrepair". Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Former Caernarfon coaching inn could be converted into block of flats
An historic former coaching inn more recently used as council offices in Caernarfon could soon become homes, if planners agree. The striking building which is on High Street and Shirehall Street was once the Hen Gwesty Mona - the Old Mona Hotel. Cyngor Gwynedd has received a change of use application for five residential flats, including an extension at the rear. The plans also include air source heat pumps and a new door to the refuse store. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday The application has been made by Rhys Carden (Cyngor Gwynedd). Plans say the building was originally established as a coaching inn. It served travellers, cashing in on its strategic location near important routes and the once thriving port of Caernarfon. Over the years, the inn has changed hands multiple times but historically offered accommodation, food, and drink. The striking building is a landmark within Caernarfon and "showcases traditional Welsh architectural features, contributing to its charm and historical significance and reflecting the town's cultural heritage," the plans say. The property lies within the Caernarfon Conservation Area and within the Walled Town which is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. The nearby town walls and Porth yr Aur are ancient monuments and Grade-I listed buildings. The structure physically adjoins the Caernarfon Social Club on Stryd Fawr and No. 3 Stryd y Farchnad, which are both Grade-II listed buildings. The design and access statement says: "From what we can gather the building was converted from the Mona Hotel to council offices for the council's internal audit in 1963. "A rear portion of the building was demolished in the early 1980s to make space for the Council's Dafydd Orwig Chamber which is now linked to the building. "The building currently houses the council's trading standards and environmental health teams." The building features a Victorian style, with plain and colourful painted brick work. It also boasts ornate gables, sliding sash windows, towers and turrets. The application states that the council had also identified that the requirement for office space has reduced since the pandemic in 2020, and due to the number of employees working from home having "increased significantly". "As a result a need for housing in the locality has come to light. which secures the longevity of the building," it stated. The plans note the proposed works are to remodel the interior to form accommodation, and to extend the property to the rear to form homes to Welsh Design Quality Requirements. The proposal would see the building reconfigured to form five apartments with a central staircase. The ground floor apartment has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users. They also say providing a change of use for the building "will provide much needed accommodation for the town and ensure an existing building is not left derelict and in disrepair".
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Former Spectrum Garden Centre in Cefn-Y-Bedd is demolished
The Spectrum Garden Centre in Cefn-Y-Bedd was previously a hit among locals and visitors. But, having laid derelict for a number of years, the site has recently been branded an 'eyesore' by councillors. In October 2023, Flintshire Council's planning committee gave the green light to proposals for a mix of flats and houses at the site. That was for the development of 20 one-bedroom cottage flats, seven three-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom houses. Not much has happened since, but an updated planning application was posted to Flintshire Council's website just last week. Before and after (top courtesy of Google Streetview, bottom Newsquest) of Spectrum Garden Centre in 2009 and in present day. (Image: Google Streetview/Newsquest) Dated as approved on June 3, it states that Hughes O'Hanlon Architects are now carrying out work on site. The site comprises a range of derelict buildings of cement block construction. The Leader took a trip there last week to find that the old buildings had been demolished. Current work being carried out, according to the new planning application, involves 'construction phase lighting'. Wrexham based architectural practice Hughes O'Hanlon were appointed by GK Construction for the delivery of the social residential development for North Wales Housing Association. According to their website, they state: "Totalling 30no dwellings including one-bed apartments, two and three-bedroom houses the scheme re-purposes the site of the former Spectrum Garden Centre in Cefn Y Bedd, Flintshire. "Responsible for the technical delivery of the project, we undertook an early compliance check against Welsh Design Quality Requirements and Lifetime Homes standards. TOP STORIES "A timber-framed, fabric-first approach to sustainable design also includes air source heat pumps, solar photo-voltaic panels and rainwater harvesting. "Located adjacent to the River Cegidog, particular attention has been paid to the potential for flooding with floor levels set accordingly and with a flood basin provided within the site." Principal contractor for the project GK Construction Ltd say work could be completed by May of next year.
