Planning approved for 25 apartments at former Railway Institute in Bangor

Planning has been approved for the development of 25 apartments and associated car parking at the former Railway Institute on Euston Road, Bangor.

The site has been vacant since the demolition of the Railway Institute building in 2016. Since then, the site has not been maintained and it has become overgrown and a ‘blight’ on the surrounding environment according to the planning report.

The institute was designed as a centre for rail workers to socialise, exercise and read, opened in 1898 by Lord Stalbridge, chairman of the London & North Western Railway.

Despite an extensive planning history, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment for a number of years, it has been on the market as a potential residential or student accommodation development opportunity.

Adra Tai Housing Association decided that the site would be provide an opportunity for development to satisfy the need for affordable housing within Bangor and have decided to progress with a 100% affordable socially rented housing scheme on site.

The proposal is for the following mixture of units:

15 x 1 Bed (2 Person); and

10 x 2 Bed (3 Person).

At present Adra owns and manages over 1,200 socially rented units in Bangor. These are located around Bangor; however, most are in the Marchog ward which is about a mile from the city centre. By providing properties along a convenient and regular public transport network, it allows people to connect to and from Euston Road to Bangor city centre with ease therefore reducing car dependence.

The scheme will comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. This includes the installation of two internal 13 person lifts to allow easy access into every apartment.

The Design and Access Statement concludes the proposed development will enable the beneficial use of an infill brownfield site and will not impact negatively upon visual amenity. It will be accessible to all groups regardless of age or mobility.

The planning application was approved unanimously at the meeting of Gwynedd Planning Committee on Monday, 22 November.