The application relates to an affordable dwelling scheme which would be developed at Penrhos Polish Village, Penrhos, Pwllheli by ClwydAlyn Housing Ltd, a local Registered Social Landlord.

​

Penrhos Polish Village was established as a former air base in 1949 for Polish airmen, soldiers and sailors who established a Polish-speaking community. The site provides residential units communal lounges and dining area, a care home (which has now closed) a church and small shop, together with a memorial garden and areas of allotments.

​

The proposal includes the demolition of 103 residential dwellings, three blocks used as four self-contained visitor accommodation units, nursing home, Scouts’ dormitories, hall and workshop, library/hall building, offices and garages and the erection of 112 residential units (100% affordable dwellings) together with alterations to internal access road and associated works and extensive landscaping, which has been developed as part of a site wide masterplan.

​

The demolition and redevelopment of the site would be proposed in three phases. The existing canteen, Chapel, memorial garden and allotments would be retained.

​

The existing dwellings on site are in a poor condition and are not considered to provide a suitable standard of living for the residents. The units have been developed to be self-contained units; some with designated separate rooms for different living accommodation such as living room, kitchen, bedrooms and a bathroom, whilst others are smaller and provide more basic accommodation in the form of a living room with a galley style kitchen, bedrooms and a bathroom. The smaller units provide floorspace which falls well below the minimum floorspace for a one-bed flat as set out in Welsh Government’s Quality Requirements for Affordable Housing as set out in ‘Beautiful Homes and Spaces’ (July 2020).

​

It is therefore proposed to demolish the existing residential units and erect replacement dwellings in their place. A lawful use application has been submitted to establish the lawful use of the residential units and other buildings at Penrhos Polish Village.

​

The proposal would therefore provide existing residents with modern, high-quality, affordable accommodation which meets the minimum space standards within the community in which they have lived for years.

​

The proposed development would provide much needed general needs affordable dwellings, affordable apartments and bungalows for those over 55 years old and specialist housing. The proposed housing mix has been developed following extensive discussions with the Council’s Housing Section, who are supportive of the proposed mix. The housing mix has been developed to respond to an identified need for affordable dwellings in the local area.