Retrospective Approval Denied for Unauthorized Holiday Let with “Horrendous” Window

Retrospective approval has been denied to a developer for a holiday let conversion, which was undertaken without prior permission and features a prominent window that a councillor characterized as “horrendous.” Despite planning officers’ recommendation for approval of the Penisarwaun, near Caernarfon, property, and official Keira Sweenie’s assertion that completing development work prior to obtaining planning permission “was not a valid reason to refuse,” Gwynedd councillors expressed concerns that granting approval would convey “the wrong message.” Correspondence from local residents alleged that the development negatively impacted the area, intruded upon neighbours, resulted in a loss of privacy, and diminished the area’s character. The plans had been subject to prior discussion in January, at which time the applicant was instructed to mitigate the property’s visibility from above. Nefyn councillor Gruff Williams commented: “We didn’t ask for a pair of curtains, we asked for them to block off windows to avoid overlooking.” Additional concerns were raised regarding access, traffic, litter, and noise. Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee was informed that the applicant failed to submit operating rules as requested. Councillor Elwyn Jones noted that the new structure had increased in height compared to the original building, but added that “there is no way to prove that now because the development has been completed.” Mr. Jones expressed that he was “almost certain” the application would have been rejected if it had been submitted prior to the completion of the work. Councillor Louise Hughes stated she was “seriously not happy,” asserting that the developer “just went ahead anyway disregarding the planning process.” Ms. Hughes further questioned: “It might be within the rules, but is it morally right?” She continued, “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 characterized the window as “horrendous,” “massive,” and “obtrusive.” Planning officers contended that the development “was not an excessively large holiday let” and did not result in a reduction of permanent housing stock. Ms. Sweenie affirmed that it complied with policy requirements. The application was refused by a vote of five to four.