Plans for nine houses to meet an “urgent need” for affordable homes in the Pen Llŷn area have been approved. Cyngor Gwynedd ‘s planning committee approved the council’s Tŷ Gwynedd scheme on land at Maes Twnti, Morfa Nefyn, during a meeting on Monday, January 13.
It comes as councillors warned the village – where 80% of locals are priced out of the housing market – “could turn into another Abersoch”. The village is a popular location for second homes, which can drive up property prices.
It is hoped the new homes will provide lower priced purchase or rental homes for locals who find it difficult to buy or rent a home, but may not qualify for social housing. The new homes would be suitable for both families and young and older couples, the meeting heard.
It would allow younger generations to start families and contribute to the local community, said planning manager Keira Ann Sweenie. No objections had been received from the public during a consultation and the community council was in favour.
The language unit had indicated that the part ownership nature of the scheme could enable a number of local residents to buy houses for the first time, and keep Welsh speakers living in the area. The scheme had met policy criteria and was not considered to have an adverse effect on local amenities, and it was recommended that the project be approved with conditions.
Development site at Morfa Nefyn
(Image: Cyngor Gwynedd plans)
The homes were described as part of a larger scheme to develop 90 properties, with the aim being to provide “affordable, adaptable, sustainable and energy-efficient homes”. The Tŷ Gwynedd Morfa Nefyn site would include four two-bedroom homes and five three-bedroom homes, with some of the homes designed to be easily adapted to include more rooms to make them lifelong homes for families.
The development is part of the council’s wider Housing Action Plan to help tackle a housing shortage in the county. It aims to provide over 1,000 affordable homes over the next few years.
Cyngor Gwynedd’s cabinet member for housing and property, Councillor Paul Rowlinson said in a statement after the meeting: “I’m extremely pleased to see that this project is moving forward and that we are one step closer to seeing new, quality, affordable homes on this site. Over 80% of the residents of Morfa Nefyn have been priced out of the housing market – a significant proportion who cannot buy a home in their own community.
“This is unjust and highlights the huge need for affordable homes in the area. One of the key principles of the Tŷ Gwynedd scheme is designing homes that prioritise the needs of potential residents.
“It will be possible to adapt them for growing families by increasing the number of bedrooms. The homes will be affordable for local people and energy-efficient, and therefore comfortable and cheaper to heat – features that are essential for a community like Morfa Nefyn.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the site develop, and the positive impact this will bring to the wider community. I encourage anyone who is interested in applying for one of the houses to check the criteria and register now through Tai Teg.”
During the meeting the local member for Morfa Nefyn and Tudweiliog ward and Nefyn Town Council member, Councillor Gareth Tudor Jones “welcomed” the scheme saying they would be “Gwynedd houses built for the people of Morfa Nefyn”.
“The tourism industry is important for the continuation of Morfa Nefyn and I accept that we have to have holiday accommodation, but the percentage should be sensible,” he said. “There shouldn’t be second or holiday homes every second house.
“Morfa is changing, there are less and less homes for local people and more and more second and holiday homes. There is a danger for Morfa Nefyn to turn into another Abersoch, with fewer and fewer young families, and fewer children going to the local school, as happened in Abersoch, that school closed.
“I have a real worry that the same thing could happen in Morfa Nefyna and there is a real need for affordable dwelling in Llyn. This site is in an extremely convenient location for new homes, over the road there is an excellent play area, not far from a football pitch, garage, shops, chapel and church, and within walking distance of Ysgol Morfa Nefyn.”
He added that Nefyn Town Council was also keen to see the project progress. “Most importantly, this project will mean that more local people can stay in their community rather than having to move away to find an affordable home,” he said.
“It’s a positive step forward to ensure the long-term sustainability of our Welsh rural communities.”
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