Caernarfon’s Clwb Canol Dre to be converted into holiday lets

Gareth Wyn Williams, local democracy reporter

Plans to convert a former Caernarfon social club into holiday accommodation have been approved by Gwynedd Council.

Clwb Canol Dre, on the town’s High Street, was placed on the market last year, having previously been used as the social club for the next door Conservative Club.

A Grade II listed building, more recently it had been revamped to become a venue for regular music nights and other events.

But after closing its doors, it now looks to be converted into two single bedroom and another pair of two bedroom “high quality self catering holiday apartments” across the two floors.

The plans, submitted this past May by Cosgrove Renovations Ltd, were approved by Gwynedd Council planning officers without being called to the planning committee.

“As no original features remain within the building, there is no historic fabric to be lost through conversion,” noted their report.

“The works would be an improvement by removing the modern fire escape and also providing a long term use for the building.

“In this case it is felt that the work would be a significant improvement and would meet the requirements of the policies noted above.”

‘Historic’

The plans, submitted by Cosgrove Renovations Ltd, mirror separate plans to convert the neighbouring former Conservative Club into two retail units and six serviced holiday apartments on the upper floors.

The supporting documents accompanying the application noted: “Although significant internal works are proposed within the void vacated by the former social club, there are minimal changes proposed to the external appearance, which will be restricted to repair and maintenance of existing features and the insertion of a small number of rooflights.

“The proposal represents an opportunity to safeguard the future of an important building within the Old Town, without harm to its historic and architectural qualities.

“It will not have an adverse impact on adjacent properties or the Old Town, and will bring life, vitality and generate local income. The proposal is fully in accordance with the relevant development plan policies.”