A PROPOSAL to convert an empty barn into holiday accommodation on Anglesey was permitted.
The island’s council received a full application for the conversion of an outbuilding into a holiday unit with associated works at the Llwyn Onn site, near Llanfairpwll.
Anglesey County Council’s planning committee members had delayed a decision for a site visit in September.
But they permitted the scheme, in accordance with officer’s recommendations, subject to conditions, last Wednesday. *October 4).
The application was by Grŵp Amos Cymru Cyf and concerned a farm building, in a site along the Ffordd Brynsciencyn, A4080.
It would see the “change of use of the redundant barn to Class C5 or C6 use, with associated works, insertion of doors and windows, drainage, services and parking, along with a woodland management/enhancement scheme.”
(The government website states that C5 is for dwelling houses used otherwise than as a sole or main residence and occupied for 183 days or fewer. C6 Short term lets relates to dwelling houses used for commercial short-term letting not longer than 31 days for each period of occupation.)
The area was described approximately 1.5km south of Llanfairpwll. It consisted of woodland and agricultural land with an existing vehicular access used by the Llwyn Onn site.
The planning officer stated they were “satisfied” it was a “suitable site and met policy criteria,” but noted it had gathered 15 objections.
Public speaker Elfed Roberts felt “very strongly” it should be refused.
He cited the “over-development of tourism, as seen in places like Rhosneigr and Moelfre.”
There was “no justification for more summer houses or holiday lets in this area,” he said, noting the community council had rejected it.
“There is already plenty of holiday lets around Llwyn Onn, as at Plas Coch, Parc Eirach, Plas Newydd cottages and other holiday homes in the area,” he said.
He also argued the access junction was “very dangerous” due to visibility issues.
It’s “almost an accident waiting to happen,” he said.
But another public speaker, Rhys Davies said it was “important to find a use for this building for the future, and a holiday let is the one your planning policy allows,” he said.
The proposal would “not result in the loss of existing residential accommodation, it is a chance to change a building that is not being used,” he said.
The plans would also include the planting of 200 native trees.
Planning officer Rhys Jones said the scheme’s business scheme was “viable” and would not amount to “an over concentration” of holiday accommodation.
“The latest council tax figures for holiday lets and second homes shows there were 2.38 percent in Llanddaniel less than the threshold of 15 percent, which is recognised in planning policy for such developments,” he said.
The plans met ecology and biodiversity criteria and the highways department had “no concerns.”
Cllr Dafydd Roberts said: “There is a need for residential homes in the community but what we get is holiday cottages.
“This plan does fits the policy but it does not feel quite right, you would never be allowed to build a house there.
“The tourism market is at its peak at the moment, it might not be viable in five years time. I am quite uncomfortable with this application.”
