THE APARTMENTS will consist of two three-bedroom self-contained holiday apartments accessed via a central communal lobby. No external alterations are proposed. The holiday apartments will utilise the existing access and parking area.
Planning officers had recommended the planning application be refused so that industrial buildings are protected. But councillors voted against planning policy, arguing that the building had been placed on the market for two years without interest.
GM Jones built the £1.3million Llanrwst HQ in 2018, backed by £400,000 from the Wales Economic Fund. But the company then ran into financial difficulties, falling into administration in March 2019.
Parc Ty Gwyn then lay empty for three years before the two large on-site properties were taken on in 2022 by Conwy-based Pharma Group Holdings. The company helped to revamp the Llanrwst site and are using the warehouse and part of the office facilities.
The approved accommodation will allow the company to generate additional income. Llanrwst councillor Aaron Wynne spoke on the matter at the Bodlondeb meeting. “I can support this application as an exceptional case as this site has been marketed for an extended period of time when no business or individual has shown an interest in renting the workplace,” he said.
“Since acquiring the site, the applicant has invested a significant amount in bringing back to life what was fast becoming an eyesore in a strategic location in Llanrwst. Part of the office building is already utilised in addition to the warehouses. Approval would allow full utilisation of the building and provide the applicant with an income stream to support the continued sustainability of the wider business, a business which already employs 30 staff.”
He added: “In light of this, I believe this application complies with planning policies, relating to encouraging sustainable tourism, new sustainable tourism and recreational development, and the reuse and adaptations of redundant buildings from the Conwy local development plan.”
Cllr Wynne went on to say the applicant would employ another six to eight people, helping to improve the economy. He also believed the apart-hotel could help safeguard homes in the town, which otherwise might be at risk of being turned into AirBnBs.
Cllr Nia Owen said: “I would rather see the building be put to use, rather than deteriorating due to under-utilisation. There is a shortage of hotels here in Llanrwst, and clearly it would create jobs in the town as well and a bit more life and (encourage) visitors coming to town.”
Cllr Trystan Lewis proposed councillors voted against officers’ advice. “This would bring work and tourism to Llanrwst,” he said. “So I know the officers are recommending we refuse this application, but I see nothing but benefits in approving this application for our rural communities and Llanrwst in particular.”
Cllr Lewis’ proposal was seconded by Cllr Gwennol Ellis, and the committee voted in favour of granting the application. Councillors will need to reaffirm their decision at a future council meeting as the committee went against planning officers’ advice.
