Plans to convert a disused industrial building into 20 affordable flats in Penmaenmawr have been postponed following the absence of key councillors at a scheduled site visit. The application, which seeks to redevelop the former Brookes Tarpaulins building on Bangor Road, will now be reconsidered at a future planning committee meeting after legal advice prompted the deferral.
The proposal, brought forward by a housing association, aims to provide much-needed affordable housing in the form of 10 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom flats. However, the decision was delayed when concerns were raised about the councillors’ failure to attend the site visit, a vital step in the planning process.
Site Visit Issues Force Delay
Site visits allow councillors to assess development proposals in person, providing them with a clearer understanding of the physical location and its surrounding environment. In this case, the missed visit led to complaints being lodged with the council’s legal team, prompting a recommendation to postpone the application’s review.
At the recent planning committee meeting, the chair explained that after receiving legal guidance, it had been advised that the item be deferred. The absence of councillors at the site visit raised concerns about the integrity of the process, with legal experts suggesting that the application should not proceed to debate until the visit had been properly conducted.
The chair expressed regret over the delay, acknowledging the frustrations of those who had prepared to speak at the meeting, either in support or opposition to the development. It was further explained that a second site visit would be arranged to ensure a more thorough review of the project before a decision is made.
Deferral Approved by Committee
The decision to defer the application was swiftly supported by other members of the planning committee, who voted in favour of postponing the matter until after a new site visit. While details of which councillors failed to attend the original visit were not disclosed, the absence has caused a significant setback for the development.
The chair apologised to all those affected by the delay and explained that the postponement was necessary to avoid potential legal challenges. A second site visit, they added, would be organised to ensure all councillors involved in the decision-making process have the opportunity to view the location in person.
Financial Implications of Postponement
The costs associated with organising additional site visits were not discussed during the meeting, but it is expected that such measures involve expenses, including the time and travel of council officers and committee members. These delays can also increase the overall financial burden on developers, who must adjust their project timelines to account for the extended review process.
For the housing association behind the proposed flats, the postponement represents a hurdle in their efforts to address the growing demand for affordable housing in the region. Delays in planning can lead to increased costs and uncertainties for developers, potentially affecting the viability of projects intended to benefit local communities.
Redevelopment Plans for Brookes Tarpaulins Building
The proposal to convert the former industrial site on Bangor Road is part of broader efforts to tackle housing shortages in Conwy County. The building, which has been largely unused, is seen as a key opportunity to provide new housing options for low-income individuals and families.
If approved, the development would see the creation of 20 flats, designed to meet the needs of the local population. The project has been welcomed by those advocating for more affordable housing in the area, although some concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the development on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.
Next Steps
The application is expected to return to the planning committee for discussion once a second site visit has been conducted. Councillors will be invited to attend the new visit, allowing them to better assess the location and its suitability for redevelopment.
While the deferral represents an unexpected delay, there is optimism that the project will move forward following the next meeting. The need for affordable housing in North Wales remains a pressing issue, and developments like the Brookes Tarpaulins project are seen as essential to meeting the region’s housing needs.
The council’s decision to defer the application has underscored the importance of proper procedure in the planning process. By ensuring all councillors have the opportunity to visit the site before making a decision, the committee aims to avoid any potential legal challenges that could arise from an incomplete review.
The delay in deciding the future of the Brookes Tarpaulins redevelopment highlights the challenges often faced in the planning process. Although frustrating for both the developers and those awaiting the outcome, the decision to organise a second site visit ensures that the process remains thorough and transparent.
As the next planning committee meeting approaches, the key question remains whether the proposal will ultimately secure approval. Should the development proceed, it has the potential to address a significant need for affordable housing in Penmaenmawr, providing essential housing options for local residents. In the meantime, the council’s efforts to rectify the issues surrounding the missed site visit aim to ensure a fair and comprehensive review of the project.
