Holiday let with 'horrendous' big window refused

Councillors said they felt approving the application retrospectively would send "the wrong message"

A developer who converted a building into a holiday let without permission - which included a large window described by a councillor as "horrendous" - has been refused approval retrospectively.

Planning officers had recommended the building in Penisarwaun near Caernarfon for approval, and official Keira Sweenie said completing development work ahead of receiving planning permission "was not a valid reason to refuse".

But Gwynedd councillors said they felt approving it would send "the wrong message".

Letters from local people claimed the development harmed the area, was intrusive on neighbours, caused a loss of privacy and had destroyed the area's character.

The plans had been previously discussed in January where the applicant was asked to reduce the view the property would have from above.

Nefyn councillor Gruff Williams said: "We didn't ask for a pair of curtains, we asked for them to block off windows to avoid overlooking."

There were also concerns over access, traffic, litter and noise.

The applicant did not submit operating rules as asked, Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee was told.

Councillor Elwyn Jones, said the new building had increased in height from the original building, but "there is no way to prove that now because the development has been completed".

Mr Jones said he was "almost certain" it would have been refused had the application been submitted before work was completed.

Councillor Louise Hughes, said she was "seriously not happy", and that the developer "just went ahead anyway disregarding the planning process".

Ms Hughes added: "It might be within the rules, but is it morally right?

"It sends a message out there [to] do what you want, stake your claim, build what you like, let's have a drive-in McDonald's while you are at it."

Councillor Gareth Jones called the window "horrendous", "massive" and "obtrusive".

Planning officers argued that the development "was not an excessively large holiday let" and did not lead to the loss of permanent housing stock.

Ms Sweenie said it met policy requirements.

Five voted to refuse the application, and four voted to approve.