Plans for Bangor rejected for second time

A proposal by Cheshire-based firm Morbaine to build 366 homes in Bangor has once again been rejected by Gwynedd Council. Council members expressed concerns over the potential site's impact on 'future generations and the Welsh language' as well as effects on local hospitals, schools and roads.

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Controversial plans for a new “village” with hundreds of houses has been rejected for a second time.

The bid by Cheshire developers Morbaine Ltd to build 366 homes at Pen y Ffridd in Penrhosgarnedd in Bangor had sparked anger in the community.

Gwynedd Counci l’s planning committee raised concerns about the effect it would have on “future generations and the Welsh language” as well as its impact on roads, schools and a nearby hospital.

Speaking against the plans, Cllr John Wyn Williams said he felt the plans were “too much for Bangor.”

He said: “I feel this development is too much for Bangor.

“Too much housing will have the most impact on the Welsh language.”

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Cllr Gareth Roberts, who is the member for the Dewi ward of Gwynedd Council, said: “Is there a need for this housing? The answer is no.

“There is an oversupply of houses in Bangor for people to buy and rent.

“Local infrastructure is already at breaking point, with the roads gridlocked - and getting out of Bangor hospital is very difficult.

“Schools are also already oversubscribed.

“This development will have a lasting effect on future generations and the Welsh language.”

But Cllr Gwen Griffith spoke out in support of the plans, saying they will give the area over 100 affordable houses.

She said: “As someone who has represented the Bangor catchment area, I know the need for houses.

'Largest housing allocation site in Gwynedd'

“It’s easy for us as house owners and the middle classes to object.”

The Pen Y Ffridd site was formerly occupied by Bangor University’s research unit, but is currently used as agricultural land.

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It lies less than a kilometre away from the proposed housing development of 245 houses off Penrhos Road.

The Pen Y Ffridd plans were first submitted in November 2013 and had been previously been refused by councillors in December last year.

A report prepared by Gwynedd Council planners recommended approving the scheme.

But during today’s meeting of the planning committee in Caernarfon, members voted by ten votes to three to reject the plans.

In its Design and Access Statement, Morbaine Ltd previously said: “The application site is by far the largest housing allocation site in Gwynedd and, therefore, is of strategic importance.

“The aim of the proposed development is to create an attractive, safe, legible and secure environment for future residents.

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“The layout within the site is of a simple design, which will allow residents and visitors to easily orientate themselves and will assist in slowing the speed of traffic.”

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