Plans to transform the former Waterloo Inn and vacant High Street retail premises on Bangor High Street into 13 new apartments, have been approved by Cyngor Gwynedd.
The development at 219-231 High Street will see the lower ground floor of the former Waterloo Inn and the first floor of the former WH Smith and USC buildings converted into residential accommodation, while retail use will be retained at ground-floor level facing Bangor High Street.
The scheme will provide a mix of eight one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat. Residents will have access from both High Street and Waterloo Street, with a rear amenity area also included as part of the development.
As well as creating new homes, the plans aim to maintain a commercial presence in the city centre. Existing retail space on the ground floor will remain, with the units being reconfigured to provide smaller retail stalls and shop space, helping to keep the prominent High Street frontage in active use.
Planning officers recommended approval, describing the proposal as an opportunity to bring vacant upper floors and unused parts of the building back into productive use while contributing towards Bangor’s housing needs.
A report presented to the council noted evidence of strong demand in Bangor for smaller, affordable homes, particularly among people looking to take their first step into independent living or remain in the city close to employment and services. Officers concluded the development would make a positive contribution towards local housing provision while supporting wider regeneration efforts in the city centre.
The site lies within Bangor’s Conservation Area, and amended plans were submitted following discussions with the council’s Conservation Officer to ensure the character of the historic streetscape is respected. No extensions are proposed, although some alterations to windows and entrances will be required as part of the conversion.
The application also included a Welsh Language Impact Assessment, which concluded the development would have a neutral impact on the Welsh language. The assessment suggested the scheme could help local people remain in the area by providing additional housing close to jobs, public transport and everyday services.
Three of the proposed apartments will be required to meet affordable housing requirements through planning conditions attached to the consent.
No objections were received during the public consultation process.
In approving the application, planners concluded that retaining retail activity at street level while creating new homes above and behind the existing premises would help support the long-term vitality of Bangor city centre and bring a prominent vacant site back into use.
